Winter has a long way to go before giving way to spring, which means you want to be sure the furnace doesn’t go belly up and leave your family on ice. Sure, your furnace might have a few years on it, but how can you recognize when the end is near? For starters, the average lifespan for a furnace ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Beyond that, there are a host of other signals you can spot that all say your furnace’s days are numbered.
1. Does your basement sound like a haunted house? One tell-tale sign for a malfunctioning heater is strange sound. Hissing or banging or a faint, whistling shriek are not normal sounds for any furnace. Time to get out the checkbook.
2. Is the burner flame blue? It should be. But flickering is a sign of trouble as is a yellowish color. Both can indicate the gas is not burning completely or that the system is churning out too much carbon monoxide.
3. Is your utility bill going up? Like any appliance, a heater loses its efficiency over the years. If your monthly bill keeps rising when the temperature plummets, it may signal more than just the fluctuating fuel cost — it may be that the system is wearing out.
4. Is your family getting sick? When heating systems age, cracks in the system can let low levels of carbon monoxide to permeate the home. This can often be the culprit for flu-like symptoms including headaches, nausea, lightheadedness and more. If so, open the windows for safety and have your furnace checked.
5. Do you have ice on the roof? Often, that can be a sign of cracks in the ductwork. But cold spots in the home can be another sign that your heating system is overworked or breaking down.
When any one of these signals appear chances are good that your furnace is almost toast. We’d love to hear from you not just when for a full replacement but if you’d like the system checked for peace of mind.