Signs Your Home's Gas Furnace Needs To Go
Posted on: 9 March 2017
Share
Does your home have an older gas furnace? If so, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan and be in need of replacement. Instead of waiting for the unit to break down in the middle of the winter, consider getting rid of it during the warmer months when you won't be inconvenienced. Here are some signs that it is time to get rid of that gas furnace.
A Yellow Flame
When your furnace is running, you will want to take a look at the flame it is producing. The flame color should be blue, which is a good sign that it is working efficiently at burning gas. When the flame is yellow, it means you have a big problem on your hands, since the yellow flame means that carbon monoxide could be leaking into your home. You should have your furnace inspected by a professional to verify that everything is working properly or let you know if you need replacement.
Stale Air
Do people in your home complain about a dry throat or nose? Is your skin itchy or dry? This could all be caused by your home's gas furnace producing air that is stale and dry.
You may notice this having an impact on your plants, with the air causing a healthy plant to wilt away due to a lack of moisture in the air. Those with allergies could have symptoms that suddenly become worse. Dust will collect around the house a lot more, and you'll sometimes have a static shock after touching metal objects.
An Uncomfortable Home
A furnace that is on its last legs won't be capable of keeping a home comfortable. The thermostat might be set to your desired temperature, but it needs to constantly run to keep it there. Some rooms might be much hotter because of it, while others are too cold. In addition, energy bills will be much higher because the furnace is working harder than it should.
The Age
Consider the age of the furnace and how it compares to the typical life expectancy of the appliance. A furnace should last between 15 and 25 years. If the furnace is approaching the end of that range or has exceeded it, you could have a problem in the near future. Consider preemptive replacement so you don't go without heat, and enjoy the benefits of a new furnace that is much more energy efficient.
For help selecting and installing a new furnace, reach out to a local HVAC contractor.