
When the temperatures begin to drop, the last thing you want is for your trusty furnace to break down and leave your Georgia home in the cold. The best way to prevent these unexpected furnace failures is to know the signs that your heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. Being proactive and catching these signs early on helps you schedule replacement before your furnace gives out.
Keep reading to discover the top signs you need a new furnace and explore the benefits of making an upgrade.
How Long Does a Furnace Last? Understanding the Average Lifespan
With proper maintenance, the average life of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years. Several factors will determine its actual lifespan, including:
- Size: If your system is too big or too small for your home, it will endure increased stress, which causes faster wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.
- Installation quality: Always hire a reputable HVAC professional to install your furnace. Improper installation may result in poorly sized or sealed ductwork, incorrectly installed fuel lines, and a malfunctioning drainage system, which can reduce the furnace’s lifespan.
- Maintenance frequency: Annual furnace maintenance is essential to the function and lifespan of your furnace. Neglecting tune-ups will cause costly repairs and early breakdown of your system,
- Thermostat settings: Setting your thermostat significantly above or below the recommended temperatures will cause your system to run more frequently, reducing its lifespan.
Key Signs You Need a New Furnace
If your furnace is nearing the end of its service life, it’s best to start thinking about your replacement options. An aging or worn furnace can cause your bills to skyrocket and your home comfort to diminish. However, age isn’t the only indicator that it’s time to replace your furnace. Below are several other key signs you might be due for an upgrade.
Inadequate Heating
Your furnace’s number one job is to keep your home warm when the temperatures drop. If your thermostat is set correctly and your unit still can’t seem to keep up with your heating needs, it’s time for a replacement.
Rising Energy Bills
As your furnace ages, its energy efficiency naturally decreases, causing it to work harder to produce the same results. If you notice your utility bills are slowly increasing even though your usage habits have stayed the same, your heater could be the culprit.
Poor Airflow
If you place your hand on your vents and notice little air coming out, your furnace’s blower motor or filter may be faulty. While a dirty filter is relatively easy to fix, a defective blower motor often makes furnace replacement more cost-effective than repair.
Uneven Heating
The temperature in each room of your home should typically be within one to three degrees of each other. If some rooms are significantly colder than others, your furnace is likely struggling to do its job, signaling that it may be on its last legs.
Improper Cycling
Your furnace should turn on when your home falls below the set temperature and turn off when it produces enough heat to reach it. If your unit constantly cycles on and off without reaching the desired temperature, there’s likely a serious underlying issue that may require replacement.
Frequent Repairs
Over time, your furnace’s components will begin to wear, making them more prone to malfunction or failure. If you constantly have to schedule furnace repair due to broken parts, improper cycling, or other issues, it may be more cost-effective to replace your furnace.
Poor Air Quality
Furnaces have filtration systems that remove contaminants from the air. If you notice an excessive amount of dust, dirt, or debris floating around your home, check the filter. If you don’t see any clogs, your furnace may no longer be operating correctly.
Visible Damage
Perform a visual inspection of your furnace at least once every couple of months. If you notice cracks, rust, or corrosion on the unit, contact an HVAC technician to determine if the damage is severe enough to require replacement.
Strange Noises
Your furnace should generally be quite silent. If you hear popping, rattling, banging, clicking, or other strange noises coming from the unit, there’s likely an underlying issue that requires attention. While repair may solve some problems, others may warrant replacement.
Why an Old Furnace Can Be More Expensive to Keep
While you may be trying to avoid the initial investment of a new furnace, keeping an old one may cost you more in the long run. Aging furnaces naturally become less energy-efficient with age, causing them to increase your usage while producing the same results. You’ll see your utility bills slowly begin to rise even though your heating needs haven’t changed.
An older furnace may also cost you more in repair bills. Over time, your furnace’s internal and external components begin to break down, resulting in more extensive and frequent repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, you may spend more on repairing your old furnace than upgrading to a new one.
Benefits of Upgrading to a New Furnace
By upgrading to a new, energy-efficient furnace, you’ll see benefits to your home, health, and wallet. Some of the top perks you’ll notice include:
- Improved energy efficiency: Installing a high-efficiency furnace means using less energy while maintaining the same warmth throughout your home. Modern units use less fuel to produce heat, reducing energy usage and bills.
- Enhanced home comfort: Upgrading to a new furnace means you won’t have to worry about uneven or inconsistent heating throughout your home. It’ll maintain a comfortable temperature without cold spots or fluctuations.
- Improved indoor air quality: Modern furnaces often feature advanced filtration systems that remove more dust, allergens, and contaminants from your air.
- Fewer repair bills: With a new, high-functioning heating system working to warm your home, you won’t have to worry about frequent or costly repairs in the near future.
- Advanced features: Modern furnaces often have special features such as programmable thermostats, zoning options, smart controls, and modulating burners that offer enhanced convenience and home comfort.
Call Ricky Heath for Furnace Replacement!
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your aging furnace, contact the team at Ricky Heath for expert furnace replacement. From selecting a new unit to final testing, our fully licensed technicians will handle the process from start to finish. We’ll discuss your house size, budget, and heating needs to find the best unit for your Georgia home.
Call us or book online to schedule your furnace replacement in Macon or surrounding areas today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new furnace cost?
The cost of a new furnace will depend on the make, size, and model you choose. Our team will work with you to find a unit that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Can I replace just the furnace, or do I need a complete HVAC system?
You can often replace your furnace without upgrading the entire HVAC system. However, if your current HVAC is nearing the end of its service life, it may be more cost-effective to bundle the replacement.
What efficiency ratings should I look for in a new furnace?
It’s best to look for a furnace with an AFUE rating above 90%. While these high-efficiency models may require a significant upfront investment, they help you save over time by minimizing energy consumption.
How long does furnace installation take?
Furnace installation typically takes four to eight hours. Our expertly trained technicians will work efficiently to reduce downtime and get your new system up and running as soon as possible.