Living without a furnace during the spring and summer may not seem like an issue, but with the fall and winter approaching, you need to address any problems with your heating system. Unfortunately, you may not realize your furnace is in distress until it is too late. With this guide, you will learn the signs that your furnace is failing so you can replace this imperative part of the heating system before the winter arrives.

Aging Quickly

The average lifespan of a furnace is 20 to 30 years, so if your furnace is approaching this age, it is most likely time for a replacement.

Since most furnaces will begin experiencing slight issues before they reach the age of 20, ensuring you are maintaining the system as recommended will be key to prolonging the lifespan. Routine checkups by an HVAC contractor and replacing the furnace filters are important steps to maintain your heating system.

Increased Energy Costs

The older your furnace, the harder it will need to work to condition air and move it into your home. If there is an underlying issue with the function of your furnace, it will struggle to heat your home, wasting energy, and increasing heating costs.

If your energy costs are higher than normal, it may be due to your furnace's increased wear and tear.  In some instances, you may be able to repair your furnace. However, continuous repairs over a period of time will be more costly than replacing the furnace at the start of your issues.

Loud Noises

All appliances and machinery make noises from time to time. Unfortunately, excessively loud noises coming from your furnace is a sure sign there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Rattling from the system may be stemming from damaged ductwork, loose screws, or unsecured sheet metal. These issues are easy to repair, but if the rattling is stemming from a problem with the electrical connections or an imbalanced motor, a furnace replacement may be essential.

A loud humming is most likely due to an issue with the furnace's fan. This noise may be caused by warped fan blades or a failing blower motor.

If you are hearing a loud screeching or squealing, the blower motor has probably failed. Without a functioning blower motor, your furnace will not be able to move heated air into your home.

Your furnace is imperative for heating the home during the cooler seasons. To learn more about maintaining or replacing your furnace, contact an HVAC technician today or go to website.