6 Signs That You Need a New Furnace

1) Your furnace is more than 15 years old

According to Consumerreports.org, the average life expectancy for a gas furnace is 18 years.

However, according to Energystar.gov, you should replace a furnace that’s over 15 years old with an ENERGY STAR rated furnace, which is 15% more energy efficient than other furnaces on the market.

To learn more about how much money you can save by upgrading to a new energy efficient furnace, read up on AFUE ratings, which measures furnace energy efficiency.

2) Your heating bill increased

A variety of problems could be causing this. But if you have repaired your furnace by a reputable heating company and had your air ducts properly sealed, your energy bill shouldn’t increase dramatically.

A sudden increase in your heating bill from the years before may mean that your furnace is on its last legs. As internal parts wear out, your gas and electric bill may go up.

The extra money you’re paying in gas and electricity could go towards buying a new furnace.

3) Your furnace has been repaired frequently the past two years

Furnaces incur the most repairs during the last two years of their lives. Like a repairing an old car, It doesn’t take too many repairs before keeping your old furnace running isn’t worth the cost.

Add up the cost of repairs to your furnace over the last two years and see if it’s cost efficient to buy a new one.

4) Your furnace makes strange noises

When you turn on your furnace, does it make any rattling, popping, or banging noises? Older furnaces make these strange noises at the end of their life.

Also, does your blower turn on and off frequently? Does it blow cold air? This is another sign that your furnace needs to be replaced by a professional heating company.

5) Thermostat setting never keeps you comfortable

Are some of your rooms too hot or too cold? Are you constantly adjusting the thermostat to stay comfortable? If so, it may be because your furnace can no longer distribute heat properly throughout your house.

6) Your burner flame is yellow instead of blue

If your furnace’s flame is yellow instead of blue, it could be a sign that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a odorless, tasteless, and colorless toxic gas that can be fatal.

Other signs that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide include:

• streaks of soot around furnace
• absence of upward draft in chimney
• extra moisture found on windows, walls, or other cold surfaces
• rusting on flue pipes or other pipe connections

If your furnace shows signs of producing carbon monoxide, leave your house and call your utility company to turn your gas off. (And consider purchasing a new furnace if the problem is serious.)

Add up the signs

How many of these signs apply to your furnace? The more that apply, the more you should consider buying a new furnace from ABE Heating and Cooling.