Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been one for quite a while, you likely rely on a furnace to keep you and your home warm during the cold winter season. When your furnace is working great, you may not think about when it needs to be replaced. However, if you start noticing any of the signs that are mentioned in this article, it’s high time to think about budgeting for a furnace replacement.

It’s Over 12 Years Old

While the manufacturer’s estimated life span will vary depending on the specific furnace you have and the type of fuel it uses, most furnaces are rated to last between 15 and 20 years. This assumes that they get regular annual maintenance. If your existing furnace is over 12 years old, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. By taking the time to plan, you can ensure that your new furnace will fit within your budget.

Consistently Rising Energy Bills

Another key sign that it may be time to replace your furnace is that your energy bills are on the rise. If you’re having your system maintained regularly and the cost of fuel has stayed the same, then it’s clear that your furnace should be working more efficiently. If it’s getting up there in age, it’s likely that it’s reaching the end of its life span and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Excessive Dirt

One sign that you may need to be aware of that can indicate that your furnace is reaching the end of its life span is excessive dust and debris throughout your home. If you start noticing this build-up, it’s a good idea to change the air filter on your HVAC system and see if that makes a difference. However, if it doesn’t and nothing else has dramatically changed in the usage of your home, then it’s a key indication that your system is nearing the end of its life span.

Visible Damage

Over time, your furnace will start to deteriorate just like any other system in your home. The most obvious signs of deterioration are visible damage like rust and cracks in the housing of your furnace. It’s generally a good idea to give your furnace a visual inspection at least once a year. If you start to notice that there are sections of your furnace that have visible damage, it’s best to consult one of our HVAC professionals to see if it means that your system needs to be replaced in the near future.

Constant Repairs

When your furnace nears the end of its life, the components inside of it will start to wear out. This shows up in the form of having multiple repairs, one after the other, with multiple parts needing to be replaced. It’s a good idea to talk to your technician if your furnace is relatively old to determine if it’s best to replace the part or your entire system. You don’t want to waste money on repairs for parts when your overall system isn’t expected to last much longer.

Unusual Noises

Another sign that your furnace may need to be replaced soon is that it’s making a lot of unusual noises. While it’s completely possible for your furnace to make noise when it only has a failing component, it can start making a lot of noise when multiple parts fail. These noises tend to be in the form of hums, buzzes, and rattles. Many times, these problems can be due to cracks, structural issues, and even leaks in your heating system. It’s best to consult one of our HVAC professionals to determine the source of the unusual noises and whether it means that your entire heating system needs to be replaced or not.

Your House Feels Cold

When your furnace nears the end of its life span, it won’t be able to produce an adequate amount of heat to keep your home comfortable. If you’ve noticed that your house tends to feel colder than it used to, it could be due to an aging HVAC system. Suppose your geographical location isn’t going through a cold spell and your thermostat has been on the same settings. In that case, it’s time to consult a professional to determine if your heating system is getting too old to keep up with your demands.

Quality Heating Services

Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC offers quality heating services for the entire Billings, MT region. We can also help with all of your cooling, fireplace, indoor air quality, laundry pro, and water detector needs. Contact Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC today to schedule your next service appointment.

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