Furnace don’t last forever. Even the best unit is going to fail at some point, and there are some signs you can watch for that indicate yours is nearing the end of its useful life. This post will highlight some red flags that should cause you to reach out for help.
When you need an HVAC technician for heating repair or any other type of project, Green Apple Mechanical should always be at the top of your list. Call today to get help with any HVAC, plumbing or electrical issue.
Your Furnace is More Than 12 Years Old
You don’t have to automatically replace a furnace just because it is getting old, but you should understand that it’s not going to last forever. As your furnace starts to enter the 12–20-year age range, it’s likely that breakdowns will start to occur, and more and more money will be required to keep the unit running. Instead of paying for those repairs, you might just want to have it replaced.
Rising Heating Bills Without Explanation
Are your energy bills going up despite not making any changes to the thermostat settings? It’s likely that your furnace is becoming less efficient and is having to use more energy to get the same results.
Frequent Repairs Become the Norm
Having your furnace repaired one time is perfectly normal and not a big deal. If the repairs just keep coming, however, and you have to deal with downtime while the system is waiting to be fixed, it gets harder and harder to justify sticking with the old unit moving forward.
Uneven Temperature in the Home
A quality furnace does an excellent job of keeping a house at a steady, stable temperature throughout. Have you been noticing that your home is warmer in some areas than others? If those differences are dramatic, it could be that your furnace is no longer up to the task at hand.
Loud or Unusual Noises
Furnaces shouldn’t make much noise while they run. If yours has gotten quite loud, including banging or rattling noises, those sounds could be signs of trouble. The furnace might still be running now, but don’t be surprised if something goes wrong in the near future.
Increased Humidity Issues or Stuffiness
A furnace that’s struggling to operate efficiently may fail to properly regulate humidity levels in your home. You might notice increased condensation on windows, a persistent musty smell, or air that feels heavy and uncomfortable. On the flip side, an aging furnace can also cause excessively dry air that leads to static electricity, dry skin, and respiratory discomfort. These humidity problems occur when the furnace can no longer maintain consistent airflow and temperature regulation throughout your home.
Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame
In a properly functioning gas furnace, the burner flame should be blue and steady. If you notice the flame has turned yellow or orange, or if it flickers and dances around, that’s a serious warning sign. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which may produce carbon monoxide a dangerous, odorless gas. This is not only a sign that your furnace is failing, but it’s also a safety hazard that requires immediate Green Apple Mechanical professional attention. If you observe this issue, contact a Green Apple HVAC professional right away. Also, make sure your CO detectors are operational and are tested regularly to help keep you safe.
Short Cycling or Running Constantly
Your furnace should come on and off at a fairly regular pace. If it is switching on and off very quickly, or if it just seems to run forever with no end in sight, that’s another sign that something is wrong.
Green Apple Mechanical and Plumbing are the experts you can trust. We have been serving the New Jersey area for years with professionalism and expertise. Customer service and care are always our number one priority. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of your HVAC or plumbing needs call today toll-free at 888-611-7191
