Is Your Furnace Telling You It Is Time to be Replaced?

Furnaces can last 10-20 years, sometimes even longer, but they do eventually need to be replaced. With ongoing repairs, a furnace may continue working, but that is not necessarily the best option. Replacing your furnace may be a major expense, but it can save you money in the long run. Your furnace may already be alerting you that it needs to be replaced. Here are some of the signs:

  • More noise. If your furnace is getting noisier each year, even with regular tune-ups, it may be trying to tell you it is time for new heating system. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it is unlikely to quiet down with service, but the noise lets you know it is coming to the end of its lifespan.
  • Soot or rust around vents. Older furnaces that use fuel tend to create more CO2 that can lead to rust and soot in your ducts and around your vents. This can affect your home’s air quality, as well as drying out the materials in your home.
  • Higher energy bills. Does your heating bill go up every year? It may not be just higher fuel or energy costs; your furnace may be less efficient. Newer furnaces are more efficient and can help you pay for your new model over a few years of lower heating bills.
  • More repairs. If you are on a first-name basis with your furnace repairman, it may be time to replace your furnace. Repairs can keep your furnace running, but in the long run, it will cost you more.

If these signs are occurring with your furnace, talk to your local HVAC contractor about the new options available. You can save money off your monthly heating bill and have fewer repairs with the purchase of a newer, more efficient furnace for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

Making the Repair or Replace Decision

As your home’s central heating and air conditioning system starts to age, breakdowns and repairs become inevitable.  The temptation is to continue repairing your system until your HVAC technician declares that the system is finished.  After all, no one is eager to spend the money for a new heating and air conditioning system when the existing system can be repaired for much less.

However, in many cases repairing your old HVAC system is a case of “penny wise, pound foolish”.  First, an HVAC system can be expected to last about 15 years. If your system is more than 10 years old, consider the current repair as a sign that the future holds more breakdowns and repairs.  Don’t assume that you will get another 10 to 15 years of trouble free service out of the unit.

In addition, modern heating and air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than those sold 10 to 15 years ago.  Increased efficiency means lower heating and cooling costs year after year.  These savings alone can offset a significant portion of the cost of a new HVAC system. 

Finally, consider the cost of the air conditioner or furnace repair.  A relatively inexpensive repair to a system that’s less than 10 years old and has otherwise proven reliable is probably a cost effective solution, but you should give serious consideration to a new HVAC installation before spending money on expensive repairs to a system of any age and especially before paying for anything more than the most minor repairs to an older heating and cooling system. 

When in doubt, talk to your HVAC contractor or technician.  They can help you decide if your old system is worth fixing or if a new energy efficient HVAC system makes financial sense.

Heat Exchanger Replacement

One of the most frustrating repairs to your gas furnace is a cracked heat exchanger.  In many cases, the furnace seems to be working properly, and the cracked heat exchanger is found during routine service by your HVAC technician.  Other times, the cracked heat exchanger is found when the gas company turns on service to the residence.

Homeowners often understandably question whether a repair is really necessary since often the furnace otherwise works normally.  Unfortunately, it is dangerous to use a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger because it can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

A gas furnace heats your home by burning natural gas or propane.  In addition to creating heat, the combustion process produces various gasses including deadly carbon monoxide.  The heat exchanger extracts the heat from the combustion process while allowing the combustion gasses to be safely exhausted out of your home.

When there is a crack or hole in the heat exchanger, there is a danger that carbon monoxide will leak into your home.  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that is toxic to humans.  Every year, hundreds of Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by having the cracked heat exchanger replaced or by replacing the furnace.  If you have concerns about whether your heat exchanger is cracked, have it inspected by  a reputable local HVAC contractor with experience in furnace repair and replacement.  Your HVAC technician will be able to identify a cracked heat exchanger and review your options with you.  Replacing a cracked heat exchanger can be expensive, but it is necessary for the safety of you and your family.