When should I replace my heater?

Author: Ms. Alanna Kerluke Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, April 13, 2025

1) Your Home Heating System Has Clocked 15-20 Years It's advisable to thoroughly inspect your heating system by an HVAC professional when it is about 15-20 years old to ensure it's safe for operation. If your equipment gets close to that age, people say you should be on the lookout for a replacement.

How do I know if my heater needs to be replaced?

How do I know when my heater is going out?

Should I replace my 20 year old furnace?

Older furnaces need annual check ups. Main thing is the heat exchanger getting a crack, which could lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisioning. 20 years is a good time to start considering a new one but not essential, if the tech that comes to clean the burners sees an issue they will point it out to you.

How do I know if my heater is bad?

Common signs that indicate a broken heater

One common sign is weak or no airflow coming from the vents. If you notice that the air coming out of your vents is significantly weaker than usual or there is no airflow at all, it could mean that your heater's fan or blower motor is malfunctioning.

Warning Signs your furnace needs repaired or replaced

When should I replace my home heater?

When should I be worried about my heater?

A yellow flame is a clear sign that the gas is not burning properly. Dirty or partially blocked systems can produce this. It's also another sign that a call to your trusted HVAC contractor is needed to save money and keep you a bit safer.

How much does a new heater cost?

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.

Can a furnace last over 30 years?

While some units can last more than 30 years, this is extremely rare, and the average lifespan of a gas furnace is around 15 to 30 years.

Is it worth fixing a 15 year old furnace?

While furnaces can last longer with proper maintenance, they often become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns as they age. Repairing a 15-year-old furnace can provide a temporary solution, but it may be a better long-term investment to consider replacing it.

How do you know if your furnace is dying?

Signs your furnace is going out include inconsistent heating, strange noises, frequent short cycling, a yellow burner flame, and higher heating bills. If it's over 15-20 years old or requires frequent repairs, it may be time for a replacement.

How long does it take to replace heater in house?

If you're worried about not having heat while the installation is in progress, the good news is that most replacements won't take more than a day. On average, home heating companies can complete the installation in about four to eight hours, depending on the size of your house.

How do you diagnose a heater problem?

Should I replace my furnace before it dies?

Why You Should Replace It Before it Breaks. On the one hand, replacing a furnace before it breaks can save you money in the long run. Not only will you avoid the cost of an emergency repair, but you'll also be able to take advantage of current furnace models that are more energy-efficient than older models.

What is the most expensive part to replace in a furnace?

What is the most reliable gas furnace brand?

How do I know if my furnace needs to be replaced?

What is the age of the furnace for home insurance?

Why Insurance Companies Care About Your Furnace Age. Most carriers consider a furnace's age during their policy evaluation process, with some having specific age limits. For example, a furnace over 30 years old might require proof of annual maintenance to qualify for coverage.

How often should a furnace 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.

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.

When should you replace a heater?

Does Home Depot install furnaces?

Yes, our service providers will install to local code and follow required permitting procedures. Permit requirements vary by location, and some municipalities do require a permit. Your Home Depot authorized service provider will obtain a permit if it's required.

At what temperature is a house too hot?

In general, 80 degrees is too hot for a house if people are inside. However, if people aren't home during the day or for vacation during the summer, an indoor temperature of 80 degrees can save energy until you return and lower the temperature.

How to tell if your furnace is going bad?

How likely is a heater to start a fire?

A Leading Cause of Fires

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 1,200 fires a year are caused by portable electric space heaters.