Common Signs You Need a New Furnace

Amarillo and other Texas communities know how cold winters get, especially when a Blue Norther rolls in. If you notice strange sounds, high energy bills, and other signs that you need a new furnace, start planning for a replacement. With a new and reliable furnace, you can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures with high efficiency and safe operation.

Your Furnace is Over 15 to 20 Years Old

The average lifespan of a furnace depends on its type — gas and oil furnaces last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, while electric furnaces last between 20 and 30 years. If your furnace has reached or surpassed this expected service life, plan for replacement to avoid sudden system failure. 

As furnaces near the end of their expected lifespan, they gradually lose efficiency. Components wear down, straining the system and forcing it to work harder to produce the same heat level. In comparison, newer furnaces offer superior efficiency and heating performance.

Frequent Repairs and Costly Maintenance

While regular maintenance can prolong a system’s lifespan, an older furnace is more prone to breakdowns. Increasingly frequent breakdowns also suggest the system is nearing the end of its lifespan.

As furnaces near the end of their service life, they often need more frequent repairs, and those costs can add up quickly. Consider the cost of repair vs. replacement — if current or recent repairs equate to 30% or more of the price of a new furnace, replacement is usually more cost-effective long-term. Investing in a new and energy-efficient furnace eliminates the cost of ongoing repairs and concerns about unreliable operation.

Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises

Furnaces operate relatively quietly, and abnormal or persistent sounds, such as banging, popping, rattling, or screeching, often indicate mechanical issues. While repairs can address some noises, persistent or worsening sounds may suggest your furnace is ready for replacement. 

Rising Heating Bills

As your furnace’s efficiency declines with age, you may see your heating bills increase. Older furnaces require more energy to produce the same amount of heating due to lower annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, longer heating cycles, and worn components.

Compare your heating bills to previous years. If costs increase without significant changes in usage or energy rates, your furnace may be the cause.

Some Rooms are Colder than Others

Often causing hot spots near vents and cold spots in other spaces, uneven heating is a common sign of inefficient furnace operation. Closed or obstructed vents may sometimes restrict airflow and prevent proper temperature distribution. Otherwise, your furnace may have a failing blower motor, improper sizing, or other problems.

Older furnaces may lack variable-speed blowers, which allow more consistent and efficient airflow. A furnace upgrade may be a better solution if temperatures remain uneven throughout your home despite maintenance and repairs.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Furnace

A new furnace provides several benefits beyond heating your home.

Lower energy bills

Replacing an aging furnace with a new model immediately improves heating efficiency and lowers energy bills over the system’s operating life. Plus, modern furnaces have higher AFUE ratings and consume less fuel to generate heat. Compared to an older unit that wastes a significant portion of fuel, for example, a 95% AFUE or higher furnace converts almost all of its energy into heat for your home.

Increased comfort

Newer furnace models use variable-speed fans and multi-stage heating, allowing them to adjust output based on the home’s heating needs. This leads to more even heating, improved airflow, and more precise temperature control.

Improved indoor air quality

Modern furnaces often feature improved air filtration, reducing the amount of dust, pet dander, allergens, and other airborne pollutants throughout your home. With better humidity control than outdated models, a new furnace helps alleviate allergy and respiratory symptoms. Proper humidity control also prevents mold and mildew growth, minimizing strain on your HVAC system.

Peace of mind and fewer repair costs

A new furnace carries a significantly lower risk of unexpected or major repairs than an old unit. In addition to reducing the need for frequent service calls, a more reliable furnace means you’re less likely to experience a sudden breakdown when you need heating most.

Manufacturers may also offer warranties on new furnace models. If your new furnace breaks down because of a manufacturing defect, you may not be responsible for replacement parts or equipment costs.

Modern technology

Many new furnaces are compatible with smart home technology, such as smart thermostats, which optimize efficiency with learning and automation functions. A smart thermostat can integrate with your smart home system and devices to learn your routines and behaviors and automatically adjust the temperature to maximize both efficiency and comfort. On average, smart thermostats reduce HVAC energy bills by about 8%.

For example, your thermostat can use information about your work location, schedule, and current traffic conditions to estimate when you’ll arrive home. It can automatically increase the temperature setting so that you arrive home in a comfortable environment.

How to Choose the Right Furnace for Your Home

Consider these factors when selecting a new furnace for your home:

• Fuel type: Gas furnaces are powerful and accessible heating options for homes with an existing gas connection. Electric furnaces are efficient but can be more costly for high heating demands or electricity rates.
• Size: A properly sized furnace ensures optimal performance, efficiency, and longevity. An HVAC technician can calculate the right size for your home.
• Efficiency: Look for models with a high AFUE rating to maximize energy savings.
• Features: Consider additional options, such as smart thermostat compatibility, zoning capability, and variable-speed motors.

Choose a reputable HVAC company to guarantee proper furnace sizing, code-compliant installation, and long-term performance.

Call Amarillo Air to Upgrade Your Furnace

Recognizing the signs of an aging and failing furnace helps homeowners avoid inconvenient and costly breakdowns. For expert guidance and furnace replacement in Amarillo, rely on our team — contact us or schedule services online.