9 Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacing
Furnaces are built to last a good long time but, when they do start to fail, they can cause some serious issues. Learning the warning signs of furnace failure can help you discover whether it’s time to replace it or whether a simple repair will do the trick. Check out these signs that indicate it’s time to replace your furnace and make sure you get in touch with the HVAC specialists at Odyssey Mechanical for any residential or commercial furnace repairs or replacements you may need!
1. You’ve noticed your energy bills rising.
The older a furnace gets, the harder it has to work to do its job. As your furnace gets less efficient, you may notice that your heating bills start steadily increasing over time. Instead of paying extra money to the electric company every month, it might be better to go ahead and replace your furnace.
2. You’ve had to have a lot of repairs done recently.
Similar to the above, you might have noticed that various components of your furnace have started failing as it ages. This is especially true if they have not been properly and regularly maintained. Most furnaces will start to break down during the last few years of their lives and it typically makes more financial sense to replace them than to dump money into repairs.
3. The furnace is no longer heating your home evenly.
Old furnaces are working harder just to run, so it’s no surprise that they cannot properly regulate the heat of a home. If you’ve noticed that some rooms are hot while others are cold, or if you cannot feel any heat coming out of your heating vents/registers, you probably need a new furnace.
4. Your furnace is making loud noises.
All furnaces make some kind of noise. It’s when these noises get louder over time that they can be troubling. If you hear noises coming from your furnace, pay attention to them. Take a video or write down what they sound like so you can explain the issue to an HVAC specialist. Some common furnaces noises include:
- Rattling or banging noises can be indicators of broken or loose internal components, screws, or sheet metal, or possibly an unbalanced furnace motor.
- Squealing or whistling sounds may indicate belt, fan, motor, or inducer issues.
- Humming noises are usually a result of fan and/or motor problems.
- Popping sounds occur as a result of certain furnace components reacting to temperature changes
5. There are some strange smells coming out of your furnace.
Old furnaces can smell dusty or moldy, but the more concerning issue is if they smell like fuel. If you notice any kind of fuel-like smell in your home or near your unit, you need to get in touch with an HVAC professional ASAP, as this can be an indicator of a gas leak.
6. The furnace struggles to turn on.
Like an old car, you may notice that your furnace gets harder and harder to turn on over time. This could be the result of a bad thermostat or poor wiring but, if you have to try to start your furnace multiple times before it comes on, or if it shuts off on its own, you may need a new furnace.
7. Your carbon monoxide detector was tripped.
First things first, if your carbon monoxide detector goes off, you need to turn off your furnace right away, open all your windows and doors, go outside, and get in touch with an HVAC tech ASAP. They will be able to determine where the gas is coming from and how best to fix it. Additionally, a discolored pilot light (not blue), streaks of soot around your furnace, excess moisture on your windows, walls, or chimney can also be signs of carbon monoxide issues.
8. You’ve noticed a decrease in your home’s air quality.
Old furnaces can cause the air in your home to feel stale and stuffy. They also can’t clean the air in your home properly, resulting in more dust, mold, pollen, dander, mites, and bacteria floating around in the air, which can cause your family to cough or become ill. Even if you don’t notice these issues, increased dust accumulation, static shops, and drooping plants can all indicate air quality problems.
9. Your family’s health is declining.
As mentioned above, an old furnace can cause your family to begin coughing, but it can also result in other, more serious medical conditions. Itchy or watery eyes, frequent headaches, nausea, disorientation, or other flu-like symptoms can all be symptoms of carbon monoxide leaks and other furnace problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, turn off your furnace, air out your house, get some fresh air, and get in touch with Odyssey Mechanical right away.
Additionally, if your furnace is over 15 years old, it might be time for a change. Furnaces can last for 20 or more years but, if you’re noticing any of the above issues, it might be more cost-effective to shop for a new furnace than it is to repair your old one.
As winter approaches, and whether you’ve noticed the signs above or just have an old furnace, you should make sure to get in touch with an experienced HVAC company who can help you figure out whether your furnaces need to be repaired or replaced. After all, having your furnace fail on a cold winter night is no fun! The team at Odyssey Mechanical is ready and waiting to help. Schedule your appointment today by calling 910-392-6400