5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Furnace

Written By Jeffry Ahbe

There are several quick and easy ways to know when it's time to replace your gas furnace before it costs you cash or becomes unsafe. A efficiently working furnace is part of a healthy and cozy home environment. Your heating system should heat the home without using a large amount of energy or polluting the in home air quality. Knowing the warning signs of a heating system that is on the way out is important so you can avoid an all out crisis situation in your home. Learning that your furnace is no longer; working in the middle of a February blizzard could leave your family out in the cold. Denver furnace companies are often busy in the winter months and you don't want to be waiting for repairs in a cooling home.
Do you know the age of your furnace?
Knowing how old your furnace is will help you know about how much longer you should expect it to last. The average life span of a home furnace is 17-20 years. If your furnace is approaching it's late teens, you should start looking for it's replacement. Waiting until your furnace breaks down will necessitate a quick purchase which may not be right for you. One quick way to know if your furnace is getting old is to look for a pilot light. If you find one, your furnace is well past it's life span.

Has your burner flame changed color?
If you burner flame has changed from blue to yellow, it is a sign that carbon monoxide is being created by your furnace. Other possible signs carbon monoxide is present are streaks of soot around the furnace, moisture on windows and other cold surfaces, rusting on flues and appliance jacks, and leaking from the base of the chimney.


Are you hearing strange noises coming from the furnace?
Aging furnaces start to clank and bang as they get ner the end of their life. If you hear popping, squealing, or rattling coming from where your furnace is located, it may be time to replace the unit. Another sound you'll hear is the blower. The blower will run in excess or turn on and off frequently when it needs to be replaced.

Has your house become dusty and dry?
Old furnaces will not add moisture to your home. The air will feel stuffy and stale if this is the case. If your family members seem to be feeling under the weather or are suffering from pronounced allergies your aging furnace could be to blame. All these symptoms suggest that your furnace is not able to provide a comfortable living environment any longer.

Have you noticed a rise in your gas and electric bill?
Higher gas and electric bills can be a sign that your furnace is no longer running efficiently. If you have not kept up with your furnace maintenance this is sure to be a problem. Your furnace will run longer to produce the same amount of heat and as a result your electric and gas bills will go up. The money you pay in these bills every month could pay for a new furnace. More efficient furnace will keep your home comfortable and your bank account happy.

Make sure your furnace doesn't shut down in the middle of the winter. Check these five common signs of an over the hill furnace and start shopping for your new heating machine.