How do you know if your furnace is dying?

Aging furnaces often make some strange noises toward the end of their life — banging, popping, rattling, or squealing. Or you may you hear the furnace blower running excessively, turning off and on frequently, or blowing cold air sometimes. These may mean your furnace needs to be replaced.

What are signs that your furnace is going out?

How long does a furnace typically last?

A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.

When should furnace be replaced?

Most furnaces have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, this doesn't mean you can wait that long to replace yours. After about 15 years or so, you may need to consider a furnace replacement if your unit has been experiencing significant problems and requiring frequent repairs.

How much is a new furnace?

A new furnace replacement can cost between $3,000 - $7,600, depending on the size of your home, the efficiency of your new furnace, and the sophistication of the equipment. That includes labor and permit fees, not just equipment costs.

Signs Your Furnace is Dying

What should my furnace sound like?

Chirping from your furnace likely is just natural noise from its mechanisms. Rattling noises that occur as the system cools down from a cooling cycle are generally ok. Crackling once a heating cycle ends is usually caused as metal components cool.

How much is a new furnace for a 2000 square foot home?

The average cost range for purchasing and installing a gas furnace designed to heat a 2,000-square-foot home with a 97% efficiency rating ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, with most homeowners spending around $6,000 total on a high-efficiency gas furnace replacement in a 2,000 sq. ft.

What is the most reliable furnace brand?

Is it worth repairing a 20 year old furnace?

Furnaces 20 years old or older become increasingly inefficient over time and can crack and leak, putting you and your family in danger. If your furnace is between 16 and 20 years old and constantly breaking down, then you should strongly consider having it replaced.

Should I replace my 25 year old furnace?

Age of your Furnace

If your furnace is pushing 25 years or more, it's probably nearing the end of it's effective lifespan. However, as already mentioned, this shouldn't be the end-all-be-all in the decision. You might choose to replace a 15 year old furnace, or it could last more than 30 years.

Will a new furnace save me money?

Assuming your furnace is replaced after 15 years of use (what we recommend) you would get a total fuel savings of $1,318.05. A 90% furnace would save you $927.45 in fuel, compared to an 80% furnace. You can see how a high-efficiency furnace may end up being worth the extra money it costs you at the time of purchase.

Does a furnace lose efficiency over time?

Furnaces often lose their efficiency as they age, especially if they have not been properly maintained. As a result your oil or natural gas furnace may run longer to provide the same amount of heat. This will cause your energy bills to go up.

How often should you service furnace?

A gas furnace should be serviced at least once a year, preferably, though, in both the spring and the fall. Annual maintenance, including a thorough examination and cleaning of the parts that commonly malfunction, like the air filter, the fan, the pilot light, and the heat exchanger, can usually prevent these problems.

Can a home furnace explode?

The short answer is yes, it is possible for your furnace to explode. But it is highly unlikely especially with the build of modern furnaces, which include high safety standards to decrease the risk of an explosion.

What causes furnace to go out?

If your furnace keeps shutting off, it could be due to low airflow. There are several indirect issues that cause low airflow. Dirty Air Filters. If you don't change your air filters often enough, the filters will become dirty and clogged, which means the heat exchanger retains heat and eventually causes it to overheat.

Which furnace lasts the longest?

A well-maintained furnace will last for 15 to 20 years.

In general, oil-fueled furnaces have the longest life expectancy, and gas-fired furnaces have the shortest.

What size furnace do I need for a 2000 square foot home?

Rough Estimates

A mid-sized home of 2,000 square feet would need approximately 50,000 to 60,000 Btu to heat it properly. With a less efficient furnace operating at 80 percent efficiency this would require a 60,000- to 72,000-Btu furnace.

Should I replace a 40 year old furnace?

Be sure to look for the federal Energy Star certification that tells you the new system is energy efficient and helps to conserve diminishing natural resources. So while your older furnace may last 13 to 20 years, consider the many benefits of replacing an older furnace with a modern, new one.

How long does it take to install a new furnace?

On average, it takes about four to 10 hours to wrap up a furnace install, depending on the type and size of the unit. As expected, a larger, more complex model will take more time and effort than a standard unit. A brand-new furnace is an important investment for any homeowner.

What size furnace is needed for a 1500 square foot house?

A 1,500-square-foot home will require between 45,000 to 90,000 BTUs. A 1,800-square-foot home will require between 55,000 to 110,000 BTUs. A 2,100-square-foot home will require between 65,000 to 125,000 BTUs.

How much is a furnace for a 1500 square foot house?

The average cost to replace a gas furnace in a 1500-square-foot house is between $2,990 and $4,360. For a standard-efficiency gas furnace, a 60,000-80,000 BTU model is the best choice.

When should I worry about my furnace noise?

In most cases, it is wise to call a service technician. A pinging or popping sound is most likely coming from one of the ducts and is not really something to worry about. If you hear an odd vibrating noise or whining, it may indicate a problem with your furnace and a technician really needs to check it out.

Is it normal for a furnace to be loud?

Banging and popping sounds are normal. Often, furnaces make these sounds as the ducts expand and contract. However, if the banging and popping sounds are exceptionally loud and frequent, it could signal a problem with your furnace. Ductwork issues often cause loud bangs and pops.

Why is my furnace so loud all of a sudden?

The simplest explanation for screeching or whistling is that your furnace air filter could be clogged with dust, hair, and dirt. That eerie screech you hear might just be air desperately trying to get through. Fortunately, you can take care of this noise issue yourself, quickly and inexpensively.