{"id":454,"date":"2015-10-12T11:00:07","date_gmt":"2015-10-12T15:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/?p=454"},"modified":"2026-06-17T10:20:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:20:23","slug":"is-your-furnace-ready-to-be-replaced-it-might-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/is-your-furnace-ready-to-be-replaced-it-might-be\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Furnace Ready to Be Replaced? It Might Be!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>October means that\u2014aside from planning your Halloween costume or your children\u2019s Halloween costumes\u2014you need to plan your heating needs for the approaching winter. Last week, we brought you a reminder about <a href=\"\/blog\/its-fall-time-to-schedule-that-all-important-heating-maintenance-visit\/\">calling for a regular maintenance tune-up<\/a> for your heating system. This week we\u2019ll look at a bigger solution to future heating trouble: <a href=\"\/heating\/furnaces\">replacing an old gas furnace for a new unit.<\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Shreveport, which is in IECC Climate Zone 2A, natural gas remains a common and cost-effective furnace fuel, and a high AFUE rating is recommended for gas furnaces in North Louisiana because of local HVAC design considerations. Furnaces are the most common type of heating system in the United States, making them a key focus for winter preparation. The best time to replace HVAC systems is during the shoulder seasons, when scheduling is often easier.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Warning Signs You Need a New Furnace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The time will come when a unit no longer functions efficiently or effectively enough to make it economical to keep it around. Mechanical problems, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, gas leaks, or a strong fuel smell, can be warning signs that a furnace is becoming a malfunctioning<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/tips-shutting-down-furnace-season\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">furnace<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may require replacement. It is not normal when your furnace runs too hot, indicating a possible faulty thermostat or dirty air filter.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the signs that it\u2019s time to replace your furnace:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The system is more than 15 years old, and furnaces typically last 15\u201320 years.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The furnace is making loud, unusual noises.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The heating bills are rising.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The furnace is not providing enough heat.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The system needs expensive and frequent repairs. If your furnace requires frequent repairs or if the unit runs with ongoing issues, it may be more cost-effective to consider furnace installation of a new model.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hall\u2019s Heating, Air Conditioning &amp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/what-is-refrigerant\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refrigeration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers furnace installation and replacement for all major brands, including<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/difference-electric-gas-furnaces-run\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gas furnaces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, electric furnaces,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/heat-pump-wont-cool-your-house-lets-see-whats-wrong\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heat pumps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, electric heaters, and ductless mini splits, to meet your HVAC needs. <\/span>If the furnace and air conditioner are both aging, replacing both units together can be cheaper to install and help the whole HVAC system run more efficiently. There are several factors to weigh, and our team can explain options for a new HVAC system in a way that fits your budget. In 2026, a complete HVAC system replacement typically costs $5,000 to $28,000. Our certified technicians and knowledgeable technicians provide professional service, and any refrigerant work must be handled by technicians with EPA Section 608 certification. To protect your warranty and your investment in the long run, get multiple quotes before choosing an HVAC contractor or company. We serve customers in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana\u2014not Colorado\u2014offering comprehensive heating and air conditioning and Shreveport air conditioning solutions. Enjoy transparent, upfront pricing and financing options available with approved credit. Energy efficiency incentives and local utility providers may offer seasonal promotions that help reduce costs. Our HVAC technician team can also assist with HVAC repair, HVAC maintenance, heater repair services, furnace repairs, maintenance service, and other HVAC services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you notice issues such as a pilot light that won&#8217;t stay lit, carbon monoxide detectors going off, or signs of toxic gas, immediate professional attention is needed. Furnace replacement services in Shreveport, LA, are provided by local HVAC companies that handle the process from assessment to installation. Local permitting is required before HVAC system replacements in Shreveport, and installation usually takes 1 to 2 days. Replacing an<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/common-problems-with-an-aging-furnace\/\"> old furnace<\/a> can help lower your utility bill and prevent further heater problems. Ductless mini and ductless mini splits are available for homes without existing ductwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is It Furnace Replacement Time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We would love to be able to tell you that the natural gas furnace serving your home will last forever and will never need a replacement. But that\u2019s simply untrue. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But that\u2019s simply untrue.<\/span> Although gas furnaces that receive routine maintenance can sometimes last for more than 20 years, the time will come when a unit no longer functions efficiently or effectively enough to make it economical to keep it around. It also helps to think about broader HVAC planning so you can determine whether other aging equipment should be replaced at the same time; if both units installed were put in initially together, a furnace often lasts 15\u201320 years while an AC usually lasts 10\u201315 years, which helps you decide whether replacing both makes sense. Here are some ways to tell that your furnace needs to be retired:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Homeowners should also consider whether an older AC should be replaced at the same time, especially because upgrading cooling efficiency often requires replacing the furnace too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>It is exceptionally noisy \u2013 <\/strong>You\u2019ve probably lived with your furnace for many years now, so you should have a good idea of what kinds of sounds it makes when it runs. If those sounds have increased, and new and annoying ones have joined them, then the system is probably too worn down. Loud or unusual noises can indicate mechanical problems that may require furnace repairs. Have a technician look at it to see if repairs will keep it going for a while longer, or if a replacement is a better option.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expensive and frequent repairs \u2013 <\/strong>Speaking of repairs, if any potential repair necessary to keep the furnace running would cost half of what it would take to have a new furnace installed, then it\u2019s time to get rid of the furnace. \u00a0A repair price that high is simply not worth it. But a slew of smaller repairs is a reason to be concerned as well. If your malfunctioning furnace requires frequent repairs and needs constant attention, it&#8217;s a sign it&#8217;s time for replacement. Two or more repairs during the season are a warning that the furnace won&#8217;t last much longer. If the furnace and air conditioner are both aging and your budget allows a combined project, replacing both together can save money and typically costs $4,000 to $10,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High heating costs \u2013 <\/strong>If the cost to run a gas furnace makes a sudden leap, the reason is often a malfunction that can be repaired. But when costs gradually rise over season after season, it means the furnace is grinding down.\u00a0An inefficient furnace can increase your utility bill. Higher SEER ratings raise upfront system costs even as they lower energy bills over time; available rebates can offset part of the initial replacement cost. Furnace installation commonly runs $3,800 to $12,000, while air conditioner replacement can run $3,000 to $15,000, so the most cost-effective option depends on the equipment you choose. You shouldn&#8217;t keep paying elevated prices to run an old furnace, so consider putting in a new one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You notice a strong fuel smell, which could indicate a gas leak or other dangerous issues such as toxic gas. If your carbon monoxide detectors go off, or you suspect a gas leak, seek immediate professional help.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pilot light frequently goes out or the unit runs irregularly, which may be a sign of heater problems or a malfunctioning thermostat.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Air Quality and Filtration<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining excellent air quality and effective filtration is essential for a comfortable and healthy home environment in Shreveport, LA. Your furnace and HVAC system do more than just produce heat\u2014they also circulate air throughout your home, helping to remove dust, allergens, and other pollutants. However, when your furnace malfunctions or you have a dirty<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/do-you-need-an-air-filter-or-an-air-purifier\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">air filter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the air quality in your home can quickly decline, leading to potential health issues and discomfort. Modern furnaces often feature better filtration systems that can improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens and dust.<\/span> In Shreveport, high humidity during the summer also affects broader system performance, and local system design must also account for occasional hard winter freezes, so a variable-speed blower helps maintain humidity control in hot climates like Shreveport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular furnace maintenance is key to preventing furnace malfunctions and ensuring your system operates at its best. This includes routine tasks like checking and replacing air filters, cleaning the heat exchanger, and inspecting electrical components. Neglecting these steps can result in uneven heating, higher energy bills, and even dangerous situations like carbon monoxide leaks. A dirty air filter, in particular, can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and increasing the risk of further damage to your HVAC system. Ductwork should also be inspected for leaks to optimize system efficiency. Proper HVAC maintenance can extend the service life of your heating system.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional furnace repair services in Shreveport, LA, are equipped to handle these issues efficiently. Knowledgeable HVAC technicians can perform a thorough inspection of your entire HVAC system\u2014including your furnace, heat pump, and air conditioning units\u2014and use a Manual J calculation to determine the right home size match and system size, while also accounting for installation labor that can vary with home complexity, accessibility, and the age of the home, helping avoid units that waste energy and struggle with humidity. Furnace sizing is based in part on required BTU output, while AC sizing also depends on tonnage. Some homeowners also consider a hybrid system that combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace for better efficiency. A matched system may also include the indoor evaporator coil, a key system component that affects overall performance. For an AC unit, SEER2 and SEER rating are useful reference points; as a general reference, units commonly range from 13 to 21+ SEER, and models above 16 SEER run more efficiently but usually cost more upfront.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE, and furnaces generally range from 80% to 100% AFUE. They can also recommend the best repair options, technology, and features to keep your system running safely and efficiently. Variable speed technology, including a variable-speed blower, adjusts speed for better humidity control, improved comfort, lower utility bills, and quiet operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to stay alert for signs that your air quality may be suffering. Strange noises, sudden odors, or frequent cycling of your heating system can all indicate underlying furnace issues. Addressing these problems promptly with professional furnace repair can prevent further damage and help maintain optimal performance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Question: What are the main signs that my furnace needs replacing?<\/b><b><br><\/b><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If your furnace is unusually noisy, requires frequent or expensive repairs (especially costs approaching half of a new unit), or your heating bills are rising steadily, these are red flags that replacement may be more cost-effective than continued repairs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Question: How old should a furnace be before I start considering replacement?<\/b><b><br><\/b><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gas furnaces typically last about 15\u201320 years with routine maintenance, though some may last longer if well cared for. After 15 years, efficiency drops and parts start to fail more often.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Question: When is it more cost-effective to replace instead of repair?<\/b><b><br><\/b><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A common rule of thumb is that if a repair costs 50 percent or more of the price of a new furnace, replacement is usually the smarter decision. Also, if you\u2019re doing multiple repairs in one season, that\u2019s another indicator.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Question: How does inefficiency or rising energy costs factor into replacement decision?<\/b><b><br><\/b><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you see heating costs climb over multiple seasons without other obvious causes, it suggests your furnace is losing efficiency. Upgrading to a newer, higher-efficiency furnace can reduce those costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Question: Are there safety concerns that could require immediate replacement?<\/b><b><br><\/b><b>Answer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Yes. Issues like cracked heat exchangers or venting problems can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. If those are suspected, replacement or major repair is an urgent safety issue.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>To schedule furnace replacement, call Hall\u2019s Heating, Air Conditioning &amp; Refrigeration. We serve Benton, LA and the surrounding areas.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the main signs that my furnace needs replacing?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"If your furnace is unusually noisy, requires frequent or expensive repairs (especially costs approaching half of a new unit), or your heating bills are rising steadily, these are red flags that replacement may be more cost-effective than continued repairs.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How old should a furnace be before I start considering replacement?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Gas furnaces typically last about 15\u201320 years with routine maintenance, though some may last longer if well cared for. 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This week we\u2019ll look at a bigger solution to future heating trouble: replacing an old gas furnace for a new unit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[92,105,106],"class_list":["post-454","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-heating-service","tag-benton","tag-furnace-replacement","tag-furnaces"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=454"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1921,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/454\/revisions\/1921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=454"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=454"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hallsair.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=454"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}