As summer comes to a close, the condition of your furnace should be on your mind. That’s because people often tend to forget that they’ve had their furnace for years, and it may be time for an upgrade.
When your furnace begins to malfunction, it’s important to know the warning signs that indicate it’s at the end of its lifespan. These signs are sometimes obvious but often vague. So, to help you deduce the condition of your furnace, here are eight warning signs it’s time for a replacement.
1. Yellow Furnace Flame
Leaks and increased carbon monoxide could cause the flame coming from your burner to turn yellow. Ideally, the flame coming from your burner should be blue. So when your furnace flame turns yellow is not only a likely cause for a replacement but also potentially dangerous.
2. Rust
After years of wear and tear, your furnace could begin to develop rust or cracks. While it may not immediately cause your furnace to fail, it is a sure sign that it may be time to start considering an upgrade. Talk to a specialist about the symptoms of erosion and have them assist you in installing a new furnace.
3. Varying Temperatures
The inconsistency of temperatures in your home is another reason why you may want to consider a replacement. The temperature in your home should remain relatively consistent once you program your temperature setting. If you notice dips in your home’s temperature, there could potentially be a major issue with your furnace.
If the temperature changes from room to room, there are also several possible issues. Depending on the cause of the temperature changes, your furnace may only need a repair. However, your furnace may no longer be capable of heating your entire home.
4. Your Furnace Is Getting Old
Keeping up with the maintenance and repairs for your furnace could allow it to reach the peak of its lifespan. You can expect your furnace to last 15-20 years. Once you’ve approached the 15-year mark, it’s a sign that you should at least begin to search for a replacement. Also, the chance for increasing repairs becomes higher with each passing year, so it may soon become an expensive burden.
5. Loud Noises
The noises your furnace makes will tell you when something is seriously wrong. Strange sounds like popping, humming, and screeching indicate issues that will likely need repair soon or a replacement. Sounds like loud booming can be a sign that your furnace has a gas emission issue and is potentially dangerous to be around.
6. Increasing Bills
Anytime your energy bill begins to show an unusual increase, it’s a sign that there is an efficiency issue. That’s why it is necessary to keep track of how much you’re spending to keep your house warm. A steady increase will tell you that you have a potentially worsening issue that may or may not need a replacement.
Larger jumps in the amount you pay on your energy bill are a bit more alarming. Although several issues could cause a significant increase in your bill, they all point to the possibility that it might be time to replace your furnace with a new one.
7. Soot
Carbon dioxide has a higher chance of being produced by your furnace the older it becomes. When this becomes an issue, you may begin to see dust and soot around the air duct cover that regulates airflow, called the register. You may also see it on the grille and in other areas around your home.
8. Continuous Repairs
Another sign that you should replace your furnace is the increasing number of repairs needed. If you’ve noticed that your furnace is needing repairs more often over the last few months or years, that means that wear and tear have finally taken its hold. Perhaps you should put that money to more cost-effective use.
Upgrade Your Furnace
Located right off Rayford Road in Houston, North Point Air Conditioning & Heating has been serving the community for over 40 years. We know how to handle all of your heating, cooling and indoor air quality needs with efficiency and professionalism. Our stance on how we do business is trust, integrity, and customer satisfaction. That means that when you have your furnace needs taken care of by us, you’re in good hands. So, if you feel that you may require a furnace installment or repair, call us today.
