Knowing when it’s time to replace your furnace can be difficult unless it stops working completely. As a homeowner, it is essential to know the signs that your furnace is beginning to fail. Your furnace is a key component in ensuring the comfort of your home. Therefore, knowing the signs that you need a furnace replacement can help you decide when it is time to call in the professional.
At Cair Heating & Cooling, we are here to ensure that your home remains comfortable throughout the year. We want your home to be warm and comfortable when outside gets cold and unbearable. Here are some signs that you need to schedule a furnace replacement.
Age of Your System
Furnaces can last up to 20 to 30 years. If your furnace is approaching this age or has already passed it, it could be time for a furnace replacement. Old models generally use more energy to run and could be eating away a large chunk of your electric bill every month. Old furnaces will also show their age in wear and tear. Typical wear and tear on a furnace can lead to the following HVAC problems:
- Alerting your carbon monoxide alarm
- Trouble heating the home
- Build-up on or around the furnace
Although your furnace can last many years with proper maintenance, there is no way to avoid the natural breakdown of the system. With age, your furnace can begin to rust, crack, and show streaks of soot.
You Are Constantly Repairing It
If you find yourself constantly repairing something on your furnace, it could be time to consider a furnace replacement. Even if you only spend a small amount to repair the furnace each time, those small repair costs add up. With a new furnace, you can take a break from the constant maintenance and focus on being comfortable in your home.
If you want a concrete reason to replace your furnace, sum up the amount that you have spent repairing the furnace and compare it to the cost of replacing it entirely.
Your Furnace Is Making Loud Noises
The furnace should be virtually quiet. You might hear a hum or a slight buzz, and those are totally normal. However, loud noises should not be coming from any part of your HVAC system. Loud noises include the following:
- Shrieking
- Banging
- Rumbling
- Rattling
- Popping
These loud noises are an indication of something more serious happening within your furnace. If you hear any of these noises, it is time to consider calling a professional for a furnace replacement.
Your Utility Bills Are Rising
When your furnace is running at peak capacity, it will be very efficient on energy. If you are noticing a slow and constant rise in your utility bill every month, it could be a sign that your furnace is working harder than it needs to. If there has been no difference in your routine and your home stays at a constant temperature, yet there is a spike in your utility bills, it could be time to check your furnace.
Inconsistent Temperatures Throughout the House
In a perfect world, your furnace heats all the areas of your home evenly. It does not matter if your home has multiple levels or how far away the furnace is from each room. Your furnace should still disperse the same amount of heat throughout all rooms of the home. A sign that your furnace needs to be replaced is if some rooms are colder or warmer than others.
Poor Air Quality
As your furnace begins to get older, it can have a more challenging time filtering and cleaning the air as it should. This can result in an increase in the amount of dust in your home. It can make the home feel stuffy, which is an indication of poor air quality. When you are at home, you should be able to breathe clean air. Poor air quality can be especially hard on individuals who have heart and lung conditions. This does not mean that everyone else is exempt from the effects of poor air quality. According to the Pollution Control Agency (PCA), air pollution increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.
Yellow Furnace Flames
A furnace that is working correctly will produce a blue flame when it is heating your home. If the flames are burning yellow, this is a sign that you need a furnace replacement. Yellow flames could mean that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, a dangerous and deadly gas. In that case, you need to call your local furnace replacement company. Carbon monoxide is harmful to you and your family and is not an issue to be taken lightly, and it requires immediate attention.
The House Is More Humid Than Usual
Humidity in your home is a sign that there is too much or too little moisture in the air. You can usually tell that there is too much humidity in the air if the air is stale or stifling. Too much humidity in your home should be addressed as soon as possible because it opens the door for mold and mildew. On the other hand, too little humidity in the air will make the air feel dry. It can dry out your skin, and it can also make it hard to breathe. By replacing your furnace, you can improve the overall air quality of your home. Newer models of furnaces are designed to tackle problems like humidity. Some new models of furnaces even come equipped with built-in humidifiers.
Replace Your Furnace With Louisville, KY Top-Rated Company
For top-notch, fair-priced, and professional AC installation in Louisville, KY, look no further than Cair Heating & Cooling. With over two decades of experience providing HVAC solutions to homes and businesses in the Louisville area, our team can help you determine the best furnace repair options that meet your needs and goals. To request an estimate or to schedule an appointment today, please contact us at (502) 708-2247.
