According to Energy Star, a gas furnace with holes, leaks, and poorly connected ducts loses 20-30% of the air moving through the ducts. This inefficiency leads to uneven heating and high energy bills. It also increases carbon footprint and reduces air quality.
An aging furnace struggles to keep up with heating demands during extreme weather conditions. It's forced to overwork, leading to regular breakdowns and repairs.
A timely gas furnace upgrade can help you avoid this. A new furnace will increase energy efficiency, saving you from high energy bills. It also enhances comfort.
But how will you know it's time to upgrade your aging gas furnace in Carbon County? Discover the common signs in our gas furnace replacement guide below.
Age of the Furnace
A gas furnace can last for nearly two decades, depending on its maintenance. Once the furnace achieves the expected lifespan, its efficiency and performance decline. Some signs that indicate the furnace is of age include:
Increased wear and tear on key components
Reduced airflow
Increased maintenance and repair costs
Increased energy consumption
Have your gas furnace upgraded if it's beyond the manufacturer's recommended lifespan. This will save you from sudden breakdowns in the middle of extreme weather conditions.
High Energy Bills
A faulty furnace with worn-out parts undergoes incomplete combustion. Clogged ductwork hinders the furnace from pushing heated air efficiently. These factors cause a gas furnace to overwork, leading to energy overconsumption and increased bills.
Upgrade your furnace if your bills keep on rising every month despite a similar usage pattern.
Modern furnaces have advanced technology that reduces consumption. Features like modulating burners and variable speed increase overall efficiency.
Frequent Repairs
Frequent breakdowns indicate the gas furnace is nearing its end. While occasional repairs are normal, some might be costly - equivalent to purchasing a new system.
Newer gas furnaces require less maintenance and don't easily break down. They also come with a warranty that covers repairs and replacement costs.
Unusual Noises and Odors
Some of the unusual noises to pay attention to include:
Rattling
Banging
Whistling
Rumbling
Humming
These noises indicate an underlying issue, like loose components. Unusual noises can also signify debris clogging in the air filter or damaged blower fans.
Hire a professional immediately after you hear strange noises coming from your gas furnace. An experienced technician will let you know whether an upgrade is necessary.
Also, pay attention to the gasses coming from the furnace. A rotten egg odor signifies an issue with the gas supply. Hire a professional on time to protect your family from exposure to hazardous carbon monoxide. Other unusual odors to pay attention to include:
Musty smells
Gasoline smells
Smoky or burning smells
Chemical smells
Contribute to Carbon County energy savings by upgrading your furnace if foul odors persist even after repairs.
Inconsistent Heating
Uneven heating signifies your furnace is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Inconsistent heating can be caused by factors such as:
Old furnace
Ductwork problems
Thermostat issues
Clogged or dirty filters
Malfunctioning components
Upgrading to newer models with advanced features like zoned heating can improve heat distribution. An upgraded furnace undergoes complete combustion, preventing potential carbon monoxide leakage.
Visible Damages
Regularly inspect your gas furnace for visible damage, such as cracks and rust. Cracked components can interfere with combustion and pose fire hazards.
Ignoring visible damage may also void your gas furnace warranty. Get such issues addressed urgently by professional home heating solutions in PA.
If the damages are due to the furnace's deterioration, an upgrade will be required. Repairing an old furnace will only extend the inevitable.
Soot Accumulation
Soot mainly accumulates near an inefficient gas furnace register. Incomplete combustion and cracked heat exchangers can cause soot accumulation.
Your furnace is becoming unreliable if you have constantly been repairing it to address the issue of soot formation. Upgrade it to prevent soot formation and potential leakage of combustion gasses into your home.
Air Quality Issues
An aging furnace can spread dust and allergens throughout your home indoors. This declines indoor air quality, negatively impacting the health of your loved ones. Some health issues you and your family risk suffering because of an inefficient gas furnace include:
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Respiratory complications
Upgrading to a modern furnace will improve indoor air quality, achieving a healthier living environment. A gas furnace technician knows the best furnace efficiency tips to help maintain good air quality in your home.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is where a gas furnace turns on and off frequently. The problem may result from:
Faulty thermostat
Damaged blower motor
Overheating
Oversized furnace
Clogged flue
If the issues stem from the furnace being old or improperly sized, an upgrade is inevitable. A new furnace won't undergo short cycling due to improved efficiency and airflow.
Flame Color Changes
Efficient gas furnaces always produce a clean blue flame. If you notice yellow flames, know your old furnace is producing carbon monoxide. Some of the factors that can cause a flame change include:
Improper air-to-fuel ratio
Faulty thermocouple
Gas pressure issues
Blocked vent system
Carbon build-up in the heat exchanger
Presence of impurities
Because yellow flames pose health risks, it is essential to have a technician inspect your system. If the issue of the yellow flame keeps recurring, the long-term solution is upgrading the furnace.
Know When It's Time for a Gas Furnace Upgrade
A timely gas furnace upgrade will save you money by preventing the spiking of your monthly electricity bills. Your home can also become healthy and comfortable because of improved indoor air quality. A heating and cooling system technician can enlighten you on when to upgrade furnace.
Are you a County Carbon resident with an inefficient or malfunctioning gas furnace? Home Comfort Solutions is here to offer you professional help. We offer our customers an affordable range of home comfort solutions, from installation to replacement and repairs for all heating and cooling systems.
Whether you need oil and gas, heat pump, or oil tank services, we're the best experts to reach out to. Contact us today for assistance with upgrading any of your heating systems.
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