Your furnace is a robust machine, but it can break and stop working. Although you don’t have to replace them each time they breakdown (although repairs are necessary), knowing when something needs fixing now so as not be left with no heat at all this winter will save money on energy bills!

Winter is the least convenient time for your furnace to break down but it can happen. There are ways that you could identify warning signs leading up until freezing in order avoid this scenario, find out what these issues might be so as not miss any problems with savings on future repairs or service visits!

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

Homeowners sometimes opt to repair common HVAC problems instead of buying a new furnace. But the initial cost can be less than what you’ll spend on repairs, so it’s worth checking out!

Your furnace is more than 15 years old.

Age is the most common reason to replace a furnace. These machines often have a 15 to 20-year lifespan. But waiting until its 2nd decade to replace it will only cause you headaches.

Most of the time, a heater stops working as it nears its expiration date. One of the signs it’s inching towards its last years is when it doesn’t heat up your house as much as it used to. Another is when it turns off on its own even when there are no electricity problems.

Your electricity bills have increased.

A common result of furnace problems is higher energy consumption. Since the machine is working harder to operate, it’s consuming more power.

“If you’re looking for ways to lower your electric bill in the winter, you’re better off replacing your old furnace.”

A new model will help you save electricity. Apart from the absence of performance issues, the latest models are designed to be energy efficient. They also use eco-friendly refrigerants, preventing harmful chemicals from entering your home.

Your furnace is making odd noises.

The occasional noise from your furnace is normal. But if they become more frequent and sound different from the typical noises, there might be something wrong with the machine’s internal components.

• A rattling sound is often caused by loose parts or ducts.
• A clicking sound is an indicator of a broken flame sensor or igniter.
• A screeching sound indicates problems with your furnace blower motor.

You experience frequent temperature fluctuations.

Are you feeling cold even though the heater is on? Is one room warmer than the others? When your furnace is broken or malfunctioning, you will likely feel it in your home’s temperature. Although this problem doesn’t always require a replacement, you should still ask a technician to confirm.

Your home is dustier than usual.

If you notice more dust than usual, despite cleaning every day, your furnace might be malfunctioning. The dust might be coming from inside the machine, and the filter isn’t blocking it. Your furnace has filters that prevent airborne particles from accumulating in your home. A quick change of these filters can usually fix the problem.

However, if you still see dust and soot in your home after changing the filters, there might be something wrong with your furnace. In some cases, these particles may indicate an overproduction of carbon monoxide. Prevent health and safety risks by calling a technician.

Your furnace isn’t turning on automatically.

Heaters operate in a cycle. When your furnace fan doesn’t turn on automatically when your home dips below the temperature you’ve set, there might be a serious problem with the machine. Alternatively, the same could be said if the furnace doesn’t turn off once the thermostat reaches your set temperature.

Why Opt For Furnace Replacement?

Most homeowners and HVAC manufacturers would agree that replacing your furnace should be your last resort. However, you shouldn’t insist on keeping a broken machine in the hopes of getting it repaired.

When you don’t replace the furnace at a time it should be replaced, you end up with several consequences.

• Your utility bills will continue to increase as your furnace consumes more energy than necessary.
• You’ll end up paying for costly repairs and expensive parts that only provide temporary solutions.
• You put your family at risk of inhaling harmful chemicals when the broken furnace begins leaking refrigerants and carbon monoxide.

Ask a professional to determine the next steps for your malfunctioning furnace. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.