Your furnace is the heart of your home. Winnipeggers rely on their furnace to work well and get them through the long cold winters. If your furnace is starting to show signs of aging, it may be time to think about a replacement.
Know the signs that your furnace may need replacing with these 8 telltale-warning signs.
1. High Energy Bills
Furnaces lose efficiency as they age, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. A dirty filter might be the culprit, but rising energy bills are often an indication of deeper problems. If you’re using your furnace consistently, yet your energy costs continue to rise, it may be a sign your furnace is on its last legs.
2. Age
As they say, “all good things must come to an end”, and unfortunately this also applies to your furnace. Average furnace life spans are between 15-20 years depending on the quality and how well it’s maintained.
If your furnace is between 10-20 years old, pay close attention to unusual sounds and smells. A newer model will be safer and more energy-efficient, and replacing it on your terms will be much less stressful than an emergency fix in winter.
3. Increasing Illness
Have you or your family been increasingly unwell? If so, carbon monoxide (C02) leaks may be the cause. As your furnace ages, small cracks begin to appear, leading to colorless and odorless C02 leaking throughout your home.
Breathing carbon monoxide can mimic the symptoms of the cold and flu. In higher doses, it can lead to death. Make sure you have a working C02 detector in your home, especially if you have an older furnace.
4. Strange noises
Are you hearing strange popping, clanking, rattling noises coming from your furnace? If so, that’s a sign it may be time for a replacement.
If caught early enough, noises can be fixed by booking a trained HVAC repair specialist.
5. Pilot frame changes color
Your pilot light should be a strong bright blue flame. If you see a yellow, flickering, or weak pilot light, that means the gas is not burning properly. This could simply mean your furnace isn’t running efficiently, but the danger is that carbon monoxide gas is not being properly vented outside.
6. Poor temperature control
If you’re finding it hard to control the temperature or experience hot and cold spots throughout the home, you should have an HVAC technician come out for an inspection as soon as possible.
Constantly adjusting the thermostat is a good indication your furnace is having trouble properly distributing the air throughout your home. Your tech will be able to tell you if it’s a problem with the furnace or the thermostat.
7. Frequent repairs needed
Furnaces are like cars – as they age they require more frequent repairs. If you’ve had multiple service calls (repairs, not annual check-ups) within the past 2 years, it’s likely time to start thinking about a replacement.
8. Excessive dirt, dust, or soot
An older furnace will struggle more to clean the air in your home. A struggling system will leave more dust, pollen, and mold in the air, which can trigger more severe allergies for anyone who has them.
Changing your filter may help temporarily, but the ductwork and blower are also responsible for filtering the air. If you notice a lot of dust or soot call your HVAC technician.
The function of your furnace should never be taken lightly. Problems with your furnace are not just a risk to your wallet; it’s a risk to the health and safety of you and your family.
It’s especially important to have annual check-ups by a certified Winnipeg HVAC technician if your furnace is over 10 years old or you are experiencing any of the warning signs above.
If you think your furnace may need replacing or need furnace repair, book an appointment online, or call Lynn’s today to schedule your free estimate.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FURNACES? READ THESE RELATED ARTICLES:
- Furnace FAQs
- Common Ways Furnaces Break & How to Prevent It
- What You Should Know About Your Home Furnace
Greetings, I’m Dallas. I’m a small business owner living in Winnipeg, MB, Canada and operate Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg: Heating Cooling Sewer & Drain.
Lynn’s HVAC Winnipeg plumbing, heating, cooling is a small family owned and operated business since 1980. We pride ourselves on quality work completed by licensed technicians. We believe our outstanding customer service sets us apart from other Winnipeg residential plumbing, heating and cooling companies. Experience the difference and be a part of the Lynn’s family! “We provide comfort at your door!”
Services we provide:
– HVAC repair, – AC repair & install, – Furnace repair & install, – Hot water tanks, – Water heaters, – Clogged drains & sewage, – Plumbing
Areas we serve:
Winnipeg, Oakbank, Beausejour, La Salle, Ile Des Chênes, Stonewall, Niverville, Gimli, Ste. Francois Xavier, Landmark, Selkirk, Steinbach, Stony Mountain, Winnipeg Beach, Lorette & More!
