How To Know When It Is Time to Replace the Furnace

Warning Signs It Is Time To Replace the Furnace

Is this winter the winter that the furnace needs to be replaced? Homeowners can use this guide to get insight into the answer to their questions, but at the end of the day, the best way to determine if a furnace replacement is needed is to contact a trusted professional. An old furnace can be inefficient, cause a spike in power bills, and even be a safety hazard. 

The furnace pilot light is one indicator for homeowners to pay attention to. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in a heating system to provide warmth to the household. Any changes to the pilot light, such as frequently going out or being a yellow/orange color rather than blue, are signs that something is wrong with the heater. 

The Old Furnace Needs Frequent Repairs

Furnaces do not last forever. At around 15-20 years old, furnaces end their expected lifespan. Towards the end, the furnace will need more frequent repairs. New heaters are designed to last longer and have more benefits, such as lowering heating bills and increasing safety. 

A furnace replacement can be expensive, but over time, the costs of frequent furnace repair on an old furnace can potentially add up to the price of buying a new one. Old furnaces are also less efficient, causing higher power bills. Replacing the furnace may be more cost-effective than continuing to repair a furnace at the end of its lifespan. 

When left in disrepair, furnaces pose a potential safety hazard to the home. Potentially hazards include furnace fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and mold growth. Skipping out on heating repairs to save money can be dangerous; the best way to save money on heating repairs in the winter is to replace outdated hardware and keep up with furnace maintenance. 

Power Bills Increasing

It is normal for power bills to increase slightly in the winter as the system works harder to keep the house warm while the temperature outside drops. Still, if homeowners notice a sudden spike in their power bill this winter, it may be a sign that replacing the furnace is necessary. Replacing the furnace at the beginning of the season can benefit homeowners by preventing unnecessary spending on heating costs. 

Comparing this year's power bill to last year's can help homeowners to see if their power bills are increasing. Sometimes, the increase is so drastic that it is an obvious sign that something is wrong. In other cases, the power bills may slowly increase every year as the furnace's efficiency declines with age. 

Uncomfortable Humidity or Uneven Heating

When the furnace gets too old, it may struggle to heat the home properly. Uneven heating around the house indicates the heating system is not working properly. One room may be colder than others, indicating a potential problem with the system. 

Humidity problems can also be a warning sign that homeowners should be aware of. Many heating systems collect condensation in a drain pan, but when the system fails, moisture may not be disposed of properly, causing the house to become uncomfortably humid. Another common occurrence when the furnace is too old is that it runs constantly, but the house never reaches the desired temperature. 

The best way to ensure that the heater is properly working is to inspect it by an experienced professional. It is recommended to complete heating maintenance at the beginning of winter. During regular maintenance appointments, the heating technician will have a chance to inspect the heater and give the homeowner an informed opinion on whether or not it is time for a replacement. 

About Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning

Since 1962 Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning has served its local community with top-of-the-line heating services from experienced professionals. They provide comprehensive heating and cooling services to keep families at a comfortable temperature all year round. Call Atlantic Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule heating services with an HVAC expert in Boston, MA!

• 
  +