TIME TO GET A NEW FURNACE? WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Staying warm and cozy in your home during the winter is a priority for virtually everyone. You can’t stay warm, however, when your furnace is not functioning at an optimal level. In some cases, a repair might fix the problem, but in others, you will to need a new furnace. Here are some signs to watch for that might indicate that you need a furnace replacement.

Age

Furnaces don't last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is generally about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is in this age range, then it could be time for a replacement. A replacement may be the better option for an old furnace if it requires frequent or expensive repairs.

Cold Air

If the unit is not producing warm air to any room, a number of issues could be responsible. One common problem that leads to the lack of warm air from a unit is a malfunctioning blower fan, which could signal that the furnace has reached the end of its lifespan.

A related issue is a furnace that sends heats some rooms effectively, but leaves other rooms cold and uncomfortable. A properly functioning furnace should have no problem heating the various rooms of your home to the same temperature.

If you notice that some parts of the house are not as warm as others, this indicates that the unit is not operating at full efficiency. When this happens, the best course of action is usually to install a new unit.

Weird Noises

Furnaces make some noises that don’t cause concern, such as a consistent humming sound. But if a unit is making weird or unusual noises, this is almost always a sign of trouble. For example, if you hear rattling sounds while the furnace is in operation, it could mean that some of the unit's sheet metal or hardware has come loose. If you hear a screeching sound, the blower motor may have failed.

The average homeowner cannot properly identify the cause of an unusual furnace sound themselves, so you will need a professional service person to diagnose the noise. A service person can tell you what is causing the problem and if a replacement unit is necessary.

Registers

Your heat registers should be clear of any dust or other debris and should not let any unwanted dust or dirt into your living spaces. If you notice that your house is becoming more dusty than usual, check the heat registers for dust or soot around the opening.

Furnaces take in air from the outside, but a unit that is working properly filters out dust and dirt before it moves warm air into your house. If a furnace cannot filter out dust and other particles effectively, then the unit might need replacing due to failing components.

Cycling

The typical furnace operates on a cycle. When a room reaches the desired temperature, the furnace shuts off and then comes back on when the room temperature drops below the setting on the thermostat.

Cycling issues occur when a unit is either shutting down and then coming back on very often or simply running all the time without ever shutting down. A cycling problem is a huge warning sign that the furnace needs the attention of a professional and could mean that the unit has reached the end of its usefulness.

Watch for all of the issues listed in this article, but remember that only a qualified heating expert, such as those at Dick Kearsley Service Center, can tell you for certain if you need a new furnace. If you have any concerns at all about your unit and its operation, contact us for assistance.