Is your furnace ready to handle another winter? As the colder months approach, ensuring your furnace is ready to work saves the hassle, inconvenience, and woes of a sudden breakdown when temperatures drop.
But how do you know if your furnace is nearing the end of its life?
Let’s explore some warning signs that could point to needing a new furnace. We want to help you avoid any chilly surprises when winter hits.
Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
Age is one of the most reliable indicators that your furnace might be in trouble. While many furnaces with proper maintenance can last up to 20 years, their efficiency can dramatically decline as they reach the “end of life.” An upgrade offers immediate benefits if your furnace is approaching twelve to fifteen years old or has already surpassed this mark.
Why it matters: Older furnaces work harder to heat your home, using more energy and resulting in higher monthly bills. Newer models are much more efficient, meaning lower utility costs. In fact, a new, energy-efficient furnace can help you save up to 20% on your energy bills, making it an intelligent investment for your home and your wallet.
Rising Energy Bills
Have you noticed your heating bills creeping up even though your usage hasn’t changed? A big leap in your energy bill is a common sign that your furnace isn’t running efficiently. Over time, internal components can wear down, making the system need more energy to produce the same heat.
The fix: While routine maintenance can help extend the life of your furnace, there’s only so much you can do if it is too old or broken down. If rising bills have become the norm, replacing your furnace with a newer, energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run.
Frequent Repairs
If you call for repairs more often than you’d like, it’s time to ask whether your furnace is worth saving. Frequent breakdowns are a clear sign that your system is struggling to keep up, and repeated repair costs can quickly add up.
Is it time? A good rule of thumb is that if your repair costs over the past two years have equaled or exceeded half the cost of a new furnace, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Why continue to sink money into an old system when you could invest in a reliable new one? Rebates, incentives, and financing options help make the upgrade more affordable.
Inconsistent Temperatures
Are some rooms in your home much warmer than others? Uneven home heating indicates that your furnace is struggling to distribute heat effectively. Uneven temperatures could occur because of a failing blower motor or other internal components malfunctioning.
Solution: If your furnace can no longer heat your home evenly, replacing it with a new, properly sized system will ensure all rooms stay cozy in spring, summer, winter, and fall.
Strange Noises
Does it sound like someone is banging, rattling, or squealing from inside your HVAC unit? If so, this is not normal. A well-functioning furnace should be relatively quiet, and these noises often indicate loose or damaged components. If left unchecked, you might experience a more serious breakdown.
What to do: While repairs may provide temporary fixes, strange noises often indicate the system is wearing down. A professional HVAC technician can help diagnose the problem, but if your furnace is older, replacement might be the best solution to avoid future headaches.
Yellow Burner Flame
The burner flame should be blue when your gas-powered HVAC system or furnace works properly. A yellow flame can indicate that the system isn’t burning fuel efficiently; worse, it could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide exposure for even short periods can threaten your health. In worst-case situations, carbon monoxide poisoning can prove deadly. It has no detectable odor or color, making it extra dangerous.
The safe choice: If you notice a yellow flame, don’t waste time. Contact a professional HVAC technician for the next steps.
Avoid Winter Heating Woes With Westland HVAC + Plumbing
Winter in Westlake can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to be left without heat when temperatures drop. Paying heed to these warning signs can help you take action before your furnace fails.
Replacing your furnace before winter is a smart move!
Westland HVAC + Plumbing Is Here to Help
With decades of experience serving the Westlake community, Westland HVAC + Plumbing can help you make the right decision for your home. And with flexible financing solutions for qualified homeowners, we can make the upgrade as affordable as possible.
Whether you need help repairing your current furnace or choosing a new HVAC system for your Westlake area home, we’re just a call away.
