Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Furnace
Furnace Repair & Replacement
Chicago winters are not something that you want to have to face without a fully functioning and efficient furnace – those cold nights are going to be even worse without a reliable Chicagoland heating system!
But how do you know if your furnace has one last winter left in it? Furnaces don’t last a lifetime, despite what many people would hope; however, it’s not just the end of your furnace’s lifespan that you need to worry about!
Before your furnace breaks down completely, it’s likely to give you plenty of signs that an upgrade is needed. Catch these signs early and you’ll have plenty of time to get your furnace upgraded, but fail to notice them and you could be in for some chilly nights, or even worse…
Here are eight signs that it’s time for a furnace upgrade:
- You’ve Forgotten When Your Furnace Was Last Upgraded
If you can’t quite remember when you last had your furnace upgraded, then it could be time to get a new one. The lifespan of a furnace varies from model to model, but you’ll normally find that there’s around a 15-year limit on the efficiency of a furnace – if those 15 years have been and gone, it’s time to look at an upgrade.
- There Has Been a Noticeable Increase in Your Energy Bills
The older a furnace gets, the less energy efficient it’ll become; there’s little you can do about this as the reason is largely down to wear and tear. As with most major home appliances, a lack of energy efficiency will become noticeable on your energy bills. If there’s been a steady rise in your energy expenditure recently, your furnace could be to blame.
- Furnace Repairs Are Getting More Frequent & Expensive
As a furnace gets older, and the repairs start to stack up, you may start to notice that you’re spending more and more on keeping your existing furnace operating. There’ll eventually come a time when it’s cheaper to replace than repair, but it’s best to avoid this point. If your latest furnace repair bill is half the cost of a new furnace, it’s a good sign that it’s time to replace.
- Heating Is No Longer as Consistent as It Once Was
Age and deterioration will eventually catch up with most furnaces, and you may start to notice this in the kind of heat that it’s producing for your home. If you’re struggling to heat your rooms consistently without the appearance of spots that are too hot or too cold, then the age of the furnace is likely to blame.
The furnace may also be due an upgrade if you’re constantly having to readjust the thermostat to stay comfortable.
- Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
So far, most of the signs that you may need to upgrade your furnace have surrounded the heat that it outputs, but you may also get an early warning sign via sound. Squeals, bangs, and pops are not the sounds of a healthy furnace; they’re very evident signs that an upgrade is due.
- The Furnace Burner Flame Has Changed Color
An inefficient furnace, or one that’s producing carbon monoxide, will often have a burner flame that’s yellow. Since a healthy furnace’s flame is supposed to be blue, this should be a major warning sign that there’s something seriously wrong with the furnace.
If the flame is yellow, it’s important to act quickly, leave the house and get an expert in to have a look, as it could be pumping out poisonous carbon monoxide. Excess moisture around the home, soot around the furnace, no upward draft in the chimney, and rusty pipes are also a sign of carbon monoxide being released.
- You’re Experiencing Frequent Headaches
Further signs of carbon monoxide presence, and serious signs that you need a furnace upgrade, are regular headaches, sickness, and a burning sensation. Carbon monoxide presence can be the result of a cracked heat exchanger and is potentially fatal.
- Your Home Is Starting to Feel Dry or Stuffy
A stuffy home may be a surprising sign that your furnace isn’t working, but it could be the result of an old or faulty furnace. If your home feels dry or stuffy, and there isn’t much moisture around, then your furnace may have stopped doing its job properly!
From discomfort to health risks, the consequences of putting off your furnace replacement for too long are not worth risking. If your furnace is telling you that it’s time to consider an upgrade, make sure that you’re listening! With a brand-new furnace, you could wave goodbye to old problems and welcome a warmer, safer, and more efficient home – the perfect environment to tackle the cold Chicago winters.