For the most part, furnaces are pieces of equipment that are built to last for several years. Unfortunately, they will ultimately stop working at some point. But the consolation is that before they officially retire, furnaces exhibit several signs, telling you to start looking for a replacement.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading heating company in Burnsville MN. We offer an array of Lennox furnaces, which are regarded as some of the best in the industry.
The Health and Safety Risks of an Old, Inefficient Furnace
The risk of operating an old, inefficient furnace is directly related to its age and heat source. Old gas furnaces, particularly the poorly maintained ones, are at a high risk of releasing carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. Carbon monoxide is proven to be fatal, especially when a person is exposed to significant amounts over an extended period.
Since your heating system circulates heated air throughout your home, it can also carry with it deadly amounts of carbon monoxide without you even knowing it. Due to the fact that this gas is odorless, it’s not very easy to identify whether your ductwork leaks or not.
This article aims to help you spot a failing furnace. Here are some symptoms you should watch out for.
Subpar Heating
If your thermostat is set at 68 degrees, but you only get 66 degrees or so, it could mean that your furnace is overheating and shutting itself off before your home is warm enough. It’s also possible that the furnace is losing its heating power due to several aging and malfunctioning components.
Unaccountable Increase in Heating Costs
Old furnaces have AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings that are below the current standard. Also, they function with old parts that consume more energy than usual.
If you see an unusual growth in your heating bills without a reciprocal increase in usage, it could mean that you’re running a failing furnace. Check your heating costs from last year’s fall and winter and compare them with your current ones. Take note of the amount of energy your furnace is using and cross-check it with the difference in dollar amount between bills. This will give you a clue on how your furnace has been performing lately.
Frequent Repairs
When a furnace tends to fail and require repairs more often, it could be an indication of a failing unit. At this point, you must consider the cost-benefit ratio of continuing to revitalize an aging furnace against the purchase of a new, better performing system. Most HVAC experts discourage continued repairs when the cost is close to half of the current value of the unit. You can invest that money in a new system instead. With the help of a heating professional, please do the math to determine whether it’s more practical to repair or replace. Also, it would be best if you considered that finding replacement parts for older furnaces is often a hit and miss.
Extreme Sounds Produced by the Furnace
If your furnace is running smoothly, it should create minimal sounds. However, when it begins to make excessive noises while running, it could mean certain parts are failing, or the entire system needs replacing. Some of the most common noises include popping, rattling, hissing, humming, and screeching. Here are some of the causes of each sound your furnace could be making:
- A dirty furnace burner can cause popping. A buildup of dirt can keep the burner from igniting immediately
- Rattling can be due to a cracked heat exchanger, which is the leading cause of carbon monoxide leaks. If this is the case, you should contact a qualified HVAC professional right away
- Hissing sounds can be caused by a leak somewhere in the ductwork, which means too much of your heated air is going to places where it is needed
- Screeching sounds indicate a damaged blower motor or the inducer motor is wearing out. This problem can also be due to a misaligned blower motor
Ask The Heating Pros
To help you identify a failing furnace, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We have teams of highly capable HVAC professionals who can detect any furnace malfunction and offer appropriate solutions. We are your trusted Shakopee furnace installation company.