Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacement

Natural gas furnaces are one of the most common pieces of heating equipment used throughout the U.S. Electric furnaces follow closely, with many households in the Southeastern region using this type of heater. Despite their prevalence, though, furnaces are often misunderstood and neglected, which can cause premature breakdowns and other problems that might otherwise be avoidable. If you’ve been experiencing issues, you might wonder whether you need to invest in furnace replacement in Denver, CO. Review the following telltale signs your furnace needs replacement, and enlist help from a qualified professional to provide the necessary repairs or replacement.

Increasing Illnesses

One of the most common indicators that your furnace needs replacement is a sudden occurrence of illnesses — especially respiratory illnesses. If your home’s inhabitants start noticing asthma flare-ups or breathing problems, it’s a good indication that there’s an issue with air quality, and your furnace may be to blame. When a furnace stops functioning properly, it can circulate dust, mold, and other irritants throughout your home, thus causing a range of unsavory symptoms, including respiratory illnesses. It’s important to get your furnace repaired or replaced before your symptoms worsen.

High Furnace Age

Another indication that you may need to replace your furnace is its age. Even the most well-maintained unit will eventually require replacement, and furnaces tend to last between ten to 20 years on average. Generally speaking, when a furnace reaches 15 years old, it’s more than likely a good idea to start looking for a new one. Investing in a new furnace sooner rather than later can spare you from any gap in heater coverage and ensure that you have access to reliable and consistent heat.

High and Unexplained Utility Bills

Have your energy bills suddenly gone through the roof? Are you perplexed by the sudden increase in cost? If you’re dealing with this issue, it’s likely a symptom of a bigger problem — one that may indicate you’re in need of furnace replacement. When a furnace begins to malfunction, it often draws more electricity or gas than it would otherwise need, and this commonly causes bills to suddenly spike as the unit struggles to function. Luckily, furnace replacement can remedy the issue and bring your bills back down.

Sudden Troublesome Noises

If you’re hearing things that go bump in the night, and you’ve ruled out the possibility of monsters, your furnace may be the culprit. A failing furnace can produce a variety of frightening sounds, including animalistic growling, high-pitched whining, and noisy banging. These sounds may be addressed by simply replacing a part, or they may be an indication that you need to invest in furnace replacement. A qualified technician can assess the issue and determine the cause of the problem as well as the best solution.

Pilot/Burner Flame Color

It’s imperative that you pay attention to the color of your furnace’s pilot light. A light that’s functioning as it should be will emit a steady blue glow, indicating that the gases of your furnace are correctly balanced. Sometimes, though, a pilot/burner flame will glow yellow, which indicates that there are serious problems at hand. Yellow flame means that the gases of your furnace are not properly balanced, which can result in the emission of carbon monoxide, which is lethal to humans.

Dry Air

There are many reasons for dry air, and it’s typically more common in the winter months, but in some cases, it could indicate an issue with your furnace. This can happen when your furnace draws in air from your home’s exterior and initiates the combustion process. If your furnace isn’t functioning properly, it may draw in too much air or repeat its combustion process too frequently, causing the air in your home to quickly become uncomfortably dehumidified. A humidifier can combat the problem in the short-term, but furnace replacement may be necessary for a long-term fix.

Soot

Soot is a common byproduct of a furnace that cannot complete its combustion process. This happens when the unit cannot burn gas or generate electricity efficiently. Soot then gets deposited and circulated throughout your home through the air vents. If left unaddressed, soot can accumulate and further impede the unit’s ignition process and pose a fire hazard, too. It’s important to get a qualified technician on the job as soon as you notice any sign of soot.

Frequent Repairs

One of the most obvious signs your furnace needs replacement is a frequent need for repairs. If you’ve had to constantly call technicians to replace parts and fix issues, you’re probably spending more money on furnace repair than it would cost to invest in furnace replacement. Rather than continuously repairing a unit that’s likely on the fritz, consider whether a new furnace may ultimately save you money — in both repairs and energy costs. The answer is likely to be yes.

Poor Temperature Control

Nothing is more frustrating than a furnace that can’t be adjusted effectively. The whole point of climate control is control, but if you can’t set the temperature you want, there’s likely a bigger issue to blame. You should first try replacing air filters and ensuring that your thermostat doesn’t need new batteries, and if these steps don’t work, call in a technician to determine the root of the problem. This is one of the most common signs your furnace needs replacement.

Professional Furnace Replacement in Denver

A malfunctioning furnace isn’t just a source of frustration, it’s also a potential safety hazard. If you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned signs your furnace needs replacement, it’s important to get a technician on-site to investigate the problem and find a solution. Sometimes a simple fix or part replacement is sufficient, but in other cases, you might need to replace your unit entirely. If you do need furnace replacement, The Weather Changers can help. We offer comprehensive repair, replacement, and maintenance services for furnaces and HVAC systems throughout the greater Denver, CO, area. To schedule an appointment, you can call us at (303) 340-0077 or reach out to us online.

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