Emergency services
Installing a new furnace is a huge investment that impacts your home and comfort. Over time, this equipment will experience wear and tear from normal use. Repairs will inevitably be needed. However, there may come a time when the number of repairs you need is becoming excessive. Here’s a guide to help you determine if you have exhausted all options and it’s time to upgrade.
When to Repair
Besides regular maintenance, prompt repairs are the next best thing you can do for your furnace. It can help extend its lifespan by 50% or more, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, and keep your home consistently comfortable. Call for professional repairs for issues such as:
1. Abnormal Smells
If your furnace produces a lingering odor whenever it’s on, this may be a fixable problem. A burning plastic smell could indicate an overheated motor or an electrical issue. A burning dust smell produced soon after turning on your system is normal. It just means the dust accumulated on the heat exchanger is burning off. It should go away after a few minutes.
If you notice a rotten egg smell and you have a gas-powered furnace, turn the system off immediately and shut off your home’s gas supply. Gas companies add a compound known as mercaptan to natural gas for easy leak detection. This compound is the one producing the rotten egg odor you smell.
Smells like car exhaust point to issues with the flue or venting system. Chances are that the furnace exhaust pipe is blocked, and combustion gases are flowing back into your house. Again, turn off your furnace immediately and wait for help to arrive.
Finally, musty smells from the supply vents can indicate mold problems in your ductwork. Mold is a common occurrence when your home is too humid or if outdoor air occasionally mixes with your conditioned indoor air. A qualified HVAC technician will have to remove all the mold, disinfect your ducts, and apply a biocide to prevent future growth.
2. Weird Sounds
An efficient furnace operates at a sound level of about 40 to 60 decibels, which is like a quiet whisper. Noticeable humming can mean your blower fan or capacitor has become worn out and needs to be fixed. A high-pitched squeal often means the fan belt is damaged and requires replacement.
A loud bang when you start your furnace can be caused by ignition problems. Vibrations or rumbling noises often point to a loose part or connection. Whistling sounds could be coming from clogged air filters. A simple replacement will make the noise go away.
3. Difficulty Starting the Unit
A furnace struggling to start is a common issue that may be easily fixed depending on the root cause of the problem. The problem could stem from a tripped circuit breaker. The blower fan could be overloading the circuit, causing it to trip. An electrician or a qualified HVAC technician can reset your breakers, and your system will run normally again.
If that doesn’t work, check your thermostat settings. Ensure it is set to heat mode to kick on the furnace.
Your furnace could also be struggling to turn on because the air filters are dirty. A furnace is a forced-air system that requires proper airflow to work. Dirty filters are restricting air from freely flowing through the system. Therefore, your system isn’t igniting the burners as a safety measure.
Moreover, gas line and igniter issues will prevent your furnace from starting. If the gas line or valve is obstructed, your system won’t get enough natural gas to start up safely and correctly.
If your system is getting its adequate supply of gas, then perhaps the electronic ignition system in the burner has failed. Clicking noises when you turn on your furnace should corroborate this suspicion.
For electric furnaces, the heating element could be defective. In this case, replacing it would be a sounder choice.
4. Water Leaks
High-efficiency furnaces have two heat exchangers. The first one heats the air that circulates your home. The secondary heat exchanger captures heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise escape for recycling. The latter action will cause the air (usually containing a lot of moisture) around the exhaust pipes to cool down and turn into water. The condensate drain should expel this water. However, if it is clogged (from dirt or debris accumulation), the water may come out of the furnace.
Other causes of furnace leaks include a malfunctioning built-in humidifier and dirty filters. Built-in humidifiers empty their excess water through furnace drain lines. If humidifier water lines are cracked or clogged, water will leak into the furnace and drip out.
Dirty filters, on the other hand, restrict airflow to the evaporator coils, which can lead to excessive moisture buildup inside your system. This moisture will eventually drip out when you turn your furnace off.
When to Replace the Furnace
Sometimes, replacing your heating system is a smart option. Consider it in the following circumstances.
Old Age
With proper maintenance and prompt repairs, a furnace should work efficiently and effectively for approximately 15 to 20 years. If your equipment has surpassed this time frame, it may be better to purchase a new one.
Modern furnaces are more energy efficient. The current minimum Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces is 81%. Old systems typically have AFUE ratings of 56% to 70%. In other words, they waste up to 44% of the fuel they consume.
Moreover, new furnaces are quieter and safer, provide better air quality, and have advanced features such as variable-speed blowers and two-stage heating for enhanced comfort. They also allow for modern tech integration, such as smart thermostats that you can control using a smartphone or home automation system.
Frequent Repairs
If your repair costs are starting to increase frequently, system replacement should be a consideration. Major component breakdowns, like a cracked heat exchanger or blown motor, can be very expensive to repair, sometimes bordering on the price of a new furnace. Frequent repairs often indicate a system is on its last leg and may soon completely break down.
Waning Performance
If your system is struggling to keep your house warm, healthy, safe, and cozy, it may be time to consider getting a new unit. Furnaces lose efficiency and struggle to maintain consistent temperatures after years of operation. A new system will provide more even and consistent heating and enhanced comfort.
When Remodeling Your Home
Before installing a furnace or any other HVAC system, HVAC experts must assess and account for your home’s size, design, insulation levels, number of inhabitants, and local climate. If you are remodeling your home, you’ll need to reassess these factors. The changes might affect your heating load, rendering your furnace incapable of maintaining optimal comfort and efficiency. You’ll have to get a new system that’s accurately sized and tailored to your updated home size and layout.
Contact 865 HVAC for Professional Assistance
If you live in Knoxville, TN, call 865 HVAC for guidance when making the decision of whether to replace or repair your furnace. Our experts have over 20 years of experience, and we will examine your heating system for you. We will also provide professional advice and service, ensuring your home is as comfortable and efficient as it can be. You can also call us for heating maintenance, indoor air quality solutions, and generator installation.
Contact 865 HVAC to schedule an appointment today in Knoxville for furnace replacement.
