While not everyone needs a furnace in their house, it is a vital piece of appliance in a few households. For example, in homes that experience frigid winters, a furnace is a must-have to ensure the house remains a safe and comfortable place to stay even at the coldest of seasons.
That said, furnaces do not last forever. Sooner or later, they will need to be replaced, and it will cost you a hefty penny to do so. As such, it is vital to know when to do it to ensure you are making a sound investment. With that in mind, here are the signs that it is time to replace your furnace:
1. Furnace is Over 20 Years Old
Over time, furnaces undergo wear and tear that renders them inefficient and less effective in heating your house. This is even truer if you have used them more regularly than usual. For example, if you’ve used to using your furnace once in a while, maybe a couple of times a week, to now using it daily, it implies that the furnace is not working as efficiently as it was when you first bought it. If your house is not properly insulated, this can also increase the operating costs of your heater.
If you want to save money, it is best to replace your furnace when it is at least 20 years old. Furnaces that are over 20 years old are not only more expensive to repair than newer models, but they also tend to break down more often.
2. Furnace is Making Weird Noises
Furnaces produce noise to warn homeowners of any problems. While it is normal for your furnace to produce a bit of noise, if it is making a lot of noise, it could be a sign that your furnace is already at the end of its life cycle. Some of the sounds that the furnace can make include rattling, knocking, grinding, and reversing
If your furnace is making any of these sounds, it is good to have them checked by a professional. If they can’t be fixed, it is time to replace the furnace.
3. Furnace Does Not Turn on
If your furnace fails to turn on when you need it, then it is a clear signal that your furnace is already at the end of its life cycle. The problem could be due to a faulty thermostat, thermostat wires, or a faulty thermostat relay (which is fairly uncommon).
If your furnace fails to turn on, it is advisable to call an HVAC specialist to check your furnace thoroughly. If you do so, they may be able to fix your furnace. Otherwise, they will advise you to get a new one.
4. Furnace is Leaking Oil
If you notice that your furnace is leaking oil, then it means that the seals are already worn out, and there is a leak in the system. This is not to say that this is a permanent condition as you can still get them repaired, but it will be an added cost.
If the leak is really bad, though, it is a sign that it is time to replace your furnace as the cost of repair will be higher than the cost of replacement.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few signs that serve as a hint that your furnace is due for replacement. However, you don’t need to replace your furnace just because it is over 20 years old or if it is making weird noises. These are just guidelines to let you know when to replace your furnace. If you want a sure-fire way to know whether to replace the furnace or not, reach out to a professional to inspect your furnace. If they recommend a replacement, then consider doing so!
Lobo Tech offers excellent HVAC and plumbing services at affordable prices. If you are looking for furnace replacement in Santa Fe, reach out to us today!
