A furnace can last 15 to 30 years. During that time, there are many issues a technician can repair. Rising heating bills, uneven heating, and humidity problems at home can mean the appliance needs to be serviced. However, there are warning signs that foretell a more urgent situation that requires immediate furnace replacement. Below we will detail these signs:
1. Your House Won’t Get Warm
If you have the heat up full blast and it’s still cold indoors, the furnace may be the reason. Air leaks, a faulty thermostat, and other causes may be considered. But if you have an older furnace with a single-speed blower, it’s time to replace it. At the very least, you can avoid a total breakdown that will leave your home frigid.
2. You Can’t Get the Right Thermostat Setting
The furnace shouldn’t have trouble matching the thermostat setting. If rooms are too hot or too cold, and you need to constantly get up to adjust the thermostat, the unit may be failing. The system may no longer be distributing heat as it was designed to.
3. It Needs to Be Repaired Again
Was your furnace repaired just a few months ago? You shouldn’t need a repair so soon. The odds are you’ll need to fix it again even if a technician addresses the latest problem. Frequent repairs are costly. You could spend less on a new furnace. As a general rule, if you’ve already had it repaired twice in the past year, or the estimated repair price exceeds 50% of the cost of a new appliance, go for furnace replacement today.
4. The Furnace Makes Strange, Loud Sounds
An older furnace will make some noise. But if it starts popping, rattling, clicking, banging, or humming, it’s probably at the end of its life. Furnaces that do this may also turn on and off more frequently, or start blowing cold air.
5. The Burner Flame Changes Color
The burner flame should always be blue. If the flame turns yellow, this signifies incomplete combustion, which may mean your furnace is leaking gas or producing carbon monoxide. You can’t see, taste, or smell carbon monoxide, but it is deadly in high concentrations. Aside from flu-like symptoms, other signs of carbon monoxide, and that you need furnace replacement today, include:
- Soot around the furnace
- Excess moisture on windows and walls
- Rusted flue pipes and pipe connections
6. The Furnace Is Visibly Damaged
A furnace can become cracked as it ages. If you notice any cracks forming on the outside, get it replaced pronto. Rust on the unit is another sign your furnace has reached the end of its life.
7. Your Home Is Dirtier
Most people don’t associate a dirty home with their furnace. But if there’s excess dust around or soot, dirt, and rust start to appear in other parts of your home while the unit is running, don’t wait. Get a new furnace installed right away.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning for Furnace Replacement
We’re open 24/7 to provide emergency furnace repair and to determine whether replacing your furnace is the better (and safer) option. Our team installs the latest, high-efficiency heating systems, so you can benefit from variable speed technology. A programmable thermostat can be installed as well if you stand to benefit from one. To learn about our special offers and maintenance plans, or schedule furnace replacement in Portland and surrounding areas, call 503-673-9083.