A furnace is of great importance when it comes to catering to your heating needs at home. Just like every other household appliance, it can only serve you for so long before outliving itself. Even though there is no standard way to tell when this will happen, you can expect it to last somewhere between 15 to 30 years. This will, of course, depend on several other factors such as installation, maintenance, and the model. Are you wondering whether it’s time for a furnace replacement? The following are the signs to show you that your furnace’s expiration date is just around the corner.

Old Age

The most obvious indicator that a furnace is due for replacement is the duration in which it has been in use. The longer the period in which it has been in operation, the closer it is to its end. A furnace’s average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years. Therefore, if your furnace is around that age, then you should start planning for a furnace replacement. You can begin by doing some window shopping and exploring your options before it is too late.

High Energy bills

Have you noticed a spike in your gas or electric bills? This could be another sign that your furnace is in its last days. A properly working furnace should be able to perform at maximum efficiency. The older it gets, however, the less efficient it becomes. This results in higher energy consumption for the same amount of heat as before, which explains the increased bills. Running on such costs might not be cost-effective in the long run, making furnace replacement a better option.

Frequency of Repairs

You must have to cater to furnace repairs every once in a while. A furnace is made up of several parts that are susceptible to breaking down from time to time requiring you to replace them. Despite this fact, the frequency at which the need for furnace repairs arises should not be too high. If so, it shows that something is not right. Also, if you find yourself spending too much money on furnace repairs, then its time you start thinking about a furnace replacement. The money spent on repairs can be put to use in buying a new furnace.

Improper Heating

A furnace that is operating optimally should be able to properly distribute the required heat throughout the entire home. This is to say that you should not be having some rooms being hotter than others and vice versa. This will require a lot of effort in trying to constantly adjust the thermostat for a suitable temperature for all. To ensure maximum comfort for your family, a furnace replacement should be among your options.

Physical Signs

As the final days of your furnace become evident through its performance, it will also begin to show physical signs of the same. The first thing you should take note of is the burner flame. A yellow flickering flame instead of a blue one is not a good sign. You should also look out for other visual hints of an aging furnace such as soot around the furnace, excessive moisture on the windows and walls, and any leakages with the chimney among others. Evidence of rust in one or more parts of the furnace is also an indicator that it’s time for a furnace replacement.

Strange Noises

Is your furnace starting to sound different than before? Odd noises coming from a furnace is something to mark that it is nearing the end of its life. This goes for any banging, squealing, cracking noises, and so on, heard while your furnace is in operation. Your furnace blower should also not be running excessively enough to make noises. All these calls for a furnace replacement.

Emissions of Carbon Monoxide

Being an odorless and colorless gas, carbon monoxide can easily go undetected. This means that your furnace could be posing serious health risks to your family through emissions of this gas without you even realizing it. This is usually as a result of cracks that may have developed at the heat exchanger of the furnace.

Therefore, if your family members are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and feelings of confusion among others, you need to quickly aerate the house as well as the furnace room and call in a professional. This is a sign of a prolonged furnace replacement and immediate action should be taken.

A furnace is worth the investment considering the comfort it brings to the home and its good-enough lifespan. However, putting off a furnace replacement can cause negative effects physically, financially, and also health-wise. If you are torn between a furnace repair and a furnace replacement, above are some pointers to help you make the best decision.