6 Tell-Tale Signs of a Failing Furnace

How do I know my furnace is about to retire? We’re glad you asked. As your reliable heating company in White Bear Lake MN, Four Seasons Air Specialists gives you six warning signs your furnace needs to rest permanently.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

If anyone in your family suffers from allergies caused by airborne dust, pollen, mold, or viruses, it indicates that you have poor indoor air quality. Old furnaces usually are unable to moisturize and clean your indoor air. Not only does this issue trigger allergies, but it also affects your overall health. Polluted indoor air negatively impacts other body organs such as the throat, nose, and even the lungs.

Uneven Heating

Are you noticing that some rooms are warmer than the rest? If so, it means your furnace has a hard time distributing heated air evenly throughout your home. While duct complications can cause this problem, you can’t negate the fact that your old furnace no longer has the power to evenly heat your home.

Repeated Repairs

Just like an old car, an aging furnace tends to work with worn-out parts. Therefore, it begins to show signs of inefficiency. When repairs are slowly becoming the new normal for you, this could indicate your existing furnace is due for a replacement soon. It means that the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced at any time.

Typically, furnaces require more repairs in the last two years of their life. The problem is, the older the furnace, the harder it is to find replacement parts. So, if you notice a rise in the frequency of repairs, investing in a new furnace might be a better choice than trying to keep up with a deteriorating heating system.

Unexplained Increase in Utility Costs

It is quite normal for you to have higher heating bills when fuel prices go up. However, that may not be the only reason why your costs skyrocket during winter. As a furnace gets older, it tends to lose efficiency, causing it to run longer to give you that warm, toasty feeling. This extended operation uses more energy and as a result, you have to pay more to get your desired temperature. Trying to hold on to your old furnace is essentially wasting money, so it’s best to start shopping for a newer, more efficient model.

Sickness in the Family

Older furnaces usually develop cracks in the heat exchanger, the part that passes heat from the burner into the air. These cracks can result in the leakage of carbon monoxide, a rather harmful gas.

For this reason, experts recommend having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home, which will alert you of the amount of this deadly gas on your premises.

If there has been a leak of this dangerous gas in your home, you will show symptoms like headaches, nausea, disorientation, irritation of the skin and eyes, and other signs of illness. Opening your windows can help air out your home but it is not enough to completely get rid of the problem. It is vitally important to call a heating technician immediately to seal up the leaks and make the necessary repairs to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, keep in mind that the heat exchanger is a particularly expensive part to repair or replace. In case you have an aging furnace, your heating expert may suggest investing in a new unit instead, which will guarantee your family’s safety.

Excessive Noises

It is natural for a furnace to produce sound while it is working, but if the sound starts to get considerably louder, it may be a tell-tale sign that the unit is about to retire. These noises indicate problems in certain components of your furnace. For example, if you hear popping sounds, it may be because of a delayed rough ignition due to dirty burners or a loose or dirty filter getting pulled against its frame, or a loose blower door.  If you hear a rattling noise, it may be due to unsecured ductwork, loose screws, or sheet metal. It may also mean the blower motor is not properly balanced.

Whatever the cause of excessive sounds, experiencing these issues may mean replacing your furnace much sooner than later.

Need Help? Ask Four Seasons Air Specialists

To know for certain your existing heating system needs an upgrade, give us a call. We are your trusted Dellwood heating and air conditioning installation company.