What are the most common issues with a furnace?
The most common issues we see with a furnace are the ones that should be checked on every year right before the cold months when you'd use your furnace. If you get it checked out once a year, you can prevent costly repairs or even replacements in the future, and while there is a typical lifespan on a furnace, you can make it last its longest by making sure it's all taken care of by a licensed and insured professional HVAC technician.
Dirty filters
One of the most common issues with a furnace is a dirty filter filled with dust. If the filter gets clogged, it can make the furnace work a lot harder than it should warm the home, and that will cost more in your electricity bills and make your furnace break down and work less efficiently, making it stop working much faster than usual.
Flickering pilot light
If your pilot light is flickering or won't turn on, it could mean there's too much carbon monoxide going into your house, which can be a dangerous or even fatal situation. Make sure to call your local technician immediately if you're noticing your pilot light isn't working correctly.
Cracked heat exchanger
Your heat exchanger is a device that keeps your furnace running safely. It separates the flames from your air, so if you're smelling any kind of burning smell, definitely call a technician right away. A cracked heat exchanger can turn into a fatal situation if it isn't addressed as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the only solution is to replace the heat exchanger, but it will happen at one point when you have a furnace, and it has to be replaced to keep it running safely.
When should you replace your furnace?
A furnace can last anywhere from 15-30 years. It all depends on how well the furnace is taken care of. There are a few signs to look out for to know if your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan.
The make and model
Some models run better than other ones do. Do your research to find the best one for your home and where you live, or ask a local furnace technician for their advice.
Age
Since some models run better than others, some are made to last a lot longer. So it depends on the brand and how old it is. Again, ask a local furnace technician to come to check out your furnace if you're worried about the age.
Professional installation
Did a professional install your furnace? If not, you can face a lot of problems down the road because usually if it isn't done by a professional, it breaks codes and policies and could void the warranty. Make sure to get your furnace installed by a licensed and insured professional.
Preventative maintenance
Make sure to get your furnace checked out once a year. Your local furnace technician can come to your home and make sure the pilot light, heat exchanger, and all the other moving pieces are working correctly and safely. It's better to pay for the small cost of preventative service rather than the large costs when something breaks.
Do I have to replace my furnace? Can I do it myself?
There are factors you have to consider when thinking about replacing your furnace. For example, as your furnace ages, it becomes less efficient at heating your home, which means it works harder each year, and that can make your electricity bills higher. However, is it worth spending the money on a new furnace? Will that upfront cost save you money on your electricity bills? Only you can answer that. Also, as new technology comes out, there might be a better model than your current one that is more efficient and heats your home easier, saving you significantly more money on your energy bills. This could be a reason to replace it, but it all comes down to savings and safety.
We recommend you don't try to replace your furnace on your own. There are codes and policies to follow that a licensed furnace technician knows and is trained to do. This ensures your home is safe, and that's important when dealing with a machine that emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if it isn't installed correctly. Call 1-800-Plumber +Air or your local technician to help you replace your furnace!
Call Us 1-800-Plumber +Air
If you're having furnace problems or think you may need to replace your furnace, give us a call at 1-800-Plumber +Air. It doesn't have to be a headache to handle yourself, we're here to help you and treat your home like it's our own.
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