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5 Signs It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement
Nobody wants to worry about furnace replacement in the middle of winter. But, most Michigan homeowners know that it’s always a possibility. And, when the bitter cold finally hits, you don’t want your family huddling beneath piles of blankets for comfort. So, when your furnace starts showing signs that it’s struggling, it’s important to take those signs seriously.
Whether you’ve noticed your furnace making strange noises, emitting odd odors, or simply failing to heat your home as efficiently as it used to, you should take note. More importantly, you should take action before you find yourself shivering in a cold home in the dead of winter. But, what are these signs?
Your furnace is more than fifteen years old
If you’ve had your furnace for more than fifteen years, it’s time to consider a new one. And, if it’s older than that, you should have options in place. As your furnace gets older, it gets less and less efficient, which can lead to inefficiencies and, even worse, potentially dangerous emissions. At the very least, if your furnace is more than ten years old, you should be actively monitoring your home’s air quality as it could be emitting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
High utility bills could require a furnace replacement
On the topic of inefficiency, another sign that your furnace isn’t up to the challenge is rising utility bills. As your furnace ages, its components get dirty, they wear down, and – ultimately – they break. When this happens, it takes more effort for your furnace to produce the same results. And, because of this, it consumes more energy and costs you more money.
You’ve noticed more dust in the air than usual
If you have allergies, you may already know you need a furnace replacement. Older furnaces often kick up more dirt, dust, and dander, which can aggravate your allergies. If you’ve noticed dust is accumulating faster in your home, it may be time to schedule an indoor air quality test. Studies have shown that older furnaces can lead to increased levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and even lead in the air. It’s important to catch and eliminate these contaminants before they negatively impact your family’s health.
Your furnace’s flames are yellow instead of blue
A surefire sign that you need a furnace replacement is if its flame is yellow instead of blue. Older furnaces will burn yellow when they’re producing carbon monoxide. Additionally, yellow flames may indicate a gas leak that could put your family at risk. If you notice that your furnace is no longer producing a blue flame, it’s important to reach out to a professional immediately so that they can ensure the safety of you, your family, and your home.
Unusual noises can indicate larger, unseen problems
Nobody wants to hear a rattle, screech, or buzz coming from their furnace in the middle of winter. If your furnace is making unusual noises, you’ll want to schedule an inspection and, likely, a furnace tune-up immediately. A professional HVAC technician can help you diagnose the issue and, if necessary, recommend next steps.
Still unsure if you need a furnace replacement, a tune-up, or something else?
At Fleetwood’s Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on arming our customers with the information they need to make smart decisions about their home’s HVAC equipment. If you’re concerned that you may need a furnace replacement, we encourage you to reach out to us today to schedule a visit. Our professional technicians will inspect your equipment, diagnose any issues, and work with you to find options that fit your budget.