How do you know when it’s time to replace your furnace? Well, there are some telltale signs your furnace needs replacement. If you’re noticing different smells, odd noises or uneven heating, it’s likely that your furnace is at the end of its life. In this article, we’ll go over all the signs that can help you determine if you need a new furnace.
Furnace Age
How old is your furnace? If you don’t know, locate the manual or look up the system’s model number which should be on the furnace itself. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If your furnace is over 15 years old and is experiencing other problems on this list, it could be time for a new furnace.
Increased Energy Bills
Have you noticed that your heating bill is climbing or higher than ever? It may be because your furnace needs replacement. An old, worn-out system runs less efficiently, and that can wreak havoc on your energy bill.
Strange Noises
If you hear weird sounds, including creaks, pops, and hissing or banging, coming from your furnace, it could be an indication that it needs to be replaced. It could just be that something is loose or out of place, but it’s best to give an HVAC technician a call to be sure.
Uneven Heating
A furnace that can’t heat your home sufficiently or evenly is a failing furnace. It’s possible that an HVAC professional can repair it, but it might need to be replaced completely. If your furnace isn’t meeting the heating demands of your whole home, it’s probably an old unit that you should replace.
Abnormal Smells
There are several furnace smells that could be cause for concern. Smells of burning dust, mold, or smoke usually indicate a fixable issue – as long as they do not persist after they’ve been repaired. Other smells are more serious, like rotten eggs which could mean there’s a gas leak. In any case, call your HVAC provider to have a look and help you determine if you need a furnace replacement.
More Frequent Repairs
If you see your HVAC technician more than you see your gardener or snow removal company, it’s probably time to get a new furnace. The general rule is if you’re spending or have to spend 50% of the cost of a brand new furnace on repairs, just buy a new furnace instead.
Checklist: Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacement
The simplest way to determine if you need a new furnace is to fill out this checklist:
- Is your furnace over 15 years old?
- Have your heating bills increased?
- Do you notice strange noises coming from the furnace?
- Does your furnace need more repairs than normal?
- Have you noticed uneven or poor heating?
- Is your furnace giving off weird smells?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, call an HVAC professional as it might be time for a new furnace. If you answered yes to ALL of these questions, your furnace needs to be replaced.
Contact Team Harding for your new furnace.
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Harding Heating & Air Conditioning has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
