Even the best furnace in the world will have a hard time keeping up as the years go by. As your furnace works harder and harder to do its job, it will also begin to have more and more problems. Don’t wait for your furnace to break down before you take action.
When you have a routine maintenance check performed on your furnace, you can see if any problems need to be addressed. Your furnace will not have to work as hard.
But if that’s too late, here are some signs your furnace has seen better days and is now ready for replacement:
9 Telltale Signs
1. Need for Frequent Repairing
When you recognize that your furnace is repaired very often, it is time to change it with a new one. You should consider replacing your old heating system with a new one as soon as possible. The older the furnace is, the more problems it will have, and you will have to spend more money for its repair.
If a maintenance specialist offers to repair your old furnace but does not recommend changing it to a new one, you should think twice before deciding to have your old heating system repaired.
2. Not Fully Meeting Your Comfort Requirements
Different categories of furnaces are available in the market, each designed to meet a specific requirement. If your furnace is not meeting your temperature needs, even after adjusting your thermostat, it is time for a replacement.
3. Burning Too Quickly
Even though your furnace is equipped with filters, there are times when the filters cannot keep up with the amount of dust in the air, and your furnace starts to gobble up your electricity quicker than it should.
Your furnace might not ignite at all, or it might turn on and off rapidly. These are all signs of a malfunctioning furnace. Change it with a new system as soon as possible.
4. Too Expensive to Operate
Once you have the replacement, you are bound to have some big expenses. However, replacing a heating system is a long-term investment. It will last for many years, and you will save money in the long run. You should replace your old heating system with a new one if it is too expensive to operate the current.
5. Decrease in Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of your furnace has to be checked regularly. If you see a drop in its energy efficiency, you should change it with a new one. You should also think about replacing your furnace if it takes a long time to be ready.
6. The Age of the Unit
The unit you are using has to be replaced as soon as possible when you notice that it has crossed its threshold age. The life of a unit will depend upon its model. So, it is time to consider replacing your old unit with a new one when it is at least 20 years old.
7. Unusual Noises
When you can hear strange noises coming from your unit, it is time to think about replacing it with a new one. You should also consider replacing your heating system if you hear a loud rumbling or banging noise. The cause for this could be a problem with the motor, and it will be better to change it with a new one, as soon as possible.
- When You Hear Shrieks: If you hear a shrieking noise when you try to turn on your unit, it might signal that there is a problem with your motor. That can be a reason for a breakdown. There is a possibility that it might harm the engine, and it is time to replace it with a new one.
- When You Hear Whining: A whining noise is also a sign of a problem in the motor. The first thing to do is to check if there is any dust in the unit. If not, then there is a possibility that the bearings are not working correctly. It is better to replace your old unit with a new heating system.
- When You Hear Rumbling: If you hear a rumbling noise from your unit, there is a problem with the fan. It can be a sign of fan failure. You should replace your old unit with a new one as soon as possible.
8. Reducing Air Flow
The airflow coming through the vents of your furnace is a sign that the furnace is not functioning correctly. There is a possibility that the motor has burned out. It would be best to consider replacing your old unit with a new heating system.
9. The Furnace Starts to Look Different
Remember the look of your furnace when you first purchase it? It was shiny and brand new. Eventually, it is going to look old and faded. As your furnace ages, you can expect some changes in its appearance.
There may be some slight changes in the color, but if you notice any significant changes, it is time to think about replacing your old furnace with a new unit. Some signs you shouldn’t ignore include:
- Rust: If you can see rust on your furnace, the fins are damaged, and it is time to replace them with a new one.
- Cracks: If there are some cracks near the motor, then it is time to think about replacing your old unit with a new one.
- Soot: Soot is one of the signs of air pollution. It’s possible that your furnace is leaking some of the combustion products. That can be a reason for the failure of the motor. If your furnace is creating too much soot, then it is time to think about replacing it with a new one.
Conclusion
Sometimes the annual maintenance of your furnace is not enough. If you observe the signs mentioned above, you should think about replacing your old furnace with a new one. That is when you must call for an expert for furnace repair or furnace replacement. The experts have the knowledge to decide the condition of your unit and the amount of work involved in the service.
It is better to replace your old furnace with a new one than repair it. The new furnace can save you money in the long run. Make sure you book a 24-hour furnace repair when needed or a replacement already.
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