Keeping the home heated adequately throughout the brutal Canadian winters is crucial for the user's family’s comfort. If the furnace is struggling to circulate heat throughout the home during the winter months, then it might be time to replace it.
Users may have difficulty determining whether it genuinely needs replacing or is simply in need of repair. However, the more signs the furnace exhibits, the greater the likelihood that it is time to look into a new heating and cooling system.
Regular HVAC maintenance
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, but there is no way to know for sure when the expiry date of the furnace will arrive. While regular HVAC maintenance and repairs will increase the longevity of the furnace, it is a good idea to begin thinking about replacing it about 15 years after its installation.
While regular HVAC maintenance and repairs will increase the longevity of the furnace
Users may find it helpful to start budgeting for a new furnace as it enters the final few years of its life so that users can be ready for when it eventually breaks down and needs to be replaced. However, if the furnace is old but otherwise fully functional, it is unnecessary to replace it based simply on age alone. If the heating system is running smoothly, it should produce little sound aside from its regular hum.
Largest energy consumers
However, if the user notices other noises such as rattling, popping, or screeching, this could be a sign that the furnace needs repair or replacing altogether. Users can also give the furnace a quick visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, or rust to gauge its current state.
As a furnace ages, it loses its ability to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. Users may notice that some rooms are significantly cooler than others or that the regular temperature control setting is now too cold where it was once comfortable. If the furnace is approaching the 15-year mark and user notices it becoming less efficient, it may be time to start researching new furnaces. The furnace is one of the largest energy consumers in modern homes.
Monthly energy bills
This is a good indication that it is time to start shopping for a new furnace system for the home
Therefore, as the furnace ages and begins to have trouble circulating heat throughout the home, users will notice an increase in their monthly energy bills compared to the previous winter. Before panicking, make sure to account for the possibility of an increase in energy rates! In addition, if the next repair or seasonal HVAC maintenance expense is approaching the price of a new furnace, this is a good indication that it is time to start shopping for a new furnace system for the home.
Dust and dander will always be present in a house, especially if users have pets. But if they notice an increase in the volume of dust in the home, despite regular cleaning, it could be that the furnace is not performing well. First, check to see if the air filter is clogged or dirty, and replace it if necessary.
Adequately filtering particles
If this does not solve the problem, then it is possible that permanent damage to the furnace has occurred, and it is no longer capable of adequately filtering particles out of the air.
If users notice a yellow flame accompanied by a gas odor at any time, leave the house immediately
A new furnace will always produce a blue flame to heat the home. If users check the flame and see that it is yellow instead of blue, it could indicate that the furnace is producing carbon monoxide, requiring immediate replacement. If users notice a yellow flame accompanied by a gas odor at any time, leave the house immediately. To further protect the user and their family, install a carbon monoxide detector in the home, which will alert the user to this dangerous, odorless gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning must be taken seriously, as it is lethal.
Purchasing new furnace
On their own, most of these indicators do not necessarily mean that the furnace needs to be replaced, especially if it is still in the first decade of its life. It’s more likely that the furnace filter needs to be changed or that the furnace requires only minor repairs.
Yet, if users notice several of these indicators and the furnace is getting along in years, it is probably a good time to look into purchasing a new furnace. Yes, it can be expensive, but the peace of mind and a comfortably, safely heated home is worth the cost.
