Is It Time to Completely Replace Your Furnace?

When it comes to a carrier furnace, you need to know when it is time to stop with the frequent repairs and just replace the entire system. There are some signs that will indicate it is time for a complete replacement, so once they start occurring, you can start making plans to have a furnace professional come out and give you a quote.

You Notice a Gradual Increase in Your Energy Bills

Your furnace should be an efficient machine, so when it starts to lose some of its efficiency, this can translate to an increase in your energy bills. You will usually notice this over time; there will not be a sudden increase in just a month or two. To determine if your bills are increasing, look at the costs over the course of the last year. If you notice a gradual increase over that 12-month period, it could be because your furnace is not working as well as it should.

The Thermostat is Not Working Effectively

Your thermostat is basically the brain of your furnace, so it is critical that it is working as it should. When it starts to go, it will cause problems with your total heating system. You might notice problems with your thermostat if you need to keep turning up the temperature to keep your home adequately heated. Another sign is that despite using the same temperature setting in each room, the overall temperature feels different among the various rooms in your home.

Know What the Color of the Flame Means

You can look at the flame on your furnace to get a better idea about how healthy your system is. When your furnace is working exactly as it should, you should see a flame that is blue. It you notice it a different color, this could indicate a problem. For example, a yellow flame could mean that there is an excessive amount of carbon monoxide in your system.

Your System is More Than 15 Years Old

After about 15 years, furnaces start to experience problems due to excessive use for over a decade. This is normal and due to basic wear and tear. Once your furnace gets to the 10-year mark, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive furnace inspection done. A professional will be able to tell you if there is a problem that might become a bigger one with time.

When you are ready to replace your carrier furnace, it is a good idea to have a professional come out and assess your system. They will be able to make the final decision as to whether your furnace requires a complete replacement or not.