Replacing a furnace in October, on your schedule, is a lot easier than replacing it on a sub-zero night in January. These are the signs it’s time to start planning.
1. It’s 15 to 20 years old
Most furnaces last around 15 to 20 years. The age is usually on the label inside the door. Past that range, parts wear faster and efficiency lags far behind new models.
2. Repairs every winter
One repair isn’t a reason to replace. A repair every season, especially major parts like the blower motor, inducer or control board, adds up quickly.
3. Rising gas bills
If your gas use is climbing although your habits haven’t changed, the furnace may be losing efficiency. Older furnaces often run around 80% efficiency or less; high-efficiency models reach 95% or more.
4. Uneven heat and long run times
Rooms that never warm up, or a furnace that runs and runs on cold days, can mean the furnace is worn out, undersized, or fighting ductwork problems.
5. A cracked heat exchanger
A crack can let combustion gases into the airflow. If a technician finds one, replacement is usually the safe answer. Keep carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
6. Yellow flames, soot or odd smells
Burner flames should be mostly blue. Yellow, flickering flames or soot around the furnace point to combustion problems that need attention right away.
7. Strange noises that keep getting worse
Banging at startup, squealing, or grinding from the blower can be repaired, but on an old furnace they’re often the start of a series of failures.
What replacement involves
A good replacement starts with sizing the furnace to the house, not copying the old one, plus a look at venting and ductwork. Read about furnace installation in Chicago, or call (312) 924-7223 for a home assessment and a free estimate.