How Do I Know if My Furnace is Due for a Replacement?

Winter is on the horizon, and you probably are busy preparing your home for it. One of the things you need to look into is your furnace, which is going to be your first line of defense against the cold. It needs to be in great shape to ensure a hassle-free winter for you and your family. But if you have an old, inefficient unit, chances are, you need to seriously consider getting a new one.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your leading heating company in Hugo MN. We help homeowners choose the right furnaces for their homes, making sure they have the right-sized units and enjoy the benefits of having one.

Here are some tell-tale signs of a failing furnace.

Old Age

For sure, you know the saying “nothing lasts forever.” The same principle applies to your furnace. Unfortunately, as your furnace ages, it begins to lose its efficiency. Thankfully, you can see the signs the furnace is going bad and be prepared or even avoid it completely. Not many of us know the age of our furnace. However, we can sense if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.

So, check the age of your furnace by looking at the information on the label attached directly to the unit. If you have any questions, ask your preferred HVAC company. Alternatively, you can check this information online. Many manufacturers have posted their manuals on the internet.

The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years. That said, some models last longer with proper maintenance. Other types of HVAC systems have a service life longer or shorter than a furnace’s average. The issue with heating systems lasting longer is that at 20 years, often the efficiency of the HVAC system is significantly diminished even if the system still works. This issue causes higher energy bills.

Repeated Repairs

Just like an old car, an aging furnace tends to work with worn-out parts. Therefore, it begins to show signs of inefficiency. When repairs are slowly becoming the new normal for you, this could indicate your existing furnace is due for a replacement soon. It means that the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced at any time.

Typically, furnaces require more repairs in the last two years of their life. The problem is, the older the furnace, the harder it is to find replacement parts. So, if you notice a rise in the frequency of repairs, investing in a new furnace might be a better choice than trying to keep up with a deteriorating heating system.

Pilot Light Color Changes

A gas furnace should have a bright blue flame. So, when you see a weak, wavy or flickering flame, it’s telling you that gas is not being completely burned. Pilot light color changes are another indicator that carbon monoxide is not taken away from the system safely.

A yellow flame indicates that the gas is not burning properly either. Dirty or partially blocked systems can produce this flame color. It’s also another sign to call your trusted heating expert to determine the best solution.

Excessive Heating Bills

It is quite normal for you to have higher heating bills when fuel prices go up. However, that may not be the only reason why your costs skyrocket during winter. As a furnace gets older, it tends to lose efficiency, causing it to run longer to give you that warm, toasty feeling. This extended operation uses more energy and as a result, you have to pay more to get your desired temperature. Trying to hold on to your old furnace is essentially wasting money, so it’s best to start shopping for a newer, more efficient model.

Let Four Seasons Air Specialists Help You

These are just four signs of a failing furnace. If you want to find out more whether or not your heating system is up for the challenge this winter, be sure to talk to one of our experienced Forest Lake furnace repair and installation experts. We have teams of NATE-certified, seasoned technicians who can provide you with the right information and long-term solutions to your heating problems.