5 Signs You Need a New Furnace

A reliable furnace is necessary to provide warmth and improve your home’s comfort levels, especially during the winter months. When it comes to selecting your heater, you will want one that provides adequate heating without draining your utilities. A reliable and energy-efficient furnace will be a considerable investment but it should last you anywhere from 15 to 25 years with proper use and maintenance.

If you aren’t careful about the upkeep of your furnace, you will start to see signs of failure. It will struggle to maintain the temperature you set, or it could stop working altogether. You should consult a heating solutions expert to determine if you need a furnace replacement, but there are warning signs that you should look out for that point to a potential breakdown. If you want to know if it is time for an upgrade, here’s what to look out for:

Your furnace is older than 15 years

Most common heating systems should last for at least two decades, however, new technology introduced in recent years makes equipment more energy efficient. A furnace’s energy efficiency is measured in annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). You should consider replacing your furnace if its AFUE rating is 80% or lower. Newer models can achieve a 95% AFUE or better. The higher the rating, the more efficient the machine is at using fuel to generate heat. It is also an excellent way to reduce your utility bills.

The cost of maintaining it is half as much the price of a new one

If you find yourself calling the furnace maintenance professionals frequently, you might be getting band-aid solutions rather than addressing the root of the problem. Your repair service might recommend parts replacement if it has to do with a rusted flue or defective fan motor. If the parts cost half as much as a whole furnace, you might be better off getting a new one instead.

You see a spike in your heating bill

Sometimes furnace problems aren’t immediately apparent until you see your utility bill at the end of the month. Suppose you see a spike in your energy bill despite not having extraordinary circumstances like changes in your daily routine, or having house repair work. In that case, a deteriorating furnace could be the culprit. Conducting regular furnace maintenance can prevent increasing energy consumption, but if you see an upward trend in your utilities, it might be time for new equipment.

The temperature in your house isn’t consistent

If your HVAC equipment is working properly, it should be able to maintain the temperature you select in your thermostat. If you find that the temperature fluctuates throughout the day without adjusting the settings, your furnace might be having trouble circulating warm air around your house. You can avoid this with regular furnace maintenance. Invite your heating specialist to determine if your heating or cooling is the root cause. 

You notice the flame isn’t burning blue

A change in the burner colour could point to a potentially dangerous situation. For natural-gas burners, the visible flame should be blue. If you notice that the flame is yellow or any other colour, it can mean that the furnace isn’t ventilating properly, and carbon monoxide (CO) can be leaking out of the chamber. Exposure to CO can have harmful or even deadly effects on people, and it poses a serious risk of fire or combustion.

If you are moving into a house that is at least ten years old, you should invite a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) specialist to inspect the system in your house. The furnace should be in relatively good condition since it is supposed to last for at least two decades. Heating equipment is prone to wear and tear even with careful maintenance, so weigh your options carefully. Replacing your furnace sooner could save you from unnecessary expenses and improve your house’s overall energy efficiency so you can experience the long-term benefits.

Do you need assistance with furnace replacement? Our team of experts at Legacy Heating and Cooling has decades of experience with HVAC products and services in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Let us help you find the right solution for your home.