By AJ Danboise

In Michigan, having your furnace quit on you in the middle of winter is not an option. With temperatures already dipping below freezing, most of us have had our furnaces on for a few weeks now. This is a good time to check your furnace and make sure everything is functioning properly. Chances are if your furnace is going to break down this winter, it’s already showing signs. Your furnace will give you several indications as to whether it is functioning properly – and how serious the repair may be. Depending on what is wrong and how old your furnace is, it may be cheaper to replace it with a newer, more efficient model than to continue repairing your current one. The experts at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical have come up with 10 telltale indications that it might be time to buy a new furnace.

10 Signs You Need a New Furnace

  • Your furnace is more than 15 years old.

  • If your furnace is more than 15 years old and starting to need frequent repairs, then it might be time to consider replacing it. Parts can be difficult to find, expensive and your furnace could be costing you extra money by lacking efficiency.

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Your energy bills have unexplainably gone up.

  • An older furnace in need of repair means an inefficient furnace resulting in higher energy usage. Your energy bills may be the first clue that something is wrong with your furnace.

  • Your house isn’t warming, even though the heat is on.

  • There are grinding or banging noises coming from the furnace.

  • It’s not uncommon for furnaces to make noises. However, loud noises and more frequent noises may indicate your furnace is aging and that something may be wrong.

  • A musty smell lingers for more than a few days after turning it on.

  • Furnace turns on and off frequently – or runs all the time.

  • Frequent furnace repairs or breakdowns in the last two years.

  • It is common to see frequent repairs in the last two years of your furnace’s life. It’s a good indicator that it might be time for a new one.

  • Your pilot light is yellow instead of blue.

  • This can be a sign that your furnace is producing excess carbon monoxide. Call a professional as soon as you notice it. They can help diagnose the problem and see if a repair or replacement is best.

  • Rust, cracks or corrosion on the outside of the furnace.

  • This is an indication of age and can become a safety concern. Have a professional take a look at it as soon as possible.

  • The amount of dust has increased in your home, despite efforts to clean it.

  • As your furnace ages, it can no longer filter and distribute clean air effectively to your home. It could signal a much larger problem.

Furnaces have an average lifespan of 15-20 years. If you are noticing any of the signs above but your furnace isn’t even a teenager yet, then it most likely can be repaired. Furnace repairs can be difficult and dangerous to do yourself. Be sure to call a professional for a complete diagnosis before attempting anything on your own.

When to Call a Professional

  • Water is pooling around your furnace.
  • You smell gas leaking.
  • The air blows weakly out of the vents.
  • The thermostat stops working.
  • Your furnace blows cold air.
  • Condensation on your windows.
  • Leaky ducts.

If caught in time, these signs do not have to mean a death sentence for your furnace or an inevitable breakdown in the middle of winter. Contact the professionals at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical as soon as you notice any of these signs! We know how important it is to have heat this winter. Our experienced professionals are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make sure you and your family stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter. If you notice any of these signs or are having ongoing problems with your furnace or in need of an electrical repair, call us at (248) 600-5048 to schedule an appointment today! We’ll walk you through all your options and help you find a solution to meet your needs and budget.

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