Furnaces don’t last forever. That being said, they last a pretty long time and often by the time our team is called, they’ve long passed the point of no return. While we wish there were easy clues to an aging furnace for homeowners in our area that don’t know much about them, it’s a little bit more complicated than that. Every aging furnace shows their age in a different way, and we’d like to provide a list of some common problems that signal your system is getting too old.
While heating repair in Shreveport, LA might be a great solution to this problem, it might not be the best solution. As furnaces get older, repairs get more expensive, parts get harder to find, and the system itself becomes more prone to repairs. While repairs could be cheap at the moment, a whole system replacement might be a more effective and efficient solution that will save you a lot more money in the long run.
Signs of Aging
Gas and electric furnaces only last 10-15 years, with only a rare few lasting two decades. As your furnace gets older, it will begin to show signs of its age. These could give you the clues you need to call a professional and start talking about furnace replacement.
- Increased Frequency of Repairs. As your furnace gets older, it may need repairs more frequently, including electric furnace repairs for electric systems. While each repair might not be very expensive, they all add up and eventually might cost half or even more than the amount of a new furnace! Not only that, but frequent repairs are a major pain and if you’re looking to have some peace of mind, it might be time for a replacement.
- Higher Heating Bills. While this might not be very applicable during a very cold winter, since everyone’s heating bills will be high, we’re talking comparatively to your last year’s heating bill. If you’re noticing a steady uptick in the amount you pay each year for heat, without actually feeling the difference, then your system might be working harder to produce the same amount of heat—which signifies an aging furnace that really should be replaced.
- Poor Performance. A furnace is supposed to make you feel warm during the chilly winters. If it can’t perform this job, then it’s really just a hunk of metal in your basement that’s costing you money. Declining heater efficiency can also be a sign that the system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Don’t deal with being chilly when you could be warm.
- Strange Noises and Smells. Noises and smells could signify many things but there is one main reason why you should call a professional when encountering these things—safety. A strange smell coming from a gas furnace could signify a gas leak or a carbon monoxide problem, which is a dangerous issue to encounter. Similarly, with noises, a strange noise could mean that there is a loose part or a crack in your system that could be a safety concern. Call a professional today to address this as soon as possible!
If any of these points sound familiar, don’t hesitate to call our team today for a system replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I know if an older furnace is still worth repairing?
Answer: Consider the furnace’s age, repair history, overall condition, and the cost of the current repair. A single minor repair may still make sense, while repeated breakdowns on an older system can make replacement more practical.
Question: Can an aging furnace become a safety concern?
Answer: Yes. Older furnaces can develop problems involving combustion, venting, electrical components, or the heat exchanger. Unusual odors, persistent noises, or other abnormal operation should be checked promptly by a qualified HVAC professional.
Question: Why do replacement parts become harder to find for older furnaces?
Answer: As furnace models age, manufacturers may discontinue certain components or reduce parts availability. That can make some repairs slower, more expensive, or impractical compared with servicing newer equipment that uses readily available parts.
Question: Can an older furnace heat unevenly even if it still runs?
Answer: Yes. An aging furnace may still turn on but struggle to deliver consistent heat throughout the home. Declining blower performance, airflow issues, or worn components can contribute to uneven temperatures and reduced comfort.
Question: Should I wait for an old furnace to fail completely before replacing it?
Answer: Not necessarily. If an older furnace is becoming unreliable, planning replacement before a complete breakdown can help avoid an emergency loss of heat. It also gives you more time to compare equipment options and installation requirements.
Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Do yourself a favor and call the doctor of home comfort today.
