When should I be concerned about my furnace?

Author: Elyse Mayert MD  |  Last update: Saturday, May 17, 2025

An increase in energy bills can mean that your system is running less efficiently. If you noticed more dust, dander, soot, rust or dirt building up within your home while your furnace is running, it's a sign to install a new system.

When should I worry about my furnace?

You should be concerned if your furnace makes strange noises, blows cold air, cycles on and off frequently, or significantly increases your heating bills. Also, if it's over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it.

How do you know when your furnace is about to go out?

Signs Your Furnace is Going Out
  • Increasing illnesses.
  • High furnace age.
  • High and unexplained utility bills.
  • Sudden troublesome noises.
  • Pilot flame color.
  • Dry air.
  • Soot.
  • Frequent repairs.

How do I know when my furnace needs replacing?

Five signs you need to replace your boiler or furnace
  1. Uncomfortable or uneven temperatures. An aging heating system will struggle to heat your home evenly and consistently, especially on colder days. ...
  2. Unusual sounds. ...
  3. A yellow flame. ...
  4. Rust or other corrosion. ...
  5. Over 15 years old.

What is the most common problem of a furnace?

Check and Change Your Clogged Filter

This is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore.

Most Common and Basic Problem on High Efficiency Furnaces!

How do I know if something is wrong with my furnace?

If your furnace is not producing heat, there are several potential causes. These include but are not limited to a broken thermostat, the thermostat being set too low, an extinguished pilot light, a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker, a closed gas valve, or issues with the electronic ignition.

What is the typical lifespan of a furnace?

The Average Furnace Lifespan

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

How much does it cost to replace a furnace?

While high-efficiency furnaces with an AFUE of 96% or more cost between $2,000 and $6,000, standard-efficiency units with an AFUE of 80% to 89% are priced from $500 to $1,500. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace with a higher AFUE rating can lead to significant energy cost savings.

What fails first on a furnace?

If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.

How often does a furnace need to be serviced?

Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.

Should I hear my furnace running?

While all furnaces generate some ambient noise, they run quiet enough not to be disruptive most of the time. However, loud buzzing or humming can indicate various mechanical or electrical problems, either when the furnace starts up or throughout its operation.

How to tell if your furnace needs cleaning?

Let's look at some of the signs that furnace cleaning should be performed sooner rather than later:
  1. High energy bills.
  2. Reduced heating efficiency.
  3. Unusual noises/frequent cycling.
  4. Funny smells.
  5. Increased allergies or respiratory issues.
  6. Dirt, debris, or clogged filters.
  7. Yellow furnace pilot light flame.

What is considered a furnace emergency?

Losing your home's heating is considered an emergency when it's 40 degrees or colder outside. Within just a few hours, a lack of heat can cause indoor temperatures to become uncomfortable and ultimately unhealthy, especially for the young and elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

What time of year is the cheapest to replace a furnace?

For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.

How do I know if my furnace is making me sick?

Symptoms of Heater Sickness

Here are a few common symptoms to keep an eye out for: Coughing and sneezing. Sinus infections. Allergy symptoms.

How to diagnose furnace problems?

How to Troubleshoot a Furnace: 7 Steps to Finding a Solution
  1. Inspect the Thermostat. ...
  2. Change the Furnace Filter. ...
  3. Confirm the Furnace Is Getting Power. ...
  4. Make Sure the Circuit Breaker Isn't Tripped. ...
  5. Check the Vents for Blockage. ...
  6. Make Sure the Front Panel Door Is Secure. ...
  7. Call a Professional.

What is the most common part to fail on a furnace?

1. Thermostat Isn't Working. One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running.

How do you know if your furnace is dying?

Here are ten red flags you need to look out for to tell if your furnace is dying:
  • Frequent Service Calls. Constantly having to repair your furnace may be the first sign that it's failing. ...
  • Flu-Like Symptoms. ...
  • Strange Noises. ...
  • An Old Furnace. ...
  • Dry Air. ...
  • Flame Color. ...
  • Poor Temperature Control. ...
  • Higher Utility Bills.

Does homeowners insurance cover furnaces?

Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.

How many years does a furnace last?

A well-maintained furnace can last up to 20 years, but issues become more likely after 10 years. With proper care, you can expect an additional 5 to 10 years of functionality, though warranties often expire by year 12. Beyond 15 years or without maintenance, consider planning for a new furnace.

How much is a new furnace for a 3 bedroom house?

You'll be looking at a different cost depending on the location of the furnace, the size of your home, and the type of furnace. But the average cost per unit can range anywhere from $2,672 - $6,575. The national average is $4,820 - $9,350 for a full furnace installation.

What is considered old for a furnace?

If your furnace is over 20 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement, especially if you're experiencing issues like poor air quality, frequent repairs, or high energy bills.

What is the most reliable gas furnace brand?

The 5 Best Furnace Brands
  • Carrier Furnace: Best Warranty.
  • Lennox Furnace: Best Company Reputation.
  • Bryant Furnace: Best for Durability.
  • Trane Furnace: Most Years of Experience.
  • Amana Furnace: Best for Efficiency.

How long does it take to replace a furnace?

4-8 hours. Furnace installation in a residential home usually takes 4-8 hours, depending on the complexity of the job. Additional time may need to be added to account for ductwork, electrical, or gas line modifications to properly match the new equipment.

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