All furnaces and their usage frequency are different, so signs of problems might not always look the same from one home to another. Keeping yourself aware of the most common signs of furnace troubles can help you decide when it is time to call in a professional.
Understanding what to look for is the first step toward protecting your comfort and your investment. By recognizing the early warning signals, you can plan ahead instead of being caught off guard by a complete breakdown. Here are some signs that you might need a new heating system.
System Breakdown
This is the most common sign of furnace trouble, and it’s a sure sign that it’s time to replace your furnace. If your heating system won’t turn on at all, having it replaced will be the only way to restore warm, consistent temperatures to your home. A full breakdown usually happens when a furnace has already been showing smaller warning signs for some time, but eventually, the wear and tear adds up. At this point, repairs are rarely a cost-effective solution since the system has reached the end of its lifespan.
Replacing it with a new, reliable furnace ensures your home stays comfortable and safe without the constant worry of another sudden failure.
High Energy Bills
Energy bills usually rise as efficiency drops. The more energy it takes for your furnace to heat your home, the higher your energy bills will become. Sometimes, a quick repair is all it takes to get things running smoothly again, such as replacing a dirty filter or fixing a minor component. If a repair doesn’t do the trick, though, a furnace replacement will be the only way to restore efficiency.
Upgrading to a modern system not only lowers monthly utility costs but also ensures your home is heated more evenly and consistently. Over time, the savings from reduced energy consumption can help offset the cost of furnace installation, making replacement a smart long-term investment.
Short Cycling
Short cycling is when your furnace kicks on, runs for a few minutes, and then shuts back off. This process will repeat itself over and over, never truly completing a full cycle. When this happens, your home won’t be able to reach the set temperature, and you’ll run into higher energy bills because the system is constantly restarting.
Short cycling also puts unnecessary strain on your furnace’s components, which can lead to more frequent breakdowns and a shorter overall lifespan. If repairs don’t solve the problem, replacement may be the best way to restore comfort and efficiency.
Over 20 Years Old
Furnaces typically last for 15-20 years before needing to be replaced. If your furnace is beyond the 20-year mark, having the system replaced sooner rather than later can help you avoid a complete system breakdown when you need it most.
We always recommend replacing your furnace before it’s running on borrowed time. Waiting until it fails completely can leave you without heat in the middle of winter and may force you into a rushed replacement. By upgrading early, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a reliable system, better energy efficiency, and improved comfort throughout your home.
Frequent Repairs
As furnaces age, repairs become more and more frequent. Repair costs can add up quickly, and if you find yourself needing to repair your furnace seemingly every heating season, you’re probably wasting money. That money would be better spent on a new heating system that you’ll be able to count on for years to come.
Instead of patching up a failing unit, investing in a furnace replacement provides long-term reliability, improved efficiency, and fewer unexpected expenses. In many cases, the cost of one or two major repairs could cover a significant portion of a brand-new furnace, making replacement the smarter financial choice.
Constantly Running
Your furnace is designed to turn on, run for 10-15 minutes, and shut off for a bit before starting a new cycle. If your system never seems to stop running, though, your system is definitely dealing with issues. A constantly running furnace not only drives up your energy bills but also puts extra wear on the equipment, leading to more breakdowns over time.
While small fixes may sometimes help, continuous operation often points to a system that can no longer keep up with your home’s heating needs. In this case, furnace replacement is usually the most effective way to restore comfort and efficiency.
Schedule Your New Furnace Installation With Schebler Heating and Air
At Schebler Heating and Air, we’re proud to help homeowners like you stay safe, comfortable, and warm all winter long. We know the Quad Cities area can experience freezing-cold temperatures that put your furnace to the test, and we’re here to help.
Give us a call today for furnace installation services in the Quad Cities area!