Furnaces are usually something we don’t think about replacing. When your furnace works well it’s easy to forget about and enjoy the comfort it creates for you home. In fact, a furnace will typically last for around 10-12 years with routine professional maintenance. But there comes a time when your furnace is just about to reach the end of its life and it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. Here are some signs to look for when it’s time to replace your furnace:

1.  How old is your furnace?

Before anything else, find out the age of your furnace. If your furnace is 15-20 years old you should begin shopping for a new one. That last thing you want is to be stuck with no heat in a Cleveland winter. Shopping in an emergency situation can make you rush your purchase and not make the best decision.

2.  Are your gas and electricity bills higher than usual?

Furnaces lose their efficiency as they age and this will produce higher utility bills. If you haven’t properly maintained your furnace or if your furnace has lost its efficiency, then it may run longer than it used to for the same amount of heat.

3.  How often are you repairing your furnace?

If you need to perform frequent repairs on your furnace then it’s time to consider purchasing a new one. Costly repairs will add up and your money could be better spent on new furnace that will last you another decade.

4.  Do you hear strange noises coming from your furnace?

Noises such as banging, rattling or popping can be heard when a furnace is reaching the end of its life. You should also contact your heating and cooling professional to examine your furnace if this is happening.

5.  Is your thermostat working properly?

Is one part of your house too hot and another too cold? If you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat then your furnace may have lost its ability to properly distribute heat in your home.

Scheduling and performing routine maintenance on your furnace will help extend its life but nothing lasts forever. Instead of having to pay for higher heating bills and expensive repair parts consider installing a new furnace.

If you have any questions about your furnace and when you should replace it, give us a call at 216-663-6462.