Your furnace works day in and day out during the cold Charleston winter months. Over time, wear and tear take a toll on your furnace, and eventually, you’ll need a replacement.

For homeowners, it’s essential to know the signs your furnace is reaching the end of its life span.

5 Signs of a Failing Furnace

As a homeowner in Charleston, there are five major signs that it’s time to consider a new furnace.

If you are dealing with any of the following concerns or issues with your furnace, it may be time to consider getting a replacement.

1. Short-Cycling

Cycling, or short-cycling, signifies that something in your furnace goes wrong. When your furnace cycles, it turns off before it completes a heating cycle. Not completing a heating cycle could mean your furnace is starting to need major repairs.

If the repairs are significant enough, a replacement furnace could be the better, more cost-effective option. Short-cycling also means your furnace can no longer meet your heating demands.

2. Yellow Burner Flame Color

The pilot light on your gas furnace should be a steady blue color. If your pilot light is yellow, it’s a sign your furnace isn’t burning hot enough.

A yellow pilot light means your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide. Because carbon monoxide can be fatal, it’s important to turn off your furnace and call emergency heating services immediately.

3. Older Furnace

On average, traditional gas and electric furnaces last around 15 years. If your furnace is more than 12 years old, it could be time to start planning for its replacement. As furnaces age, they begin to lose their efficiency.

Regular, professional maintenance can help, but over time, maintenance will not be able to keep up with the rate of efficiency loss. Replacing your furnace before it loses all efficiency will help you minimize repair and energy costs.

4. Pest Infestation

Your furnace is safe, warm, and dry, which makes it an excellent place for pests to build their home. Unfortunately, pests like mice, rats, and other rodents can quickly create a lot of damage to your furnace. If you notice nests or animal droppings, it’s important to schedule a thorough cleanout of your heating system.

You also want to look for chewed wires, clogged vents, and animal activity on your roof or vent hoods. A professional technician can help you determine how extensive the damage is. If pests have caused enough damage, replace your furnace rather than try to clean and repair it.

5. High Utility Bills

A sudden increase in utility bills could mean gas or electricity prices have gone up. It could also mean that your furnace is no longer running efficiently. Consider a furnace replacement if you notice a spike in your energy bill.

New furnace models are energy-efficient and can help reduce your monthly utility bills. A new, energy-efficient furnace could produce enough savings on your utility bill to pay for itself in as few as five years.

Benefits of Replacement vs. Repair

New furnaces can be expensive, but so can major furnace repairs. Here are some of the key benefits of replacing your furnace over repairing it:

  • Quieter operation: New furnace models can run with little noise, making your home a quieter, more comfortable space.
  • Better airflow: The efficiency of your new furnace will mean you have fewer hot or cold spots in your home. Even heating will help keep your entire family cozy, no matter where they are in your house.
  • Eco-friendly options: Modern, high-efficiency furnaces can have up to a 95% efficiency rating. That means you use less fuel to heat your home, which is better for the planet and the environment.

Schedule Your New Furnace Installation With Preferred Home Services

If you’re ready to upgrade your furnace for a modern, efficient model or you’re tired of paying for expensive furnace repairs, count on Preferred Home Services for expert furnace replacement and installation. We’re the Charleston area’s premier heating system service provider.

Our trained and skilled professionals are happy to discuss your options so you feel confident choosing the right make and model furnace for your needs and budget. 

Go Preferred! Call us at (843) 405-3601 or contact us online for professional and reliable heating services in the Charleston area.