Signs Your Furnace Is On Its Last Legs (or is Unsafe)

A comfortable and healthy home requires an efficient and sound heating system.  Looking for these signs that your furnace is nearing the end of its useful life can save your money and help keep your family safe.

How Old Is Your Furnace?
The average life expectancy of furnaces is between 16 and 20 years. If your furnace is close to this age or older, you should begin looking at your options. ip checker . Being forced to find a replacement furnace in an emergency is not the ideal time to make the best decision.

Reoccurring Maintenance Calls
As furnaces age, just like cars, breakdowns occur more frequently. Furnaces incur the most breakdowns in the last two years of their lives. When service calls start to stack up or replacement parts are not readily available, it’s a clear sign the furnace is not going to be a reliable source of heat for your family.

Utility Bills Keep Going Up?
Rising gas and electric prices are not the only reason for higher utility bills.  Furnaces often lose efficiency as they age… especially if they have not been properly maintained.  As a result a 95% efficient furnace does not stay 95% efficient.  This means your furnace runs longer to provide the same amount of heat leading to higher gas and electric bills.

What’s That Noise I Hear?
Have you heard any banging, popping, rattling, or squealing noises coming from your furnace?  Does your furnace blower run excessively, turn on and off frequently, or blow cold air?  These are all common indications of an aging furnace or one that requires service.

How’s the Family Feeling?
Older furnaces can potentially develop cracks in their heat exchangers.  This can lead to carbon monoxide being expelled undetected into your home.  Signs of carbon monoxide include frequent headaches, nausea, burning in the eyes and nose, and disorientation. If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, ventilate your home by opening windows and call a service technician immediately.

It is highly recommended that you place a carbon monoxide sensor near your furnace to detect and warn if CO gas is present.  See Accessorizing Your Home.

Is Your Home Extra Dry or Dusty?
Older furnaces often lack the ability to humidify and clean the air in your home.  Is the air in your home stuffy or stale?  Do you see excessive dust accumulation?  Are your allergies to dust, mold, pollen or dander acting up?  Or do you suffer from dry nose, throat or skin?   All of these are signs that your furnace is not providing a comfortable, healthy environment.

Air cleaners and humidifiers can also improve your home’s air quality.  See Accessorizing Your Home.

Let Us Tell You More!

Give us a call at 765-447-7555 or send us an Email and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can add to the safety and comfort of your home.

MECKO’S Fall Furnace Tune Up Special Is Still On
Mecko’s Heating and Cooling is offering its Fall Furnace Tune Up Special right now for just $79.00.   To schedule an appointment online go to Make An Appointment or call us at 765-447-7555.