5 Warning Signs It’s Time for Furnace Replacement
How do you know when it’s time to replace your furnace? Learn the telltale signs your furnace is going out and take action before it gives up for good.
By Anne Fonda
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been having problems with your furnace and you’re wondering if the signs are pointing to the need to replace your oil or gas furnace. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, you’re smart to do your homework.
We’ve pulled together some of the most common signs that you should start planning for a new furnace installation.
Sign #1: More frequent and more expensive repairs
The biggest and most obvious sign your furnace is going bad is that you’re paying for more frequent (and more expensive) furnace repairs. When your gas furnace is not working right, no one is happy, not even the dog.
Your first indication that you need furnace repair might be:
- Furnace not turning on
- Furnace ignitor issues
- The furnace not blowing hot air
- Furnace blower not working
- Furnace keeps tripping breaker
- Thermostat says heat on but furnace not running
- Loud noises or offensive smells
Furnace repair costs can range from under $100 to $3,000 or more if multiple problems exist. When repeated repairs start costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars it may be time to replace the furnace. You can learn more about making this decision in our Repair or Replace Guide.
Sign #2: Old age
What is the life expectancy of a furnace? On average, you can expect a furnace to last 15- 20 years. It can last longer if well-maintained and fail earlier if poorly maintained. The quality of the unit will also affect how long a furnace lasts.
An old furnace doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced today if it’s working fine. But keep in mind that if your gas furnace is 15+ years old and you are shelling out money for repairs more frequently, you should start shopping around.
Sign #3: Strange noises or smells
When running normally, your furnace should not give off any smell. It may smell like burning dust when you first turn it on in the fall, but that’s normal and the smell dissipates. If you smell something like burning plastic or a strong and unpleasant smell like formaldehyde, your furnace has serious issues. Turn off the power and call for immediate furnace repair.
If you smell rotten eggs, that is the smell the gas company adds to natural gas to warn you of a gas leak. Leave your house immediately with your children and pets and call the gas company. Once the leak is found and the gas turned off, contact your HVAC company for a consultation.
Sign #4: Increasing energy bills
As an oil furnace or gas furnace ages, it becomes less and less efficient. That can mean increased heating costs even if you don’t need repairs. If your furnace is about 15 years old and you’ve noticed your gas bill increasing even though there hasn’t been colder than usual weather or a rate increase, it may be time to consider an upgrade to a more energy-efficient condensing furnace.
Condensing furnaces are natural gas furnaces with an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 90% or better, meaning at least 90% of the fuel burned goes directly to heating your home rather than being vented out of your home as flue gas. Many older furnaces have an AFUE rating of 60% (when they were first installed) and that efficiency percentage decreases over the years.
A new, high-efficiency furnace should help lower your monthly gas bill for the long term and will be better for the planet than an old, inefficient furnace.
Sign #5: Decreased ability to keep your home warm
Another sign of a failing furnace is a decreased ability to keep your house warm. If your furnace is not kicking in when the temperature drops or the furnace is not blowing warm air, your comfort level will decrease. While furnace repairs may solve the problem, if you’re noticing multiple signs that it’s time for gas furnace replacement, start researching your options now.
Consider upgrading your entire HVAC system at one time
Unless your central AC unit is brand new, you may want to consider a gas furnace upgrade paired with an AC or heat pump upgrade. There are a lot of advantages to this, including:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Potential savings on your energy bills
- Increased comfort
- More sustainable with a reduced carbon footprint
- Qualified systems are eligible for federal tax incentives
- Qualified systems are eligible for rebates in some states
- Qualified systems are eligible for utility company rebates in some areas
- Increased control with smart technology
- Full warranty coverage
Check out our HVAC replacement guide before you set up any quotes so you’re better informed when one or more HVAC company representatives say you should replace the whole HVAC system. And read about how HVAC financing works so you know how easy it is to pay for a new system. Your AC/furnace replacement cost will vary depending on the system you choose and many other factors.
Work with experienced HVAC contractors to get the best HVAC system for your home and your goals.
Get a free furnace replacement quote
Locate one or more Trane dealers near you and gather multiple quotes. Don’t be surprised if one or more of them suggest replacing the AC unit at the same time, converting to a more sustainable all-electric heat pump system, or converting to a dual-fuel system.
Consider all of your options and decide how important energy efficiency, sustainability, and saving money on future energy bills are to you. Ask about how available tax credits and heat pump rebates can make a new HVAC system more affordable.
Not sure who to contact? Read our blog about finding and dealing with HVAC pros for some tips.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer
