When Should a Furnace Be Replaced? 7 Major Warning Signs
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Even the toughest furnace needs to be replaced eventually. Instead of trying to squeeze more diminishing returns from your current system, consider a replacement that will work better and save you more money in the long run.
When should a furnace be replaced? We recommend replacing the unit if it is eight years old or older, shows signs of damage, emits unusual odors, or makes unusual noises. If you’re still unsure, our guide outlines several additional warning signs that your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan (or may be on the verge of a complete breakdown).
Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter is your all-in-one resource for heating installation and heating repair. Instead of hoping your heater won’t break down sometime in the future, let us help you get a replacement you can count on.
7 Major Warning Signs You Need a New Furnace
If you notice any of these warning signs, your furnace is either on its way out or already starting to break down. Our heating services are backed by years of hands-on experience and fast response times, allowing clients to enjoy the benefits of a new furnace quickly.
1. Old Age
The older the unit, the more likely it is that you’ll need serious repairs in the near future. In some cases, it’s more cost-effective to replace your furnace than to keep paying for expensive repairs.
Older units are more likely to use R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out by the industry and has been banned by the EPA. Though you can still service your unit with R-22, you’ll have an increasingly hard time finding suppliers.
The furnace replacement age isn’t the only detail to consider. Even if you switched to an approved alternative refrigerant for a current model, you’ll have to pay for additional labor to flush the unit.
2. Strange Noises
How do you know when your furnace needs replacing? Odd noises are a solid place to start. A malfunctioning furnace can make banging, rattling, or whistling noises, indicating a broken part or an unbalanced indoor blower.
Don’t ignore these noises! Their root causes can worsen over time, leading to even more expensive repairs.
3. High Energy Bills
Older units are less efficient, driving up monthly utility bills. Though it’s normal to see an increase between summer and fall, sharp increases between months in the fall season usually indicate that your furnace needs service or a complete replacement.
4. Inconsistent Temperatures
Most homeowners start wondering when a furnace should be replaced when the home no longer feels comfortable. If the furnace isn’t reaching the temperature set on the thermostat or isn’t heating the home properly, you may need a professional inspection. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, the furnace may need to be replaced.
5. Expensive Repairs
What are the signs that your furnace is going out? If you have to call for multiple repairs per year, you’re likely dealing with a failing system.
There comes a point when it’s no longer worth it to keep replacing parts of a dying machine. Call Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Rooter at (913) 227-4943 and speak with a licensed HVAC technician to determine when it’s better to replace the entire furnace.
6. Furnace Running Longer Than Usual
Does your furnace take an unusually long time to warm your home? This issue can sometimes be blamed on an improperly sized unit or poor airflow throughout the house.
However, if your furnace is over eight years old, age is the most likely factor. Older models simply don’t have the energy efficiency or updated parts to keep up with modern demand.
7. Visible Signs of Damage
If you’ve noticed dents or cracks on your furnace, it’s worth considering a replacement. Visible signs of damage aren’t just unsightly; they could contribute to worsening performance or even safety hazards over time. For example, a crack in the heat exchanger could cause a carbon monoxide leak, which requires immediate professional attention.
Want to learn how to pick up a few tips while you figure out your budget for a new furnace? Check out our post on how to keep a basement warm during the winter.
The Benefits of Replacing Your Old Furnace
“When should a furnace be replaced, and is it worth the trouble?” These are common questions many homeowners ask themselves. But the good news is that a new furnace offers so many financial and lifestyle benefits that you’ll never want to go back to your previous model.
Lower Energy Bills
Outdated furnaces have a bad habit of increasing energy bills while providing weak, unreliable heat. A new furnace with higher energy-efficiency ratings will keep monthly costs down.
Faster Heating
When the temperature drops, you’ll appreciate the improved efficiency and speed. A new furnace can warm your home quickly, keeping you cozy even on the chilliest winter days.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
An old furnace with dirty filters or ductwork can circulate dust, dirt, mold, and other allergens throughout your home. They also tend to smell musty. If you get a runny nose or itchy eyes every time you run the heating system, consider upgrading to a new model.
Want to learn even more benefits? Give us a call, and one of our team members will be happy to explain how a new furnace can help your wallet and your home.
Our Heating Installation and Inspection Services
Not sure when to replace a heating system? Our experienced technicians can drop by for an in-person assessment to determine the best course of action. We handle a range of heating services for local property owners.
Heating Installation
You deserve a reliable furnace that will heat your home quickly and affordably every time you turn it on. We offer NATE-certified technicians who can help you determine the right furnace size and model for your home.
Our installations can take anywhere from several hours to all day to complete. Once you have a new furnace, you’ll enjoy years of steady heating and low monthly bills. Before you reach out to a professional, check out our guide on what to know before a furnace installation.
Gas Line Installation
If your current furnace is working well but you’re tired of replacing propane tanks, you may need to install a new gas line. Our specialized technicians can install gas supply lines to save you time and energy while keeping your home warm.
Safety Inspection
Are you worried your furnace might not be up to code or could be experiencing issues that threaten your safety? Reach out to us for a safety inspection to make sure you’re not at risk for a building code violation, gas leak, or fire hazard.
Upgrade Your Heating System With Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter
When should a furnace be replaced? If you’re asking this question, it may be time to consider an upgrade. An old furnace can make your home smell bad, feel uncomfortable, and cost far too much to run. Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C & Rooter has been helping Kansas City homeowners enjoy new systems at competitive prices for over 40 years.
We offer discounts to help you save and financing options for tight budgets. Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ensures that every job is done right.
Schedule service with us today and stay comfortable all year long.
