Blog

There are usually signs that precede the failure of a furnace, especially if it is reaching the end of its lifespan as a result of old age or overuse. By watching out for early signs, you can take preventative measures against premature furnace malfunction. Regular servicing may extend the life of your furnace and delay the onset of these issues.

In some cases, it is just time to replace your furnace. Repairs will not return it to optimal efficiency, and you may be sinking money into maintaining it. 

Keeping an eye out for signs can help to prepare you for when it's time to look into new furnace installation, and our team of technicians here at Home Air Services is ready to help when this is the case.

1. Old Age
   The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years if it's been well-maintained and serviced regularly. Older furnaces may require more frequent repairs and may be less efficient overall. This is partly because older furnace varieties are not upgraded and do not compare to newer units. However, most furnaces begin to lose efficiency after a certain amount of time has passed. If your furnace is nearing or past the 15-year mark, it is likely time to consider replacement furnace installation.
   
   
2. Constant Repairs
   If you have to schedule constant repairs for your furnace, even over seemingly insignificant issues, it may be time to consider a replacement. Repairs are necessary for all heating and cooling units, but you should not be repairing them constantly or more frequently than once every few years.
   
   This is especially true if you are repairing a recurring issue with your furnace. Most furnaces have more recurring repair issues when they are nearing the end of their lifespan. It is also likely a better financial investment to look into furnace installation than to continue to pay for repairs.
   
   
3. Strange Sounds
   Strange sounds like rattling may indicate moving or loosening parts in your furnace. This can quickly become a hazard, especially if they are near the combustion chamber or cause the unit to have issues heating your home.
   
   
4. Burner Flame Color
   Your natural gas burner flames should be burning blue to indicate that combustion is happening safely. If the flames appear to be yellow or orange, or they shift to yellow or orange, this may indicate that there is something wrong with the combustion, and it should be looked at by a technician as soon as possible. 
   
   Other colors, like orange or green, can indicate that cleaning is required, but if left unchecked, they can escalate to more serious issues. If you repeatedly notice yellow-orange flames, it may be time to consider a replacement.
   
   
5. Moisture Buildup
   If you notice moisture around your furnace, at the minimum, you should schedule servicing, but it also may indicate that it is nearing the end of its lifespan. Moisture buildup can happen as a result of issues with the humidifier or a clogged filter or drain within the unit. Excess moisture also compromises the efficiency of your unit, which may slowly inflate utility costs over time.
   
   
6. Utility Bill Increases
   As your furnace reaches the end of its life, it can require more repairs and break down more frequently. Less efficient furnaces consume more energy to heat your home, wasting money in the process. The reduced efficiency results in increased utility bills, even if you are not changing your typical heating habits.
   
   

Other issues with your furnace that can cause utility costs to skyrocket include:

• Short cycling resulting in overconsumption of power
• Poor insulation
• Leaking ductwork
• Clogged air filters

     7.  Difficulty Maintaining Temperature
        As the weather gets colder, additional heat will be needed to keep your house at an ideal temperature.            You can expect increased use of the furnaces during these months, but if you are repeatedly having to            turn it on to get the heat to increase, it may be time to consider furnace replacement.

Difficulty reaching certain temperatures or maintaining temperature isn’t ideal and can indicate that your unit is beyond repair, especially if it used to have no trouble keeping your home comfortable.

Signs your furnace is not maintaining temperature include:

• Cold spots throughout the home
• Constantly adjusting the thermostat
• Short cycling

Furnace Installation and Repair Technicians in the DMV

If you’re ready to put an end to endless repairs and less-than-stellar furnace performance, new furnace installation may be right for you. With Home Air Services, we can help you assess your options and find the most efficient furnace repair or replacement for you. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (301) 812-3906 today.