Common Signs That You Need Furnace Repair or Replacement

During winter, the Furnace is the most important appliance that you have in your home, so if it stops working, you’ll need to get it repaired immediately. The furnace is what provides your entire home with comforting heat. If your furnace isn’t working properly, then the cold of winter can be nearly intolerable.

Routine heating repair is an excellent way to correct and fix furnace problems. However, some people have difficulty determining when they should have their furnace repaired or replaced. The good news is that there are plenty of warning signs to watch for.

How to Know When to Repair or Replace Your Furnace

If you think you might be in need of furnace replacement services, consider the age of the appliance. Today, the typical lifespan of a furnace is anywhere from 16 to 20 years. When your furnace is approaching this age, you might want to consider shopping for a replacement.

You should never wait for an emergency to occur before shopping around. In fact, most people look into furnace replacement as a preemptive move while performing home improvements. Most furnaces that have a pilot light are almost guaranteed to be over 25 or older.

Is Your Gas or Electric Bill Creeping Upwards?

It’s not uncommon for gas fireplaces to suffer malfunctioning gas fire place logs. When this occurs, you’ll need professional fire place log replacement.

A gas or electricity bill that seems to never stop increasing is a warning sign that you need to replace your heater or heating systems. It’s true that furnaces lose their efficiency, but from month to month, the energy bill should stay about the same.

How Often Are You Paying For Repairs?

A typical furnace is similar to an automobile because you can find yourself spending lots of money to replace parts. If you’ve had to pay for several major repairs over the last two years, then it’s probably safe to say that you could use a new furnace.

Another common problem with older furnaces is waiting longer to get parts because it takes longer for professionals to source parts for an outdated furnace.

Does Your Home Feel Evenly Heated?

A good furnace should be able to heat your home evenly. In other words, you shouldn’t have to worry about some rooms being colder than others.

The heater should be able to distribute heat evenly throughout the entire house. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat to remain comfortable, then you might want to consider getting a furnace replacement.

Strange Noises

Although it might seem like common sense, many homeowners don’t pay attention to the noises coming from their furnace.

If your heater has started making strange noises, then it might need to be repaired or replaced. Some common sounds to listen for are squealing, rattling, popping and banging. These sounds could indicate that your furnace isn’t functioning properly or needs to be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Unfortunately, as heating systems age, they start to break down. Parts start to fail, and cracks can develop in the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger cracks, it can leak carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

Despite the frequent warnings from the FDA and local fire departments, many homes still aren’t equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. It’s important to make sure you have several detectors installed in your home.

These are some common warning signs that could indicate the need for furnace repair or replacement. When you decide to pay to have it done, it’s very important to hire professionals and let them handle the repair or installation.