As a homeowner, you are faced with repairs and replacement of items in your home. It seems like there is always something that needs to be upgraded. There are some significant components in your home that you want to always function at peak performance. The furnace in your home is one of those items. It is a considerable expense and potentially not one you want. However, there comes a point when repairing it is not advisable, and you should consider replacing it. While there is no hard and fast rule because every system is different, there are signs. Below are some of the signs that indicate it may be time to replace your furnace. It would be best if you always had a professional and qualified technician assess your system for the final determination. The technicians at Comfort Systems are knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to help you with all your furnace needs.

Age Does Matter

When it comes to a furnace, age does matter. You can expect the average lifespan of your furnace to be between 15 to 30 years, which is a large gap. Once your furnace hits age 15, you may want to consider looking for a new furnace. You can help to prolong the life of your furnace by changing filters and having it serviced regularly. The professionals at Comfort Systems can help maintain your system with annual service, which includes cleaning the system, changing the filters, and determining if there are any concerns.

Loud Noises

Your furnace may make some small amount of noise while it is operating. However, if you begin to hear noises like humming, popping, rattling, or screeching, these are signs that you might need a furnace replacement. Popping noises usually indicate that the parts in your furnace are reacting to changing temperatures in your furnace. Rattling sounds could be an indicator that there is loose equipment or ductwork in your furnace. Screeching usually means the blower motor is damaged. The belt or pulley may also be damaged. Finally, booming often means that there is most likely a problem with the gas in your furnace. If you begin to smell gas, it is time to contact the professionals at Comfort Systems.

Temperature Fluctuations

If you are feeling large temperature differences between rooms, it could indicate that your furnace is not functioning properly. Even if it is not time to replace your furnace, it definitely needs to be repaired. As your furnace hits age 15 and older, it starts becoming less efficient. When this happens, it will not be able to distribute heat evenly throughout the house, especially the upstairs and the downstairs areas.

High Repair and Energy Bills

As your furnace ages and becomes inefficient, it takes more energy for it to heat your home. This results in higher energy bills. As a result, you may see a large spike in the cost of heating your home. This is usually a good indicator that it is time to replace your furnace. If you are facing numerous or expensive repairs, it could also be time to consider a new furnace. If the repair bill is more than half of the cost of replacing the furnace, it is time to replace it. Most likely, repairing it is only going to be a temporary fix, and you will be facing replacement soon.

Appearance of Soot

No one wants a dirty house, but when your furnace is not functioning correctly, you may begin to see soot or dust in your kitchen, bedrooms, or bathrooms. When you see this, it could be that your furnace is creating too much carbon dioxide. In addition, you may see a large buildup of soot around the furnace register and grill. The registers in your house help regulate the amount of air that flows into the rooms. When you begin to see soot around them, you should contact a professional.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, they could be an indicator that it is time to replace your furnace. Contact Comfort Systems today to have a skilled technician test your system and determine if repairs are possible or help you determine if you need a new furnace.

Posted in Furnaces