There are several key warning signs that can alert you that your furnace needs to be replaced. Catching the problem early and replacing the furnace when necessary can keep your family and home safe and comfortable without interruption or high repair bills.
In older furnaces, lots of money can end up being wasted just trying to keep it functioning, while efficiency plumme
ts. If the furnace is 16-20 years old, it’s probably time to shop for a new one. If you’re not sure about the age of the furnace, check to see if it has a pilot light. If so, it’s probably a dinosaur.
An unexplained hike in your gas or electric bill can be another sign. If they are going up, your furnace may be losing efficiency, as well as the ability to do the kind of heating it was designed for. Constantly having to adjust the thermostat to get the temperature perfect can mean your furnace is struggling to keep up with heating your space.
In a furnace that is producing too much carbon monoxide, sometimes the flame is flickering, or yellow. Take this sign seriously. If strange noises are coming from your furnace, or cold air is coming from the vents instead of hot, this is something to be concerned with as well. A professional should be called to inspect your heating system.
Static shocks or drooping plants due to dry air or dust accumulation can all suggest that your air quality is sub-par, and your old furnace could be the culprit.
Finally, if members of your family are experiencing frequent headaches, a burning sensation in their eyes or nose, or flu-like symptoms, this can also mean your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide and not properly venting it. In this case, turn off the furnace immediately, air out your house by opening windows, and call a gas service technician immediately.
Prevention is the key to avoid future troubles. If you see any of these signs, take them seriously, and act quickly. For more expert advice on signs that your furnace needs to be replaced, or other home comfort issues, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about replacing your furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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