Is It Time for a New Furnace?

September 28, 2017

Cold weather will be here before you know it, and with it comes your furnace's busiest time of year; to avoid frigid nights, be aware of  signs that your furnace may be failing. If you ignore the signs, you could be in for a cold, expensive surprise this winter.

The first thing you should think about is your furnace's age.  A typical furnace has a lifespan of around 8 to 12 years.  If yours is getting close to, or has passed, this age, have it inspected by a professional from A.J. Perri to diagnose any potential problems.  If you don't know how old your furnace is, a professional should be able to give you a good idea of its age.

Have you had to have your furnace repaired in the past few years?  Like everything else that ages, most problems occur toward the end of your furnace's life. If there has been more than one repair, talk to a repair technician with A.J. Perri about your furnace's estimated  lifespan and all of your options.  If you are in the situation where a replacement is necessary, we offer a full line of Carrier furnaces with our exclusive 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Here are a few indicators that your furnace may be failing:

• Unusual Noises

As a furnace ages, it starts to make weird noises. Squealing, popping, and loud bangs are not uncommon. If you hear these noises it may be time for your furnace to be replaced. You should hear only the sound of the blower turning on and off. A.J. Perri offers a 21-step precision tune-up to help ensure your furnace is operating properly.

• Foul Odor

Call A.J. Perri right away if you smell a strong gas odor. You might have a leak in your heat exchanger, which may be a very serious issue. Check out your burner flame.  It should be blue.  If it is yellow, this is a sign that your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.  Other signs include streaks of soot around the furnace, rust on flue pipes, and moisture on cold surfaces such as windows or walls. If carbon monoxide is present in your home it can be poison to your family.  Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, disorientation and a burning feeling in the eyes and nose.  If anyone notices these symptoms, contact a professional at A.J. Perri immediately. We also offer the Nest Protect that provides an early warning detection of carbon monoxide in addition to smoke detection.

• Electric Bills are to the Moon

Rising utility bills are usually blamed on the price of energy, but they can also be an indicator that your furnace has lost much of its efficiency and is working harder to provide the same amount of heat. If the blower is turning on and off constantly, your furnace is not running efficiently.

• Hot and Cold in Different Rooms

Don't worry, you're not having hot flashes, hot and cold spots are popping up in your home because the furnace isn't keeping up. If the temperature is hotter in some rooms and colder in others, your furnace may not be distributing the air properly. If you feel cold air coming out of your vents when it should be warm, this is another warning sign.

• Dust Bunnies

Older furnaces sometimes lack the ability to filter the air in your home, which is why you may notice dust and dirt beginning to build up.

• Constant Breakdowns

As your furnace ages, you may notice that it's breaking down more often. You may benefit from replacing it, as it becomes more expensive to maintain.

Furnace failure does not need to be a surprise when it happens. Take a few minutes now, at the beginning of the heating season, to think about whether you've noticed any of the signs listed above.  If so, have a professional from A.J. Perri give your furnace a thorough check-up so you have fair warning and can help stop any major problems before they start.