Signs to Replace Your Furnace

As the temperature drops and the winter months approach, ensuring your furnace is in working order is essential to staying warm and comfortable during those cold months. Your furnace is a critical component of your home, and like all appliances, it has a limited lifespan. To save money on costly repairs and keep your home heated efficiently, knowing when to replace your furnace is essential. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs to look out for that indicate your furnace is due for replacement.

The Age of your Furnace

One of the most common reasons to replace a furnace is due to its age. An excellent way to determine if your furnace is in need of replacement is by looking at its age. Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15-20 years, but several factors can affect how long your furnace lasts. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may notice a drop in efficiency and an increase in repairs. A replacement may be more cost-effective than trying to repair an older furnace, which is likely to break down again soon.

Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home

If your furnace is no longer capable of heating your entire home evenly, no matter how high you turn up the thermostat, it may be time to replace it. Uneven heating throughout your home is a sure sign that your furnace is struggling to perform correctly and needs to be replaced. Old or worn-out furnaces can no longer function efficiently and struggle to heat your home evenly.

Unusual Furnace Noises

Another sign that it’s time to replace your furnace is if it starts making unusual noises. Over time, furnaces will begin to make noises. However, sudden, and strange noises are never a good sign and indicate your furnace is struggling to keep up. If you hear banging, popping, or whistling noises coming from your furnace, this is an indication it’s time to replace the unit.

High Utility Bills

Older, less efficient furnaces tend to consume more energy to heat your home, leading to increased utility bills. If you’ve noticed a substantial rise in your energy bills lately, it may be a sign that your furnace is no longer efficient and needs to be replaced. Investing in a high-efficiency furnace unit will not only bring down your energy bills but will also help improve the quality of air in your home.

Increase in Dust and Dirt Particles in Your Home

One of the first signs to look out for is an increase in dust and dirt particles in your home. If you constantly find yourself dusting more than you used to or notice more dirt around the house, it may be time to replace your furnace. Older furnaces lack the ability to filter the air effectively, allowing dust and dirt particles to circulate in the air, causing poor indoor air quality. Upgrading to a newer and more efficient furnace will improve air quality, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

Humidity Issues

Another sign to look out for is humidity issues. Your furnace plays a critical role in maintaining your home’s humidity levels, and when it’s not functioning correctly, you might experience dry or overly humid indoor air, causing discomfort and health risks. If you notice your family members experiencing dry skin, allergies, or respiratory issues, your old furnace may be the culprit. Investing in a new furnace can solve the humidity problem.

Frequent Repairs

Have you been calling repair services more frequently than before? An old furnace is susceptible to breakdowns that require repairs. However, when the frequency of repairs increases, it’s a sign that your furnace is past its prime and needs to be replaced. Investing in a new furnace is a cost-effective solution in the long run, as it eliminates the constant need for repair services and lowers your energy bills.

Furnace Cracks or Signs of Rust

Lastly, inspect your furnace for any cracks or signs of rust. These signs indicate that your furnace is aging and may not be functioning efficiently. Age can also cause the furnace’s heat exchanger to crack, allowing harmful gasses to escape inside your home. This is a dangerous situation that requires immediate attention.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Furnace

Furnaces aren’t designed to last forever. That’s why it’s essential to take steps to extend the lifespan of your furnace. One way to do this is by scheduling regular maintenance with Barstow & Sons. Our trained technicians can perform routine tune-ups that help prevent costly breakdowns and keep your furnace running efficiently. Regular filter changes and keeping the area around your furnace clean can also go a long way in prolonging its lifespan. By taking these steps, you can rest assured that your furnace will continue to keep you warm and comfortable for years to come.

Schedule a Furnace Inspection and Tune-Up in Annapolis & Pasadena, MD

Winter weather can be tough, and having a functioning furnace is crucial to staying warm and comfortable inside your home. However, if you start to notice signs that your furnace is failing, don’t panic. Instead, call Barstow & Sons, the trusted HVAC experts in your area. Signs of a failing furnace can include strange noises, an increase in your energy bill, and uneven heating throughout your home. Barstow & Sons can diagnose the issue and provide top-notch repair services to keep you and your family warm all winter long. Don’t let a failing furnace ruin your winter. If you’re unsure about the condition of your furnace, don’t hesitate to contact us at Barstow & Sons Heating and Cooling in Annapolis & Pasadena, MD. Our experienced technicians will assess your furnace and offer expert advice on whether it needs a repair or replacement.