Top Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace Before Winter Hits
If you’re piling on sweaters just to stay warm in your living room, your furnace is probably trying to tell you something. While no homeowner looks forward to replacing their heating system, delaying your residential furnace replacement can cause everything from higher energy bills to pressing safety concerns.
Timing is everything when it comes to replacing your furnace. Waiting until your system completely fails during the coldest months of the year can mean costly emergency installation costs and chilly nights waiting for service. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, we’ve put together a list of the top six warning signs that your furnace is ready for replacement.
Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
If your furnace has been faithfully heating your home for over 15 years, it’s time to start planning for residential furnace replacement. While some units can last up to 30 years depending on the brand and how well they’re maintained, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that most furnaces begin showing their age around the 15-year mark. Even if your older furnace is working fine, its efficiency has likely declined over the years.
Here’s the reality: continuing to run an aging furnace will wind up hurting your bank account. Today’s high-efficiency models can slash your energy bills by up to 20%, making a new furnace a smart investment that will pay for itself in the long run.
You’re Hearing Strange Noises
Rattling, banging, or squealing sounds suddenly coming from your furnace are clear signs something’s not quite right. Out-of-the-ordinary noises usually indicate loose or damaged components that could cause a complete system breakdown if ignored. Though repairs might offer a temporary fix, persistent strange noises in an aging system are a sign you may need residential furnace replacement.
You’re Frequently Calling for Repairs
Has your furnace repair technician become a fairly regular presence in your home? Multiple repairs within a short period can indicate your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Here’s a practical way to decide: if your repair costs over the last two years add up to half the price of a new furnace, it’s time to consider residential furnace replacement. Rather than sinking dollars into an aging system, why not invest in a new and reliable one? Between the rebates, incentives, and financing options offered today, making the upgrade can be more affordable than you may think.
Your Burner Flame isn’t Blue
When your gas furnace is functioning properly, the burner flame should be blue. A yellow flame indicates your system isn’t burning fuel efficiently and could also be a sign of something much worse: a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is both odorless and colorless, making it particularly dangerous—even brief exposure can harm your health, and prolonged exposure can be deadly. If you spot a yellow flame, don’t wait. Call a professional HVAC technician immediately to assess whether you need residential furnace replacement.
Your Energy Bills Keep Increasing
Notice your energy costs rising even though your usage has stayed the same? This is a red flag that often indicates a decrease in efficiency and the need for residential furnace replacement.
As furnaces age, their internal components naturally wear down, forcing the system to consume more energy and work harder in order to produce the same heat. Don’t just write these increased costs off as another utility price hike. A properly functioning furnace shouldn’t cause any dramatic spikes in your energy bills. While regular maintenance can help optimize your current system’s performance, there comes a point when a new, energy-efficient furnace is the smarter financial choice for your home.
Temperatures Are Inconsistent From Room to Room
Do some of your rooms feel warm while others feel cold? Inconsistent temperatures are often a sign that your furnace is struggling to evenly distribute heat throughout your home. The culprit could be a failing blower motor or other worn-down components that are past their prime. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose whether or not you need a residential furnace replacement, which will ensure every room maintains the perfect temperature all year round.
Let Silver State Help Keep You Warm This Winter
The best time to address furnace problems is before they leave you in the cold. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, our team of HVAC experts at Silver State can help determine if you’re in need of a residential furnace replacement. We offer comprehensive solutions for all heating needs, ensuring you get reliable and efficient heating that fits within your budget.
Contact us 24/7 for any questions or concerns about your HVAC system at (702) 763-9451. Or simply click the “Book Now” button at the top of this page to schedule your service with us.