A broken furnace is one of a homeowner’s most stressful problems. Fortunately, anyone in the house can see the signs indicating that the furnace is on its last leg. If you are keen to check for these symptoms, you’ll know when to call in the furnace maintenance specialists. In addition, you won’t have to worry about the potential health problems of using an older furnace.
1. Efficiency
Upgrading could save you a ton of money because the technology in your old furnace needs to be updated compared to that of newer high-efficiency models. An old furnace could cause steadily rising utility bills that exceed the inflation rate.
If your furnace is getting old, it may need to run more efficiently due to worn and damaged parts. The inability of your heating system to adequately warm your home, or the need to run for more extended periods to do so, is another indication that it is losing efficiency.
2. Deterioration From Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion outside the furnace’s housing are another sign that it’s time to upgrade. It’s a major red flag that rust and corrosion are visible on the device’s exterior, as this usually means that they’re also present on the interior.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if there is a problem with your gas line, fittings, or the exhaust within your system. Call an HVAC technician immediately if you notice any of these things happening.
3. The Lifespan
Modern furnaces have a lifespan of 16 to 20 years on average in American homes. If your heating system is close to or older than this age, it’s probably time to start looking for a replacement.
When your furnace breaks down in the dead of winter, replacing it in a panic is not the best course of action; instead, replacing it as part of a larger home improvement project is.
4. Rising Utility Bills
You’ll notice a rise in heating costs and decreased efficiency as your furnace ages. One of the warning signs of a failing furnace is this symptom. Your furnace may increase fuel consumption without necessarily increasing heat output. The heater keeps chugging along but fails to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Getting a tune-up could help and also save you money. Although there is only so much money to be made off of an older system, we can help you get more years out of your current HVAC system and help you decide if it’s time to replace it. Whatever your situation, we’re happy to assist you in finding a solution by weighing the costs and benefits of repairing or replacing the furnace.
5. Yellow Burner Flame
A yellow or erratic flame indicates that the furnace is producing poisonous carbon. Carbon monoxide may also manifest in other ways:
- Traces of soot near the heater
- Lack of draft in your chimney
- Water condensation on a cold surface, such as a window, wall, or ceiling
- Excessive rust on flue pipes, other pipe connections, or appliance jacks
- Trickle of water at the chimney’s foundation
- Draft caused by condensation in the flue
- Rust on the exterior of the vent pipe
6. Noise
Have you heard some strange sounds coming from your heater recently? If your furnace is making popping, rattling, or hissing sounds, it may need to be replaced.
When a system begins making strange noises, it’s often a sign that a part or parts of it are damaged or worn out. If you hear any unusual sounds from your system, turn it off immediately, and call for repair. If you notice the problem early, you can fix the furnace instead of replacing it.
7. Tinkering With the Thermostat
Is the temperature drastically different between rooms? Does the number of times you adjust the temperature on your thermostat increase? If this is the case, it may be because your heating system can no longer deliver air to all areas of your home.
For the time being, it’s best to close the registers in any unused building areas. Doing so allows you to direct the warm air to the rooms that require it most during the winter. Although it won’t solve the problem, it may buy you some time to arrange for a new furnace to be set up.
8. Health Issues
A carbon monoxide leak in the gas heater or inadequate ventilation of the exhaust could be to blame for the increased frequency with which members of the household report flu-like or cold-like symptoms. Carbon monoxide influences us and can make us sick when it accumulates in the home. Concentrations above a certain threshold are lethal.
Naturally, it would help if you prioritized your well-being and safety over your heating system. Only a carbon monoxide detector can detect leaks, so having one in your home, business, or other commercial building is crucial.
Once the air quality and security issues have been resolved, we will be happy to assist you with the HVAC system. In the furnace, carbon monoxide can come from a few different places. Harmful exhaust gas can accumulate in a home if the exhaust is not managed and exhausted outside the building. Another common source is a heat exchanger or other furnace parts that have been compromised and are letting in carbon monoxide. It usually occurs in more antiquated systems.
9. Poor Temperature Control
Replacement of the thermostat could be necessary if it has stopped functioning correctly. Many modern thermostats have convenient extra features that help you save money and stay cozy.
Some rooms being too warm while others are too cold is a sign that the heating system needs to be fixed. However, there may be underlying problems with the system’s engineering, the placement of the thermostat, or the quality of the insulation.
10. Dry Air
A malfunctioning heating system is the most likely cause of musty indoor air. A new heating system can help people who suffer from frequent allergic reactions to dust, mold, or dander or who have too dry skin.
Further indicators to keep an eye out for are:
- Accumulation of dust (needing to dust more often)
- Static discharge (shock)
- Plants that look unhealthy or dead
- Instrumental tuning issues
We Can Help!
If your furnace shows any of these symptoms, it must be replaced. American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical is here to help you find your way. We are a local HVAC company with excellent customer service and quality workmanship; call us if you need a furnace replacement or want to talk to an expert.
Whether providing around-the-clock support, assuring your satisfaction with guarantees, letting you pay overtime with interest-free financing, or even just bringing your trash cans inside and giving your dog a treat, we do it all. Our company has a policy that every request is manageable, and this policy is consistently applied.
We can also help repair or replace your AC units, clean your ducts, and advise you about indoor air quality. Contact American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical today, and get all the help you need.
