7 Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace
- November 27, 2022
- Posted by: Atel Air
- Category: Heating, Home, Home Comfort, HVAC System Advice
Nobody wants to have a new furnace installed. It can be expensive and time-consuming, and surprise furnace emergencies always seem to happen on the coldest days. If things aren’t working right, we call in our favourite trusted HVAC company (like Atel!) to have our heating & cooling systems fixed.
From replacing expensive parts to an aging furnace reaching the end of its lifespan, sometimes another repair just doesn’t make sense. At a certain point, you just need a new furnace. Here are a few signs that it is time for a new furnace:
- You’re Hearing Strange Noises
A well-maintained furnace should hum. If you’re hearing banging, rattling, squeaking or other odd noises coming from your furnace, there’s something wrong with it. Hearing these noises indicates that your furnace is nearing the end of its life.
- Increased Heating Bills
If your heating bill rises unexpectedly, this is a warning sign that your furnace needs maintenance and may be on its last legs. Once you have established that the increase is not related to an increase in fuel prices, it’s safe to say it is working harder than it has in the past, and its efficiency has diminished.
- Your Furnace Has Been Repaired Several Times
If despite regular maintenance, your furnace has still required several repairs, it might be worth evaluating whether a new furnace might be worthwhile. A new furnace is a sound investment that will save you money in the long run, in both repair costs and energy bills.
- Your Home is Too Dry or Dusty
As your furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, it may struggle to keep your home’s air clean and control its humidity. Dry air in your home is easy to notice- your skin will be flaky, and your sinuses will let you know. Extremely dry air in your home can be caused by a home humidifier set too low, an air leak allowing humidity to escape outside or a dying furnace. Older furnaces can’t manage humidity as well as new furnaces.
- There is Rust on Your Furnace
Rust on your furnace suggests corrosion, which is never a good sign. It also indicates that your furnace is probably working harder than usual to heat your home. You should have it inspected immediately if you see rust on your furnace.
- Your Home Heats Unevenly
If you’re finding areas of your home that are not as warm as other places, your HVAC system may be failing. Your home’s temperature should feel the same from room to room on each floor. If you discover cold zones in your home, it might mean your ducts require cleaning, windows & doors need resealing, or your aging furnace is struggling to keep up.
- Yellow Furnace Flame
The pilot light in your furnace should be blue. An older furnace or one with a cracked heat exchanger can turn the flame yellow, which is a warning that carbon monoxide is being produced. If you spot a yellow flame instead of blue, this is a furnace emergency, and you should leave your home immediately. Once everyone is safely out of the house (pets, too!), call in a professional for immediate emergency service.
Any of the above signs may mean it’s time for a new furnace. If you’re unsure if it’s time to replace your furnace, if your furnace may be reaching the end of its lifespan, or something is amiss, call Atel Air immediately for a furnace inspection. We can help determine if your furnace needs a simple tune-up, a repair, or if it needs to be replaced altogether.
