When it gets cold outside, going home to warmth and comfort is something you always look forward to. However, a furnace that doesn’t run smoothly can rob you of some much-needed comfort. This is also an indication that you need a new furnace for your home. If you’re worried about your furnace breaking down in the middle of winter, we invite you to continue reading to learn the sure signs that you need a new furnace for your home.
Not Sure If You Need a New Furnace For Your Home? Read These Tips!
1. High energy bills.
Furnaces consume a large amount of energy. A faulty furnace can result in high energy bills. For instance, do you see your energy bills increasing from the previous years? Then perhaps it’s time to arrange for a new furnace installation.
Additionally, a rise in your energy bills might be an indication that your furnace is working less efficiently than before.
2. Old furnace.
If your furnace is over 15 years old, then it is time to get a new one. Ideally, the lifespan of a furnace is from fifteen to twenty years. However, you shouldn’t wait for your furnace to hit its twentieth year before getting a new one.
Old furnaces are less efficient and produce less heat than needed to warm up your home. However, if your home’s previous owner installed your furnace, it might be challenging to know the furnace’s age.
The good news is that you can check the manual to see if it’s available or look at the serial number. Interestingly, the first four digits of the serial number are usually the manufacturing date.
3. Strange noise or smell.
The furnace is not a silent machine. This means you may hear sounds like a hum, rattle, or chirp. These are normal, so don’t worry about them.
However, if you hear a screech, whine, or clunking sound, then you might have to replace your furnace. You should stand near your furnace and take note of the sound it makes.
In addition to that, the smell your furnace gives also says a lot about the state it’s in. If you start up your furnace, you’re likely to smell a musty scent. However, it shouldn’t persist for days. If it does, getting a new furnace is a wise decision.
4. Frequent repairs.
It is usual for your furnace to need repairs once in a while. It is, after all, a machine. However, if you have had to call a furnace repair company to fix your system several times in the past two years, then buying a new furnace is a better option.
A new furnace may look like an expensive solution. But think about all the money you have spent on repairs. Therefore, investing in a new system is worth it.
5. Yellow burner flame.
Are you using a gas furnace? Then check the color of the flame to give you an idea of the condition of your system. In fact, your furnace should have a blue flame. A blue flame shows that it is running efficiently. However, if it’s yellow, then it is cause for alarm.
A yellow flame shows that your furnace is giving out excess carbon monoxide, which can cause tiredness, stomach pain, and shortness of breath if inhaled.
Your furnace is an integral part of your home. If you notice anything suspicious about the way it functions, you should be concerned. In some cases, you can have it fixed by an HVAC contractor. However, in other cases having a new system installed is a better option.
In conclusion.
In this post, we look at how to identify when your furnace needs replacement. Always make sure you get a professional to install your new system. Your new furnace should cater to your heating needs and not cause more problems.
If you have any questions or suggestions, we always love to hear from you in the comments below. Also below are links to more fantastic articles about ALL things DESIGN for your home or business.
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