Every winter, homeowners across the US depend on their furnace to keep their families warm. But how long does one last and when should you think about replacing your furnace?
In this blog, you will learn the most common signs that indicate your furnace needs to be replaced, so you can ensure your family stays warm without interruption for many winters to come.
Signs That Indicate When to Replace Your Furnace
Sign #1 – More Frequent and Expensive Repairs
One of the most obvious signs of when to replace your furnace is when you start paying for frequent and expensive repairs to fix a growing number of heating issues.
If you have an old furnace that is suffering from one of the following problems, this might be your first indication that your furnace might need to be replaced.
Furnace Issues to Look Out For:
- Furnace has ignitor issues
- Your heating system fails to turn on
- Hot air stops blowing
- Furnace blower stops working
- Furnace keeps tripping the breaker
- Loud banging noises or strange smells
Often times installing a brand new furnace is less expensive in the long run than paying for continuous repairs on one that is old and unreliable. If you are experiencing frequent furnace repairs, get in touch with one of Tudi’s HVAC experts to learn if a furnace install is the best decision for your future home comfort.
Sign #2 – Strange Smells
When it comes to identifying if your furnace has a major issue, a good rule of thumb is to trust your nose.
Normally, your furnace shouldn’t smell like anything. If your furnace has a slight burning smell when your first turn it on, this could indicate that dust in your heating system is burning away and isn’t a cause for major concern, unless it gets worse over time.
If there is significant dust build-up in your furnace this could be a sign that you should check if your furnace filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. We recommended replacing your furnace filter several times a year to ensure your furnace is working at peak efficiency.
If the burning smell in your furnace persists and smells like melting plastic or something stronger, your furnace may have a bigger issue, and you should contact an HVAC expert immediately to identify the cause of the issue.
A persistent burning smell could indicate several serious problems in your heating system, such as an overheated component, damaged wiring, a cracked heat exchanger, or a foreign object disrupting your heating system. These issues could be a warning sign that your furnace has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
If you have a gas furnace, you should also be on the lookout for a rotten egg smell. This smell is added to natural gas to warn you when there is a gas leak. If you smell rotten eggs, leave your house immediately and call the gas company. Once the leak is located and the gas is turned off, contact your HVAC expert for a heating system inspection.
Sign #3 – Your Furnace’s Age
The average life of a furnace is between 15 to 20 years, although this number can vary significantly depending on if your heating system is receiving annual preventive maintenance or not.
Preventive maintenance keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and can extend your furnace’s lifespan. To learn more about the benefits of preventive maintenance for your furnace, read more about Tudi’s Home Comfort Plan or reach out to one of Tudi’s HVAC experts today!
If your furnace is older than 15 years, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs to be replaced immediately. But it’s important to be aware that your unit is reaching the end of its life, and you should consider and possibly budget for a furnace replacement when it starts to need more frequent repairs.
Sign #4 – Decreased Furnace Efficiency & Increased Energy Bills
As your furnace ages, it must work harder to keep you and your family warm. This means less heat at a higher cost.
If you notice your energy bill significantly increasing during the winter months and your furnace is having a hard time maintaining the set temperatures in your home, it may be a sign that you home is ready for a new, more energy efficient furnace.
Get Your Free Furnace Estimate with The Experts
When the cold sets in, a dependable furnace is essential for staying warm and safe. At Tudi, our HVAC technicians specialize in professional furnace installation across the Pittsburgh area. If you are considering a furnace replacement, contact Tudi to schedule a free estimate with a trusted HVAC expert.
Curious About the Cost of a Furnace Replacement?
The final cost of a furnace install depends on several factors such as the type of furnace, its efficiency, the size of your home, and if there is additional work needed upon install.
But don’t worry, Tudi is here to help! During our free furnace installation estimate, one of Tudi’s comfort consultants will walk you through the cost break down and the options available for the perfect furnace installation for your home’s specific needs.
Replacing Your Furnace? Consider Upgrading Your Entire HVAC System At One Time!
If your furnace needs to be replaced, it might be a good time to consider pairing your new furnace with an AC upgrade. This can have several advantages, such as:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Improved home comfort with system compatibility
- Synchronized warranty coverage
The cost of an AC/furnace replacement will vary depending on the system you choose and many other factors specific to your home and comfort needs.
Whether you’re replacing an old furnace or upgrading your whole HVAC system for maximum efficiency, our experts make the process seamless from start to finish. For a furnace installation you can count on, request your free estimate with Tudi today!