Brrrrrrr. It’s freezing outside!

Now you mention it, things are getting cold inside too.

No problem though. Your furnace has you covered, right?

Maybe.

After all, gas furnaces have a pretty long life span compared to other appliances. Indeed, a well-maintained furnace will heat your home for as long as 15-20 years, on average.

But they don’t last forever. Like most things in your house, your gas furnace will need to be replaced at some point in time. The real question is when you should do it.

Wait too long and you risk being without heat in the coldest California months of the year. Replace too soon though and risk spending thousands of unnecessary dollars. How do you decide when a furnace replacement is required?

Thankfully, there are certain tell-tale signs that it’s time for a change. Keep reading to learn exactly what they are and figure out if you should consider replacing your furnace.

8 Tell-Tale Signs You Need a Furnace Replacement

A fully functioning furnace is essential in the colder Californian months. But it can be hard to know when it’s time to replace a faulty one.

Here are 8 signs to look out for that can indicate the need for a furnace replacement.

1. Things are Getting Chilly

Have you been noticing a chill in your home? A cold furnace can be an indication that there’s something wrong with the machine.

The best way to find out if this is just due do some thermostat settings or air leaks would be by turning off at extraction point and checking for weak spots where warm escaping gases may seep through before continuing on their merry way (or getting colder).

Call a professional to take a look. They’ll run some tests and let you know the problem. You may only need some minor furnace repair work done. Whatever the case, the pros will let you know.

2. It Has Lived a Long Life

We know that furnaces can last between 15 to 20 years.

That’s a good life!

Any furnace over 15 years old is likely in its final phase of life. It may well be time for it to retire! Not sure how old your furnace is?

Try to look out the owner’s manual for a clue. Likewise, check the furnace itself. There’s often the model number on there that you can find online.

3. Your Bills Have Hit the Roof

You might be paying too much for your heating and cooling system. Have you checked to see if there are any issues? You’ve probably noticed that it feels like winter never ends, but rising energy bills can also mean one thing: time to buy a new furnace!

Keep an eye on how often they come by checking with neighbors or local shops before making such decisions-and don’t forget about advice from professionals either – especially when prices seem high without reason as well .

Those rising running costs may be reason enough to buy a new unit anyway. It’s typical for older furnaces to cost more. Paying for a new one may pay for itself over time, as your bills come down.

4. It Requires Frequent Repairs

Your furnace will need repairs every so often.

That’s totally normal.

Indeed, it’s a good idea to get a professional to assess it every few years and to fix anything that needs doing. Be wary if it’s requiring ever more repair work done though. A well-functioning unit shouldn’t need servicing very frequently.

It is probably in your interest to replace the unit instead.

5. Inconsistent Room Temperatures

How is the temperature in the different parts of your home?

You’re looking for consistency: one room should be the same as the next. Your furnace may be broken (or breaking) if some rooms are warm when others are cold.

6. It is Making Funny Noises

A furnace that doesn’t sound right is another indication there’s a problem.

Unusual rattling, humming, and whirring that wasn’t there previously should be treated seriously. There may be damaged parts and structural issues that can cause further damage if left untreated.

The issue can escalate. Again, older units can be particularly susceptible to this and a replacement may be necessary.

7. There are Visible Signs of Wear

Strange sounds are one thing. Strange appearances are another.

Regularly look for rust, cracks, missing pieces and other signs of wear. Any such development to your furnace could indicate that it is time for a change!

Looks can be deceiving though. After all, we all show signs of aging! There may be nothing wrong with the furnace, even though it looks in a sorry state. That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always get a professional in to take a look when you’re unsure.

8. It isn’t Functioning as Normal

Any shift in the usual functioning of your furnace can indicate a problem with it.

Most of the time we go about our lives in blissful ignorance of the job the furnace is doing. It’s a set it and forget it kind of set up. And that’s how it should be!

A malfunctioning furnace is likely to get your attention. Notice a change to how things usually work? There may be an issue that’s worth looking into.

Time to Wrap Up

There you have it: 8 signs it is time for a furnace replacement in your home.

It’s essential that your furnace is working properly. That’s especially true in the colder months of the year. Thankfully, they shouldn’t need replacing very frequently. However, they will do eventually.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea when the time is right for that to happen.

Remember, keep an eye out for an unusually cold house, a furnace over 15 years old, and sky-high energy bills. Likewise, be wary of frequent repair work, inconsistent room temperatures, funny noises, signs of wear, and changes to usual functioning.

These are all signs that you might need to replace your furnace.

In Downey and need a furnace replacement or service? We can help. Be sure to contact us today for more information and support.