It is important to know the eight warning signs that your furnace needs to be replaced before it costs you an ample amount of money or becomes unsafe. You do not want to wait until crisis occurs, especially when the crisis occurs on a cold night in January and you are trying to assess your heating system while attempting to stay warm. Heatmasters heating contractors are here in Chicago to help you install, repair, and help you assess your heating system before crisis occurs.
How old is your furnace?
An easy starting point is to compare your furnace’s age to the national average. The average life expectancy of a furnace in homes today is between 16 and 20 years old, so if your furnace is close to this age or older you should begin looking for a new one. Keep in mind shopping for a replacement in an emergency situation does not allow you to make a well thought out decision.
Gas & Electric Bills Going Up?
Rising gas and electric prices are not the only reason for high bills, this can signal that your furnace is losing efficiency with age and may be running longer to compensate or provide the same amount of heat. This will cause your gas and electric bill to go up.
Any Furnace Repairs in the last 2 years?
Furnaces are similar to cars, as they get older you can replace one part only to have to replace another part in a month or a year. furnaces have the most breakdowns during the last two years of their lives, our heat contractors in Chicago can help with these repairs, however, they will also help you determine if the repair is even worth it or if it is time for a new furnace.
Does your thermostat keep you comfortable?
Do you feel that some rooms in your home are too cold while others are too hot? Are you always having to readjust your thermostat? This is a sign that your furnace is lacking the ability to properly distribute air to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Is your burner flame yellow instead of blue?
A yellow or flickering flame may be a sign that poisonous carbon monoxide could be created by your furnace. Other signs of carbon monoxide include, but are not limited to: streaks of soot around your furnace, absence of upward draft in your chimney, excess moisture found on windows, walls or other cold surfaces or rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from the outside.
Is your furnace making strange noises?
Old furnaces make noises as they start nearing the end of their life, these include banging, popping, rattling or squealing. Another noise when you hear your furnace blower running excessively, if it turns on and off frequently or blows cold air occasionally these are all signs you need a new furnace.
How have you & your family been feeling?
Furnaces as they age can develop cracks in the heat exchanger inside of your furnace. Carbon monoxide, if present, could leak into your house undetected. Signs of this may be frequent headaches, a burning feeling in your nose or eyes, nausea, disorientation or flu-like symptoms. Should you experience an of these, open a window to the furnace room, air out your house and call one of our heat contractors serving all areas surrounding Chicago.
Is your house dry or dusty?
Old furnaces often lack the ability to moisturize and clean the air in your house. It may feel stale or stuffy. Signs may include dust accumulation, static shocks, dropping plants, furniture cracking and musical instruments that don’t stay in tune.
