4 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Furnace

A furnace in good working order is key to a comfortable home in the winter, as well as a healthy HVAC system and reasonable electricity bills. While some furnace problems can easily be repaired, over time your furnace may gradually break down until it simply makes the most sense to replace it altogether. Here are four signs it's time to replace your furnace:

It Sounds Like You Live in a Haunted House

A properly functioning furnace should be reasonably quiet, even if it's on the older side. If, on the other hand, every time you turn the heat on you are greeted with loud banging, rattling, or other scary sounds, you may need a new heater. As heater components break down, furnaces will begin making strange noises.

Your Utility Bills Are Out of Control

Another common sign that it's time to replace the furnace is when you find your monthly heating bills becoming unusually large even though your utility company hasn't had a major rate increase. When a furnace is near the end of its lifespan, it becomes much less efficient than it should be. This means you need to use much more heat than before just to experience a basic degree of comfort in your home. Between lower electric bills and fewer costly repairs, a new furnace can save you a lot of money after the initial investment.

Your Home is Unevenly Heated

If everything is going well with your heating system, turning the heat on should result in relatively uniform heat and comfort throughout the home. If the heat from your furnace only seems to leave certain areas of your home warm, with pockets or areas of cold air elsewhere, it is definitely a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected by an expert.

Repairs are Becoming Frequent

It's not unusual to occasionally need heating repair, but if these visits from the repair technician have become a common and frequent occurrence, it may be time for a replacement. A furnace on its last legs will stop working or have problems on an increasingly frequent basis. You may be able to have the problems temporarily repaired, but this is only delaying the inevitable until your furnace must be replaced.  

If your furnace is exhibiting a combination of these signs, it is time to have it inspected by a heating repair expert in order to discuss your replacement options.