It is inevitable that your furnace will begin to develop problems as it gets older. The natural state of the universe is from order to chaos, after all. Still, with proper maintenance and timely repairs, your furnace can last a remarkably long time. Still, there are some things that really can’t be fixed. When you start to notice some of these signs, it’s probably time to replace your furnace.
Increase in Breakdowns
Pretty much the only type of damage you can’t stop from happening in any system is wear and tear. Over time, the strain of regular use will start to catch up to your furnace. This will start slow at first, a random part breaking here and there every couple of years. Eventually, though, you will start to see the frequency of these problems skyrocket. Every year, then every few months you will have to call your HVAC technician to mend or replace parts as they start to give out from age. At this point, the cost of repairs is probably worth more than the furnace. It’s reached the end of its life, and it’s time to replace it.
Sudden Health Changes
Part of the byproducts that every combustion furnace produces are a series of toxic gases, with carbon monoxide being the foremost among them. It is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Practically the only way to detect it is by using a carbon monoxide detector. If a crack develops in the heat exchanger, or the exhaust flue becomes blocked, these gases can become trapped in your home. Symptoms of exposure to this gas include sudden headaches, nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness, and death. If you turn on your heater and experience any of these symptoms, get out of the house and call emergency services immediately. An HVAC technician will need to examine your furnace to confirm the problem, but in most cases the solution is to replace the entire furnace.
If you think your furnace might be reaching the end of its lifespan, call G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical, Inc. Our heating experts cover the entire Monroe area.
