Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace?

Furnaces are the heart of every home. They keep you warm when it’s cold out, and they facilitate cool air for any central air conditioning system you have. Taking care of your furnace will help it last a long time, but it won’t help it live forever. Do you know when it’s time to replace your furnace? A few helpful tips show you when.

Age

Most furnaces are not made to last beyond ten years. In fact, it’s recommended that the furnace be replaced as often as your roof so that you remember to replace them both at the same time. If you don’t know how old the furnace is but you have lived in your home for at least five years, it may be time to replace it. An HVAC technician can tell you how old it is during a standard annual maintenance visit.

Noise That Can’t Be Fixed

A furnace that rattles and bangs and can’t be fixed should be replaced. It means that internal parts are worn out, and some parts are no longer made. It might even be that the casing is damaged and irreplaceable. Replacing it is the only sound option.

Constant Burning Smells

Every furnace creates a funky odor when it is first turned on in fall. Oil and wood burning furnaces will always smell the way they do, but if you have an electric or gas furnace, it shouldn’t smell like it’s burning all the time. If it constantly smells like your home is burning down or smells like you have a gas leak, turn it off and replace it.

Doesn’t Run No Matter What

A furnace that refuses to run even when you replace suspected parts is no longer a functional appliance. When it doesn’t run no matter what, it’s time to go. Don’t bemoan its removal as your HVAC technician will install something much better and more energy efficient than what you have.

Judah Byman