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HVAC
By Joanna Brown
Technician is checking air conditioner
Posted 8/1/23

It’s getting cold, so that means it’s time to make sure your furnace is up to the task of keeping you warm this winter. As with most things in life, however, your furnace won’t last forever. Here is a checklist to help you identify the warning signs that you may need a new furnace. If you ultimately do need a new furnace, check out our guide to new furnace costs to help you prepare.

1. Your furnace is more than 15 years old

A modern furnace has a typical lifespan of around 20 to 30 years. While it is advisable to consider shopping for a new one at around the 15-year mark, there are also plenty of ways to make sure you get the most out of your existing furnace. For starters, be sure you’ve got the breakers and shut off switches properly set. Also make sure you swap out dirty, clogged filters for clean ones that allow for proper airflow.

If you’re just looking to save on your heating bill, one of the most obvious ways is to turn the heat down and wear extra layers. A programmable thermostat can be very helpful too. All you need to do is program the thermostat to drop the temperature when you’re either asleep or at work. You can also seal areas within your home that leak heat, such as doors and windows.

is-it-time-for-a-new-furnace

2. Your energy bills and equipment repairs are steadily increasing

Older furnaces have to work harder to produce heat, and as a result, your energy bills and repair costs steadily increase. Even if there isn’t a noticeable repair that needs to be made, you’ll still come out cheaper in the long run if you purchase a more efficient furnace unit.

3. The rooms throughout your home are different temperatures

As a furnace gets older, it can become more and more inefficient until it loses the ability to distribute heat evenly throughout the house. As a result, some rooms can be colder than others.

4. Your home has soot around the registers

A furnace register is a ventilation duct cover that can be opened and closed. Although the terms “register” and “grille” are used interchangeably, registers differ from furnace grilles due to possessing dampers which allow them to control the airflow within a duct.

If you find soot (or dust/rust) around these areas within your home, then it means that your furnace has too much CO2. Difficulty keeping a clean house aside, this can cause excessive dryness which can damage furniture, flooring and plants. It can also cause itchy throats, dry eyes, as well as respiratory issues when inhaled. If you ever see a build-up of soot near your registers, it’s probably time to get a replacement.

5. Your furnace is extra noisy

Furnaces can be kind of noisy, but if that noise gets louder over time, then you may want to consider a replacement. Possible telltale signs can come in the form of:

Furnace replacement FAQs

How much is a furnace motor?

The average furnace motor replacement can run about $450, including parts and labor.

How do I check the furnace blower motor?

To check a furnace blower motor, use a capacitor tester. First, be sure that the capacitor is discharged before using it for safety reasons. Make sure that the microfarad reading is within 10% of the rated capacitance on the capacitor which will be a number listed either uF or mdf. If it doesn’t match the rating, then the capacitor needs to be replaced. You can also contact an HVAC professional through HVAC.com to check your furnace blower motor for you.

Where do I buy a blower motor for my furnace?

There are multiple places to where you can purchase a furnace motor blower. Anywhere from Home Depot to Amazon sells blower motors and replacement parts. You can also fill out the HVAC.com contact form, and we’ll connect you with a leading furnace dealer in your area for help with parts and installation.