When to replace your furnace

From potentially hazardous leaks to eroding materials and damaged wires – there is no shortage of possible problems when it comes to an outdated furnace system. In all homes but in older homes and properties especially, the furnace can be a frequent area of concern and issue. Installations and repairs relating to furnace systems need to be taken seriously, as they can greatly impact not only our homes comfort and efficiency, but our own safety and health as well. Something like a gas leak or an electrical fire can have nightmarish consequences, with unimaginable tolls beyond the realm even of cost and financial expenditure. Our safety, and the safety of our family and loved ones, can not be taken too seriously. No cost should be considered to be superfluous or unnecessary when the outcome is the improved health and comfort of our loved ones.

When dealing with furnace replacement, the first thing to keep in mind is that this service should always be undertaken and carried out by licensed, certified, and trained professionals. Only those with proper training, expertise, and equipment should remove, replace, and install furnaces. Attempting to handle furnace repair, removal, or replacement yourself may result in serious damages or injuries to your person. Apart from committing to enlisting the aid of a trained pro, you must also familiarize yourself with the early warning signs or indicators that your system is in need of repairs or even a total replacement. Below we will delve into the specifics of how long systems should remain optimal, the different varieties of systems, and other factors that can impact the performance and longevity of a furnace system.

As a standard rule, a standard gas furnace should be considered for replacement after 15-30 years. This meaning, that after 15 years it is recommended that you begin routine annual inspections of your system. At this point, simple or routine repairs may be necessary for the furnace to continue to operate at peak levels. Always rely on a trained expert opinion to tell you if the system has more longevity and is still optimal, or if it genuinely needs a replacement right away for safety reasons or out of sheer inefficiency. Keep in mind that systems in industrial properties or larger commercial spaces may be more taxed and work harder and at greater rates over longer periods of time. In these specific scenarios, a furnace may need to be repaired and or replaced even sooner than the standard timeframe.

It is important to remember that when it comes to gas furnaces, we are risking not only the loss of comfort or extra costs associated with inefficient heating, but also serious injury and harm. A gas leak can have disastrous outcomes and effects, leading to more serious issues in extreme scenarios like explosions or fires. At any rate, it is bad for our health and our lungs to have a constant exposure to hazardous materials and leaks which can form in outdated furnaces and systems in need of repair.

When it comes to newer and more modern electrically powered furnaces, the standard rule for longevity is that replacement be considered after 20-30 years. This means that after 20 years, the system may no longer operate at peak levels of performance. At this point, frequent and routine inspections should begin to take place. A trained professional should inspect the furnace and guide you as to whether or not it needs minor repairs, or to be replaced entirely. The expert opinion should always be relied upon. Attempting to avoid cost or expenses by putting off the replacement of a furnace will only prove to accumulate greater monthly utility costs due to the lack of efficiency in the system due to its being outdated. Though electric furnaces do last longer than standard gas furnaces, they are more costly and may have more intricate and complicated repairs associated with them as well.

It is important to note that while electric furnaces may not be accompanied by the risk of harmful gas leaks like theri gas operating predecessors, they are not without risk. Complex wiring and electrical systems are present in these newer systems and can have shortages and issues that may lead to fire or more serious concerns if the system is outdated or damages and issues have failed to be repaired properly and in a timely fashion by a trained professional with the proper equipment and tools. Failing to replace a system in time may mean missing a serious warning sign in the wiring that can lead to very serious issues down the line.

While the age of your system and the suggested optimal lifespan of that system are the initial and key indicators that a furnace replacement may be on the horizon, there are in fact a great deal of other possible indicators or warning signs as well. These are just a handful of examples, and it goes without saying that any abnormality or change from the normal operating of your furnace and heating system should call for an inspection by a trained professional immediately, so as to protect the safety and comfort of you, your home, and your loved ones.

One indicator that a system may need replacement is its inability to heat and regulate temperature at all, or at a timely rate, within the home. Some of the other common indicators of an issue with your furnace that may call for replacement or repair are loud noises or deep rumbling sounds. Other indicators are sharp screeching sounds or a faint hissing. Knocking and rattling are also sounds to keep an ear out for when assessing the health of your system. As with any appliance, frequent inspections by professionals is truly the best and most trustworthy deterrent of any serious issues with furnaces or heating systems in the home.