5 Warning Signs that You Need to Replace Your Furnace
From old age to frequent repairs to strange noises – learn the warning signs that it’s time to plan for furnace replacement.
By Anne Fonda
If you live anywhere in the northern half of the United States, chances are good that you have already turned the heat on. You depend on your furnace to keep you and your family warm. But how long will your furnace last? When do you need to replace it?
In this article, you’ll learn the answers to those questions and get information that can help you start planning for your future comfort.
#1: Your furnace is old. But furnace replacement depends on the age of the system.
How long does a furnace last?
The average gas furnace lifespan is 15 to 20 years. They can last longer, and they can fail earlier, depending on the quality of the unit to begin with, proper installation, and how well they’ve been maintained.
How old is your furnace?
If you are not the original owner of the home, you can find out how old your furnace is by looking at the owner’s manual or the nameplate on the side of the unit. Check the serial number. It will frequently incorporate the month and year the unit was manufactured. You can also Google the brand and serial number.
Don’t replace just to replace, but be aware that a furnace 15+ years of age is at or approaching the end of its life expectancy. Be sure to replace your furnace filters regularly. This can help your furnace work more efficiently, Learn more on our Filters 101 page.
In addition, schedule annual furnace maintenance. A furnace tune-up helps ensure your gas furnace operates safely and to the best of its ability. Not sure who to hire? Read our checklist for finding the best HVAC service near you.
But be on the lookout for problems. If your furnace is old and has any of the following issues as well, start making plans to replace it before it dies. Because old furnaces tend to go belly-up on the coldest day of the year.
#2: You’re spending more on more frequent furnace repairs and maintenance
If you’re on a first-name basis with your HVAC technician, it may be time to consider furnace replacement. If you have a newer furnace and repair issues are few and far between, you can wait.
You should know that furnace repair costs can range between $100 on the low end to $3,000 to replace a cracked heat exchanger. If repairs to an older furnace are getting more expensive, requiring the replacement of multiple parts, or breakdowns are happening more frequently, it’s time to get a new furnace.
Check out our Repair or Replace Guide for more information.
#3: It’s not keeping your house warm
If your furnace is blowing cold air, or your furnace is not heating your home to the temperature you set, call for furnace repair. Again, if your furnace is 15+ years old, be prepared for the HVAC technician to talk to you about replacing your furnace rather than pouring more money into repairs.
Another issue is hot or cold spots in your home. This may be due to furnace inefficiency, but could also be due to clogged furnace air filters, a clog in your ductwork, or leaky ducts. Tell the technician what issues you are experiencing, and they can help find a solution.
#4: Your energy bills are going up
As a furnace ages, it can become less energy efficient. This is due to wear and tear on the system but can also be due to failing parts. If you notice that your heating bills are creeping or shooting up with no rate increase and no sudden drop in temperatures, it’s a good time to have your furnace checked out.
You may be able to improve efficiency by replacing a part, but if your furnace is 15+ years old, a new furnace will be more efficient and more cost-effective. You’ll save money on repair bills and future energy bills.
Learn about American Standard’s Best Furnaces.
#5: You notice strange sounds (or smells)
You know what your furnace normally sounds like (it should be relatively quiet). You might hear pinging in the air ducts as they heat up or cool down. But if you start noticing strange sounds such as banging, clanking, or booming, call in an HVAC professional. They’ll get to the bottom of the noise.
If you notice your furnace smelling all of a sudden, that is also cause for concern. A pungent smell can indicate a cracked heat exchanger. If you smell rotten eggs, you may have a gas leak, and you should leave your home immediately and call the gas company.
Once the leak is resolved, if your furnace was the source, call your HVAC service provider to discuss your next steps.
What does gas furnace replacement cost?
We’ll focus on natural gas furnaces because those are the most common. The cost of a new furnace will vary, depending on several factors, including:
- AFUE efficiency rating
- Number of heating stages (single, two-stage, or modulating)
- If you replace your air conditioner at the same time
- Your heating needs
- Furnace heating capacity
- The size of your home
- The furnace brand
- The installer
- And more
The best way to determine the cost of furnace replacement is to get quotes from local HVAC companies. If you’re happy with the company that services your HVAC system, include them in your list of companies to get quotes from. Remember that a new furnace will last longer if it’s installed properly and gets regular maintenance.
Is a high-efficiency furnace worth it?
The initial cost of a 90%+ efficiency furnace will be higher than an 80% furnace, but the higher efficiency can lead to a long-term reduction in your utility bills along with a reduction in your carbon footprint. Furnace replacement is a home improvement with a big impact. In addition, higher-efficiency furnaces may be eligible for a federal energy tax credit and local rebate. Ask the HVAC contractors to run the numbers for you.
Your new furnace installation will include the removal of the old system, installing, calibrating, and testing the new system, and more. Read the fine print in the estimates you receive to make sure you know what’s included before choosing an installer.
Few people have the cash to pay for a gas furnace installation out of pocket. The good news is you have options. Learn more about how HVAC financing works and the options available to you.
Explore the furnace vs heat pump debate
If it’s time to replace your furnace, now is also a good time to consider the pros and cons of a heat pump vs furnace. If you live in a more temperate climate or a state that is phasing out gas furnaces, such as California, you may want to explore a heat pump heating and cooling system.
That exploration can start with doing your homework by reading articles such as our recent blog Heat Pump vs AC and Furnace - Everything You Need to Know. You can also discuss your options with your local American Standard dealer, who can make air conditioning and heating system recommendations tailored to your home and your needs.
Read about American Standard’s Best Heat Pumps.
Work with HVAC professionals
Whether you need furnace repair or you’re considering furnace replacement, work with a trusted HVAC company near you. Reach out to your local American Standard dealer for an accurate assessment and help with deciding whether to repair or replace.
For over 100 years, we’ve designed and manufactured some of the most awarded, well-engineered heating and cooling equipment and earned a reputation for doing things right.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by John Kim, Senior Product Manager, Furnaces
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