When Should You Replace an Aging Furnace? 8 Clear Red Flags to Watch

No furnace lasts forever. Even the best unit is going to fail at some point, and there are some signs you can watch for that indicate yours is nearing the end of its useful life. This post will highlight seven red flags that should cause you to reach out for help.

When you need an HVAC contractor for heating repair or any other type of project, Berico should always be at the top of your list. Call now to get help with any HVAC, plumbing or electrical issue.

Your Furnace is More Than 12 Years Old

You don’t have to automatically replace a furnace just because it is getting old, but you should understand that it’s not going to last forever. As your furnace starts to enter the 12-20 year age range, it’s likely that breakdowns will start to occur, and more and more money will be required to keep the unit running. Instead of paying for those repairs, you might just want to have it replaced.

Rising Heating Bills Without Explanation

Are your energy bills going up despite not making any changes to the thermostat settings? It’s likely that your furnace is becoming less efficient and is having to use more energy to get the same results.

Frequent Repairs Become the Norm

Having your furnace repaired one time is perfectly normal and not a big deal. If the repairs just keep coming, however, and you have to deal with downtime while the system is waiting to be fixed, it gets harder and harder to justify sticking with the old unit moving forward.

Uneven Temperature in the Home

A quality furnace does an excellent job of keeping a house at a steady, stable temperature throughout. Have you been noticing that your home is warmer in some areas than others? If those differences are dramatic, it could be that your furnace is no longer up to the task at hand.

Loud or Unusual Noises

Furnaces shouldn’t make much noise while they run. If yours has gotten quite loud, including banging or rattling noises, those sounds could be signs of trouble. The furnace might still be running now, but don’t be surprised if something goes wrong in the near future.

Increased Humidity Issues or Stuffiness

A furnace that’s struggling to operate efficiently may fail to properly regulate humidity levels in your home. You might notice increased condensation on windows, a persistent musty smell, or air that feels heavy and uncomfortable. On the flip side, an aging furnace can also cause excessively dry air that leads to static electricity, dry skin, and respiratory discomfort. These humidity problems occur when the furnace can no longer maintain consistent airflow and temperature regulation throughout your home.

Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame

In a properly functioning gas furnace, the burner flame should be blue and steady. If you notice the flame has turned yellow or orange, or if it flickers and dances around, that’s a serious warning sign. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide – a dangerous, odorless gas. This is not only a sign that your furnace is failing, but it’s also a safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention. If you observe this issue, contact an HVAC professional right away. Also, make sure your CO detectors are operational and are tested regularly to help keep you safe.

Short Cycling or Running Constantly

Your furnace should come on and off at a fairly regular pace. If it is switching on and off very quickly, or if it just seems to run forever with no end in sight, that’s another sign that something is wrong.

The Best HVAC Company in the Business

Berico is a leader in gas furnace installation in the Greensboro area, along with offering many other services. Take a moment now to reach out, and you’ll be a big step closer to enjoying a warm and cozy home all winter long.