Like any major household appliance, your furnace isn’t designed to last forever. On average, a typical furnace has a lifespan of around 15-20 years, after which it no longer provides efficient heating for your home. While there’s no way to know your furnace’s definitive expiration date in advance, there are several signs of impending failure you can keep an eye out. The experts at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating explain four of the most common signs below.
1. Your House Feels Chilly
Do you often feel a chill inside your house, despite setting your thermostat to a comfortable temperature? Are certain rooms warm and others cold? If so, it’s likely time to start considering furnace replacement.
In some cases, ducting leaks that you’re unaware of or a malfunctioning thermostat may be the cause behind your chillier-than-normal home. However, if you perform an inspection and can’t seem to find an explanation for the chill, chances are your furnace is past its prime.
To find out what’s going on, schedule an inspection with a furnace repair specialist. A professional can find the root of the problem and advise you on your options.
2. Unusually High Heating Bills
Has your monthly electric or gas bill gone up? Your furnace is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home, which means it may be the culprit behind the extra expense. Take a look at your bills from the previous year — were they considerably less expensive? If so, a furnace replacement may be on the horizon.
That said, furnace inefficiency can also be the result of improper maintenance, in which case, furnace repairs should remedy the problem. You’ll need to talk with a furnace repair specialist to find out what’s really going on.
Keep in mind, though, that depending on the projected cost of any necessary furnace repairs, it may make more financial sense to replace the unit instead. If your furnace is well aged, this is especially true since you’ll likely end up replacing it in the near future anyway.
3. Odd Smells During Furnace Operation
When you stand next to your furnace while it’s running, you shouldn’t be able to smell anything in the air. Upon seasonal start-up, you may notice a musty odor as the appliance comes back to life. However, if that smell sticks around for more than a couple of days, it could be a sign of impending furnace failure. You’ll need the help of a specialist to determine whether opting for furnace replacement is in your best interest.
4. Abnormal Furnace Cycling
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace should cycle on and off throughout the day to maintain the temperature setting on your thermostat. If it doesn’t seem to be cycling as usual, you may have a problem on your hands.
Whether your furnace seems to run constantly or it doesn’t appear to be cycling on and off frequently enough, you need to schedule an inspection with a furnace repair specialist. Only a pro can identify the cause of this annoying issue and recommend the appropriate solution to remedy the problem.
Need Furnace Repair or Replacement? Contact Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
If your furnace is on the fritz, don’t hesitate to call our team at Steve’s Plumbing & Heating. We specialize in furnace repair, boiler repair, and a wide variety of other HVAC services and are available 24/7 for your convenience. To request an estimate or schedule a service appointment, call our Wisconsin Rapids, WI office at 715-421-1800 or contact us online.