It’s difficult to say how often home furnaces break down because it can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the age and condition of the furnace, how well it has been maintained, and the quality of the installation.
In general, furnaces tend to last an average of 15-20 years, but some may last longer if they are well-maintained and regularly serviced. If your furnace is starting to show signs of wear and tear, such as increased noise levels or reduced heating efficiency, it may be time to have it inspected by a professional.
Qualified furnace repair with Summers can help you determine the condition of your furnace and recommend any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Here are some signs and signals your furnace is on the fritz!
4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
The Age of Your Furnace
On average, furnaces last for 15-20 years. However, the actual lifespan of a furnace can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the installation, the type of furnace, and how well it has been maintained.
Some signs that your furnace may be failing include increased noise levels, reduced heating efficiency, frequent cycling on and off, and an increase in your heating bills.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your furnace inspected by a professional to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Sudden Sky High Heating Bills
A failing furnace can increase your heating bills for a few reasons.
First, a furnace that is not working properly may have to run for longer periods of time in order to heat your home, which can increase your energy consumption and result in higher bills.
Second, a furnace that is not operating efficiently may not be able to heat your home as effectively, which means that you may have to run your heating system for longer periods of time in order to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Lastly, a failing furnace may be losing heat through gaps or cracks in the system, which can also cause your heating bills to increase.
Inconsistent Heating at Home
A failed furnace may heat inconsistently for a number of reasons.
For example, a faulty ignition system or a clogged air filter can prevent the furnace from heating evenly, causing some rooms to be warmer than others.
In some cases, a failing furnace may be losing heat through gaps or cracks in the system, which can also cause inconsistent heating. On top of all that, a furnace that is not properly sized for your home may struggle to heat all the rooms evenly, leading to inconsistencies in the temperature.
Obvious Signs of Damage, Wear or Tear
Some obvious signs of wear and tear on a furnace include:
- Increased noise levels. A furnace that is making more noise than usual, such as banging, clanging, or whistling, may be experiencing mechanical problems or wearing out.
- Reduced heating efficiency. If your furnace is taking longer to heat your home or is unable to maintain a comfortable temperature, it may be losing efficiency due to wear and tear.
- Frequent cycling on and off. If your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it may be struggling to keep up with your heating demands.
- Visible damage. If you can see any physical damage, such as rust or cracks, on your furnace, it may be a sign that it is wearing out.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re noticing any trouble with your furnace, it might be a good idea to call in the experts to diagnose, repair, or replace your heating hardware.
When hiring a furnace repair expert, there are a few things you should look for to ensure that you get the best service possible.
First, make sure that the technician is experienced and has the appropriate qualifications to work on your type of furnace. You can check with your local licensing agency to verify the technician’s credentials.
Second, ask for references from previous customers to get an idea of the technician’s work quality and customer service.
Finally, make sure that the technician is insured in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the course of the job.
