With proper maintenance, your furnace can last 15 to 20 years. However, despite your best efforts, it won’t last forever. When you ignore the warning signs that it’s time to replace your furnace, you increase the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions in the middle of Utah’s frigid winters.
At Genuine Comfort, we want you to have the tools you need to recognize when it’s time to replace your furnace, ensuring your home remains comfortably warm all season long. If your furnace is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, keep reading to learn eight signs it’s time to replace your furnace.
Why Furnace Replacement Matters
First, let’s go over why furnace replacement matters. One of the most important reasons you shouldn’t delay replacing your furnace is that a worn-out unit can cause safety concerns. Cracked heat exchangers are particularly dangerous, potentially leaking carbon monoxide.
Another reason to not procrastinate furnace replacement is that a failing system will struggle to keep up with your needs during peak demand, impacting your home’s comfort. This means wasted energy and increased monthly bills.
Major Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
Now, let’s get into the major signs it’s time to replace your furnace. Being on the lookout for these signals to ensure you’re not pushing your heating system past its limits and avoid the stress of major malfunctions.
1. Age of the Furnace
As we mentioned before, the typical furnace’s lifespan is between 15 and 20 years, depending on use and maintenance. Older furnaces often use outdated, less efficient technology, which brings us to our next point.
2. Rising Energy Bills
As your furnace gets worn out, you may see a gradual increase in heating costs, even with consistent usage. Aging components force the heating system to work harder, reducing efficiency. When you replace your furnace with a newer, more efficient model, you can save money on your power bills every month.
3. Frequent Repairs
If you have to schedule multiple service calls in a single season, it’s a good indication that it’s time to replace your furnace. Additionally, if repairs cost more than half the price of buying a new furnace, it’s typically better to just replace it.
4. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots
If some rooms are consistently too warm while others are always too cold, your furnace blower’s performance is probably declining, impacting its ability to effectively circulate heated air throughout your home.
5. Strange Noises
Unusual banging, popping, rattling, or humming noises coming from your HVAC system may indicate serious internal issues, especially if they happen consistently. Depending on what the issue is, you may need to replace your furnace.
6. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Older furnaces may struggle with air filtration or humidity control, leading to more dust around your home, increased respiratory issues, or improper humidity levels. Newer furnaces are much better at maintaining indoor air quality, helping you breathe easier.
7. Yellow Pilot Light or Carbon Monoxide Alerts
Your furnace’s pilot light should be blue. If the flame is yellow, it means incomplete combustion and potential carbon monoxide danger. Carbon monoxide detectors going off is a critical red flag that it’s time to replace your furnace.
8. Inconsistent Cycling
Short cycling — or your HVAC system turning on and off frequently — is a strong indicator of inefficient furnace operation linked to a failing system. Continuous running also signals that something isn’t functioning optimally and the furnace may need to be replaced.
Repair vs. Replace: Consider the Cost
One of the most important factors in deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace is the cost. The rule of 5,000 states that if the age of your furnace multiplied by the repair cost is greater than $5,000, it’s probably more cost effective to replace your furnace. Plus, financing options and rebates may make replacement more affordable than continuing to repair your failing furnace.
Furthermore, by upgrading to a more efficient furnace, your system won’t need to use as much energy to keep you comfortable, which translates to cost savings over time.
Replace Your Furnace with Genuine Comfort
If it’s time to replace your furnace, turn to the experts at Genuine Comfort. We’ll ensure you get the perfect furnace for your needs, helping you stay comfortable no matter how cold the winter gets.
Contact us today to learn more about furnace inspection, repair, or replacement services.
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