Nothing lasts forever, the saying goes.  Take furnaces, for example; they don’t last forever.  But how do you know if it’s time to invest in a new one?  Here’s some guidance.

  1. It’s reaching its life expectancy. A well-maintained furnace should last about 15 years (one that is not well-maintained can go at any time).  So, if your furnace is at or near that age, you have two choices.  You can roll the dice and hope it doesn’t break down (eventually it will, and perhaps on a frigid day).  Or you can invest in a new furnace before the old one breaks down.
  2. Your house is not warm. Keeping your house warm is furnace job one.  If you find you need to raise the temperature on your thermostat to keep the house warm, the furnace is not getting the job done.
  3. Uneven heating. Are some rooms warmer than others?  That shouldn’t happen with a healthy furnace.  If you are experiencing uneven heat, that could be a sign your furnace is failing.
  4. Weak air flow. If the air coming out of your vents is warm but weak, that could be a sign the blower motor is failing.
  5. Dry air. Keeping your home’s humidity at an acceptable level is another job for your furnace.  If humidity is low and there is excessive dryness, it can damage wood floors and furnishings.  Your furnace may not be controlling the humidifier properly which is another sign your furnace may need to be replaced.
  6. Improper cycling. Your furnace should turn on when it needs to warm the home and then shut off when it doesn’t.  Your furnace is not working properly if it is cycling on and off frequently, running continuously, or constantly adjusting.
  7. Heating bills are going up. Even if the furnace is still operating, as it ages it will lose efficiency.  If your heating bills are going up, it means your system is not operating as efficiently as possible.
  8. You’re spending way too much money on repairs. If you are spending more money on repairs, that is a signal your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan.  A rule of thumb: if your repair bills (not counting routine maintenance) are more than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, it’s time for a new furnace.
  9. Strange odors. When your furnace first turns on for the season, there will be some smell.  But that should go away.  If you continue to detect a musty odor, that could indicate a problem.
  10. Strange noises. Your furnace should make no noise other than a consistent whirring.  If your furnace is banging, rattling, buzzing, grinding or screeching, those are not good signs.
  11. Cracks, rust and corrosion. If you notice any of those, it may be time to replace the unit.  Significantly, these increase the risk of potentially deadly carbon monoxide entering your living environment.

Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric to Determine if You Need a New Furnace

The skilled HVAC technicians at Ravinia Plumbing can help you determine if your furnace can be repaired, or if it should be replaced.  If it needs to be replaced, they can recommend and install the right new furnace for your home.  Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.