Furnace Repairs

Furnaces don’t usually cross your mind—until they stop working. When they do, it’s never at a convenient time.

But before you panic and call for an expensive repair, there are plenty of quick and easy fixes you can try on your own. Many furnace issues are DIY-friendly and don’t need a pro. 

However in many cases, it is best to let an expert deal with it, in which case our trusted network of Certified local HVAC pros are ready to help.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the most common furnace problems and show you how to tackle them yourself. Let’s get into it!

1. No Heat Output

When your furnace turns on but isn’t producing heat, start with the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “heat,” not “cool,” and that the fan is on “AUTO,” not “ON.” The “ON” setting will make the blower run constantly without heating. Set the temperature a few degrees higher than the room temp to trigger a heating cycle.

If the pilot light or ignition system is faulty, the furnace won’t heat. For older systems, check if the pilot light is lit; if not, relight it according to your manual. If you have an electronic ignition, a dirty igniter could be the issue—clean it gently.

Check your gas supply. Ensure the gas valve is open, and if you use propane or oil, confirm your tank isn’t empty. If everything checks out and there is still no heat, it’s time to call a pro.

2. Uneven Heating

Several issues could be to blame if your furnace struggles to distribute heat evenly. Below is a list of common causes to look out for:

Causes of Uneven Heating

• Blocked or closed vents
• Dirty air filters
• Leaky ductwork
• Improperly sized furnace
• Poor insulation in certain rooms
• Thermostat location issues
• Blocked airflow around radiators or registers
• Airflow balancing problems

Solution:

Start by checking vents and registers to ensure they’re open and not blocked by furniture or rugs. Replace dirty air filters to ensure proper airflow throughout the house. 

If you suspect leaky ducts or problems with insulation, you may need to seal ducts or add insulation to keep the heat where it’s needed. For issues like improper furnace size or thermostat placement, consulting an HVAC professional will help diagnose and balance the airflow effectively.

3. Strange Noises

If you hear scraping, thumping, or banging sounds coming from your furnace, act fast. Scraping could mean an issue with the fan or motor—shut it off and call a pro.

Thumping often signals a blower balance problem, and banging usually means dirty burners, causing gas buildup. Either way, turn off the furnace and get it checked out.

Rumbling, rattling, buzzing, and hissing noises also need attention. A rumble could mean a burner problem; if rattling outside the unit, tighten screws, but if it’s inside, call for help. 

Buzzing points to something loose, and hissing might be an airflow issue, like a bad filter or blocked vent. Whistling or clicking noises are signs of leaks or ignition problems—call a tech for those.

4. Frequent Cycling On and Off

Frequent cycling on and off, also known as short cycling, can cause inefficiency, higher energy bills, and more wear on your furnace. If your system is constantly turning on and off, here are some possible reasons and solutions:

1. Low Airflow: If airflow is restricted, your furnace can overheat and shut down. Dirty air filters are a common cause—replace them every 90 days or more often if you have pets or allergies. Also, check that vents are open and clear, and if you suspect a dirty blower wheel, you might need a technician.
2. Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat can disrupt your furnace’s cycle. It might need new batteries, or it could be old wiring or poor placement near a heat source. If changing the batteries doesn’t help, contact a professional to inspect or relocate the thermostat.
3. Oversized Furnace: If your furnace is too large for your home, it can heat up quickly and shut off before it should. This situation will require an HVAC professional to evaluate and possibly resize or replace the furnace. You can estimate the correct furnace size and BTU output for their house using this calculator.

5. Furnace Not Igniting

If your furnace isn’t kicking on, it could be a few things. First, check your gas line. If it’s blocked or too small, the furnace won’t get enough fuel to start. This isn’t a DIY fix—call a pro to inspect and clear any blockages or adjust the gas line if needed.

Another easy thing to check is your thermostat. If it’s not working right, it might not trigger the furnace. Try changing the batteries, but if that doesn’t help, get a technician to take a look. And don’t forget to swap out dirty furnace filters every 90 days (or more often if you have pets or allergies).

If your furnace clicks but won’t ignite, it could be an issue with the igniter or pilot light. If it fires up and then shuts off quickly, that could also point to a problem. Dirty burners can block gas flow and lead to poor combustion.

6. Blower Motor Issues

If you’re having blower motor issues, start by checking the wires. Look for any melted cords or blown fuses. Unplug the fan for a few minutes, then plug it back in—it could reset the motor. If that doesn’t help, check your breaker box for tripped breakers.

Next, look at the thermostat. Try setting it to “on” instead of “auto” to keep the fan running constantly until you can get professional help. Also, check the filters and vents for dust and blockages, as airflow issues can affect the blower. Finally, inspect the blower’s drive belt for wear or cracks and replace it if necessary.

7. Faulty Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to turn on and off randomly, fail to reach the desired temperature, or not turn on at all. 

Before calling a professional, check your power circuit for any tripped breakers. If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them with a fresh set. Dirt and dust buildup can also affect its performance, so clean the inside gently with a soft brush or compressed air. 

If you have an older analog thermostat, try adjusting the metal coil or strip inside to see if that resolves the issue, and consult your manual for specific settings.

If the furnace still doesn’t kick in, the problem may lie with the furnace itself. At this point, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to inspect and diagnose the issue.

8. Dirty or Clogged Filters

Clogged filters are often caused by dust, pet hair, and other debris building up over time. Changing filters is one of the simplest ways to maintain your home’s heating system. First, buy a replacement that fits your furnace.

Turn off the furnace, remove the old filter, and insert the new one, ensuring it faces correctly. Then turn the furnace back on. If you have a reusable filter, clean it by vacuuming, then wash it with mild soap and water. Let it dry completely before putting it back in.

For a more detailed guide, you may check out How to Change a Dirty Furnace Filter.

9. Condensate Drain Problems

Condensate drains can get clogged due to mold, algae, dirt, or debris buildup, blocking water from properly draining. If you suspect a blockage, start by checking the drain pan for standing water or debris. 

Use a wet/dry vacuum to clear any blockages by attaching the vacuum hose to the drain line and turning on suction. If that doesn’t work, try using a drain snake or wire brush to remove the clog physically. 

10. Pilot Light Problems

Pilot light issues are a common furnace problem, often caused by drafts, dirt, or a malfunctioning part. Here’s a quick guide on causes and solutions:

• A Draft of Air Has Blown It Out: If a draft blows out the pilot light, follow your manual’s instructions to relight it. If it keeps happening, contact an HVAC technician to assess for insulation issues or system problems.
• Dirty Intake Valve: Dirt buildup can block oxygen flow to the pilot light. A technician can clean the valve and perform regular maintenance to keep it clear.
• Broken or Malfunctioning Thermocouple: This safety device shuts off gas when it senses issues. If it’s dirty, out of place, or damaged, have a professional clean or replace it.
• Pilot Light Flame Isn’t Hot Enough: If the flame is yellow or orange, it may lack oxygen. Since this can be a carbon monoxide risk, have a technician inspect and repair it. If needed, consider upgrading to a new furnace for safety.

11. Faulty Limit Switch

A faulty limit switch can cause your furnace to overheat or shut down. If your furnace turns off repeatedly, it may enter a hard lockout mode. On newer models, you can reset by turning off the power for 30 seconds. 

Limit switches cost under $20; you can replace one yourself if you’re comfortable handling furnaces. First, shut off the power and gas, remove the switch, and test it with a multimeter. If there’s no continuity, replace it with a matching model. 

While this is doable, furnaces contain flammable gas and high voltage, so if you’re unsure, always call an HVAC specialist to stay safe. 

12. Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks are dangerous because the gas is odorless, colorless, and can be life-threatening. If your furnace has a CO leak, it can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.

Signs of a potential leak include:

• Stale, stuffy air inside your home
• Heavy condensation on windows near your furnace
• Yellow or flickering flame on gas appliances (should be blue)
• Soot or brownish stains around your furnace
• Unexplained headaches, dizziness, nausea, or confusion
• Frequent pilot light outages
• Rust or water streaks on vent pipes

If you suspect a CO leak, leave your home immediately and call 911 or your local fire department. Ensure you have working CO detectors installed near your furnace and in sleeping areas to alert you of leaks early.

13. Thermocouple Issues

To inspect your furnace’s thermocouple, gather a wrench, a multimeter, and a flame source (like a lighter). First, locate the thermocouple near the pilot light; it resembles a copper tube with a bracket and wires. Visually check for contamination, such as discoloration, cracks, or pinholes in the tube, and inspect the wires for corrosion or damage.

To test, turn off the gas and remove the thermocouple by unscrewing the copper lead and bracket nuts. Set your meter to ohms, ensure it reads zero, and switch to volts. Heat the thermocouple tip with the flame, attach the meter leads, and test for a reading between 25 and 30 millivolts. Anything below 25 needs replacement.

14. Electronic Ignition Problems

Electronic ignition problems can stop your furnace from functioning properly. An older igniter may simply need replacement as it wears out faster than the furnace itself. Using the wrong igniter type can also cause issues, so it’s best to call a professional to match the voltage correctly. 

A clogged air filter can trigger the high-temperature limit switch, turning off the igniter prematurely. Additionally, power surges in the home can damage the electric igniter, particularly “hot surface” igniters.

15. Air Duct Issues

Leaking ducts allow warm air to escape through holes, which lowers efficiency and airflow—best handled by a professional HVAC technician. If there are no holes but airflow is still low, blocked ducts may be the issue. 

Dust or debris buildup can restrict airflow; you can clean it yourself if confident, but for older ducts or possible animal infestations, leave it to the pros. 

16. Furnace Leaking Water

A leaking furnace often indicates problems with the condensate system. The condensate drain hose can become clogged with debris, causing water backup and leakage. 

If the inducer assembly is cracked, water can also leak from the furnace. Issues with the condensate drain line, such as cracks or blockages, can cause similar leaks. A blocked condensate trap, if present, may also be the culprit. 

Finally, a clogged or faulty condensate pump could lead to leaks and will likely need professional replacement since these pumps usually last 3-5 years.

Furnace Leaking Water When AC Is On

Air conditioners produce condensation that should drain away properly. If the drain is blocked, water can accumulate under the furnace. A clogged evaporator coil can also lead to water backing into the system. 

If you spot a leak, turn off the system, clean up the water, check the filter, vacuum out clogs, and test the AC. If the condensate pump isn’t working, it might need repair or replacement.

17. Furnace Not Turning ON

If your furnace won’t turn on, there can be many reasons. Some common culprits include issues with the thermostat, tripped circuit breakers, or dirty air filters. 

Gas furnaces can also struggle to ignite due to gas supply problems, like a closed valve or leak. A full or blocked drain pan might also trigger a safety switch, preventing your furnace from starting.

It could also be something as simple as restricted airflow from blocked vents or a more complex issue with the ignition sensor or pilot light. If you’ve gone through basic troubleshooting and the furnace still doesn’t turn on, it’s best to call an HVAC technician to inspect and repair it safely.

18.  Furnace Blowing Cold Air

If your furnace is blowing cold air, several common issues could be the cause.

Reason #1: Thermostat Fan Set to “ON”
If your furnace alternates between hot and cold air, the fan might be set to “ON.” Switch it to “AUTO” so it only runs during heating. If it keeps blowing, call a pro.

Reason #2: Pilot Light Out
Older furnaces need a lit pilot to heat air. Relight it as per instructions. If it won’t stay on, get professional help.

Reason #3: Overheated Furnace
A clogged air filter can overheat the heat exchanger, causing the blower to blow cold air. Replace the filter. If the problem persists, contact a technician.

Reason #4: No Gas Supply
If no gas, no heat. Check the valve is open. If still cold, call an HVAC expert.

19.  Burning Smell from Furnace

A burning smell from your furnace can mean different things. If you notice a burning plastic smell, it’s often a sign of a broken part, faulty capacitor, melted wires, or even a piece of plastic stuck in the ductwork. Turn off the furnace immediately to avoid damage or fire. Check the ducts, and if you find any debris, carefully remove it.

A dusty burning smell is common when starting your furnace for the season. This smell is usually mild and should fade within an hour as dust burns off the heat exchanger. If it doesn’t go away, clean the air filters, vents, and around the heat exchanger.

Read more: Burning Smell from Furnace: Causes & How to Fix it

20. Furnace Pressure Switch Stuck Open/Closed

A furnace pressure switch is a safety device that ensures proper airflow through the venting system before ignition. If it’s stuck open, it means there’s an airflow issue preventing the furnace from turning on. This can be caused by vent blockages, a faulty inducer motor, or a malfunctioning switch.

To fix this, check and clear any debris from the vent pipe. If the inducer motor is running properly and there’s no blockage, the pressure switch itself might need replacing. Call an HVAC technician if you’re unsure or need a proper diagnosis.

21. Furnace Fan Issues

If your furnace fan isn’t working or is always running, several common issues might be the cause.

Furnace Fan Not Working

If your furnace fan isn’t working, start by checking for melted cords, blown fuses, or tripped breakers. Try unplugging and replugging the fan to reset it. Verify the thermostat is set to “on” or “auto,” and replace the air filter if it’s dirty, as clogged filters can overheat the blower. Inspect the fan belt for damage, and if you’re unable to pinpoint the issue, call a professional.

Furnace Fan Always ON

If the furnace fan is always running, the thermostat setting may be set to “on”—switch it to “auto.” Older units might have a fan limit switch stuck in manual mode, requiring adjustment. Faulty thermostats, circuit boards, or wiring issues could also cause constant fan operation, in which case an HVAC technician is needed.

22. Furnace Shuts Off Before Reaching Temperature

Sometimes, your furnace shuts off before reaching the set temperature—it’s a frustrating problem. Several factors could be at play, and many require an HVAC pro for safety reasons. One common cause is overheating. If the furnace limit switch detects high temperatures, it will shut down the furnace. Overheating could result from poor airflow (clogged filter or blocked vents) or even an oversized furnace. 

It could also be electrical issues. Loose or damaged connections can trigger random shutdowns and pose a fire risk. Regular maintenance can help catch these issues early. Thermostat problems can also be the culprit, signaling the furnace to turn off too soon. A quick check by a technician can confirm if recalibration or replacement is needed. 

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried some basic troubleshooting and your residential furnace still isn’t working as it should, it’s time to bring in an HVAC professional. Here are some specific situations where a pro is needed:

• Frequent Furnace Shutdowns: Your furnace turns on but shuts off before repeatedly reaching the set temperature.
• No Heat Despite Working Fan: The fan is blowing, but no warm air is coming through the vents.
• Persistent Burning Smell: You smell burning plastic or dust for an extended period after starting the furnace.
• Unusual Noises: There are constant banging, squealing, or scraping noises coming from the furnace.
• Fan Won’t Stop Running: Your furnace fan runs continuously, even when it’s not heating.
• Water Leaks Near Furnace: You notice water pooling around your furnace or signs of moisture damage.
• Pilot Light or Ignition Issues: You’re unable to keep the pilot light lit, or the electronic ignition isn’t working.
• Air Duct Problems: Persistent airflow issues despite cleaning filters and vents.
• Gas Smell or Suspected Leak: Any gas odor around your furnace is an emergency—turn off the gas and call a professional immediately.
• Recurring Thermostat Problems: The furnace doesn’t respond correctly to temperature changes despite checking the thermostat settings and batteries.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Your Furnace

Regular furnace maintenance can extend its lifespan and keep it running efficiently. Here are some preventive tips:

• Annual Cleaning: Clean the blower motor, heat exchanger, burner, and other parts every year to maintain optimal performance.
• Replace Detector Batteries: Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every six months to ensure safety.
• Chimney Check: If your furnace vents through a chimney, inspect for obstructions like nests or soot before winter.
• Test Thermostat: Switch the thermostat to heating mode before the cold season to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
• Monthly CO Detector Test: Test carbon monoxide detectors regularly, especially with gas, propane, or oil furnaces.
• Seal Air Leaks: Seal any drafts in your home to prevent energy loss and reduce the furnace’s workload.
• Upgrade to Smart Thermostat: Use a smart thermostat to improve heating efficiency, adjust settings based on habits, and save on energy costs.

Conclusion

By now, you’re well-equipped with practical ways to troubleshoot your furnace, from checking the thermostat to cleaning filters and clearing vents. But not every problem can be solved DIY-style, and sometimes it’s just best to call in the experts.

Don’t let furnace issues catch you off-guard—get ahead of the problem and keep your home warm. 

For peace of mind, get a free quote from the best contractors in your area and let the pros handle the heavy lifting.

You rely on your furnace every day in winter to keep your home and family safe, comfortable, and warm, and there are important furnace maintenance steps you can take to make sure your furnace is in good shape to do this before you turn it on for the first time.

With colder weather on the way, you’ll want to make sure your furnace is ready to go so it can run smoothly and reliably through the winter. Don’t wait for the first really cold spell to realize something isn’t right, and when local HVAC contractors are dealing with a surge in demand!

In this guide, we’ll go over important maintenance, why a little preparation is important, tips to help you lower heating costs, and more.

Why You Should Opt for Professional Maintenance

Annual maintenance for your HVAC system is an important part of home ownership. One of the best and most obvious reasons to leave this to the pros is because they’ll be able to clean and service your furnace without damaging it. They’ll have all the tools required to get the job done properly and efficiently.

Moreover, a professional HVAC technician will know exactly what to look for in terms of current issues or potential problems, and explain what service or preventative maintenance you might need.

An annual inspection could also save you money by making sure that your furnace is clean, in good working order, and working as efficiently as possible.

Furthermore, it will also ensure the safety of your home and family. Major issues like gas leaks, cracked heat exchangers, and other furnace problems can be serious safety hazards. A professional HVAC contractor will know exactly what to look for to make sure your furnace is safe and ready to go for winter.

Although a professional inspection will be an additional cost, it will also save you plenty of time because you won’t have to worry about the maintenance yourself. Just like regular oil changes for your car, an annual furnace inspection is a worthwhile investment.

>> Lastly, most extended warranties require annual maintenance be performed in order to maintain coverage.

This is often buried in the fine print and something homeowners often don’t realize until it’s too late!

So if you’d like to keep your warranty valid, get your furnace inspected at the start of every fall/winter heating season.

Video: Furnace Maintenance You Can’t Afford to Ignore

When to Get Started?

It’s always best to get a head start on winter maintenance, and we recommend getting started in early fall.

For one thing, professional HVAC technicians get pretty busy in late fall and early winter months, and you might have to wait for an inspection or maintenance if you put it off too long. Similarly, if your furnace needs more than just an annual tune-up, you’ll have plenty of time to get that dealt with if you start early.

Finally, if you have your furnace serviced early, it will be ready to go as soon as the mercury starts to drop. Some years might feature an earlier than usual cold snap, so having your furnace serviced early in the season never hurts.

Important Steps for Making Sure Your Furnace Is Winter-Ready

Whether you opt to do annual maintenance on your furnace yourself (not advised!) or have a trained HVAC technician take care of it for you, there are some important things you need to make sure get done before winter arrives.

If you opt for DIY cleaning and maintenance, make sure you have the right tools, have read and understood the manufacturer’s instructions, know what you’re doing (ideally with prior HVAC experience), and feel comfortable with the job. Always turn off the furnace or shut off power to the unit before getting started.

Changing the Filter

Furnace filters clean the air going through the system, and therefore the air in your house. A clean filter can improve air quality, reduce odours, and improve the overall indoor environment.

Standard furnace filters should be changed or cleaned every one to three months, depending on the style. If you live somewhere that’s particularly dusty, smoky, or otherwise polluted, then you should probably change the filter every month, or even more frequently.

More advanced filters, such as thicker flat ones or extended media filters typically only need to be changed every three to six months, but check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

Cleaning the Major Components

Cleaning the blower motor, heat exchanger, burner, and other parts annually will keep your furnace in great shape and help it work efficiently.

To start, clear away any dust, debris, or objects around the furnace to eliminate fire hazards.

WARNING: Following these steps is at your own risk, we recommend calling a certified professional

For the major components, here’s a brief overview of how to clean them:

• Blower motor: Remove the blower and clean the blades gently with a stiff brush or vacuum. Lubricate the blower motor if necessary (check the manual).
• Heat exchanger: Brush the heat exchanger with a non-abrasive pad and then vacuum it.
• Burner: Vacuum the burner to clean off dust, dirt, soot, and other debris.
• Flame sensor: The flame sensor is a safety device, and if it gets dirty, then it can cause problems. Gently scrub the flame sensor with a non-abrasive pad.
• Vents: Go around the house and clear away any objects that are obstructing the vents, remove anything that’s covering them, and give them a good cleaning with a vacuum or duster.

Checking the Pilot or Igniter

Older furnaces usually have pilot lights, and you should light this to make sure it’s working. Newer furnaces that have electric igniters should be tested as well. Hit the reset button if it’s not working.

Replacing Batteries

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are important pieces of safety equipment, but the batteries need to be replaced regularly for them to protect your home and family.

It’s recommended that you replace the batteries in both devices every six months, so the beginning of winter is a good time to do it.

Checking the Chimney for Debris

Some furnaces vent exhaust gasses through the chimney, if you have one. And either way, if you have a wood-burning fireplace you’ll want to check it before making the first fire of the season. Poke your head up there and make sure there aren’t any obstructions in the chimney, such as nests, animals, or soot buildup.

If necessary, arrange to have your chimney cleaned, because dirty chimneys and trapped exhaust gasses can be health and fire hazards.

Also be sure to check the exterior vent pipe, which most modern furnaces use, to ensure there is nothing obstructing it in any way.

Firing It Up!

Switch the thermostat to heating, and to a few degrees warmer than its normal setting and wait for it to come on. Once you’ve ascertained that everything is working as it should, you can set the thermostat to its normal temperature for winter.

There Are Many Advantages to Furnace Maintenance

An annual furnace tune-up might seem like a hassle, but there are lots of benefits as well, including:

• Less maintenance: A little TLC could reduce service requirements and furnace repairs down the road, and that will save you more than you’ll spend on an annual inspection.
• Longer life: Regular service will also help to prolong the life of your furnace, and that translates to even bigger savings.
• Reliability: Pre-winter maintenance will help to ensure that your furnace doesn’t break down when you need it most—in the middle of winter.
• Improved efficiency and air quality: Important maintenance like cleaning the filters can make your furnace work better and reduce dust and other contaminants in the air.
• Cost-savings: Better efficiency and fewer breakdowns will save you on energy bills and maintenance. Plus, regular service might fix small problems that could become expensive issues down the road.
• Warranty coverage: Many furnace warranties (including ‘Unit Replacement’ or ‘Lifetime Heat Exchanger’ warranties) will revert to the lowest base coverage without proof of annual maintenance performed by a licensed contractor.

Tips to Reduce Heating Costs

See our Guide: 39 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Some of the best ways to reduce heating costs in winter include investing in a high-efficiency furnace, having regular maintenance performed, and changing the filters every one to three months. Beyond that, here are some other tips for cutting winter energy bills:

Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you still use a manual thermostat, then you’re missing out on the luxuries of being able to program your heating system to run just the way you like with a programmable thermostat.

However, a step-up from both manual and programmable thermostats are smart thermostats. Smart thermostats can learn your heating habits and make decisions based on your previous settings to make sure your home is always heated how you like it, and as efficiently as possible.

Seal Air Leaks

Measures taken to make sure that your home is energy efficient can help you make the most out of your home heating system. Focus closely on air leaks in your home, which can cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, resulting in larger bills at the end of the month and a shorter life for your unit.

Consider having a professional check your home for air leaks, or check the most common culprit areas yourself. These include windows and doors, electrical outlets, ducts, vents, fans, attics and basements, and areas where piping and wiring come into the house.

Sealing your heating ducts is another good idea to consider.

Increase the Humidity

Not only can dry winter air in your home contribute to increased static electricity, dry skin, and sore throats, but it can also make your home feel colder. Humid air feels warmer than dry air, so you can improve indoor comfort with a room or whole-home humidifier.

Knowing When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Furnace

Every furnace reaches a point in its life when it can no longer perform adequately or requires maintenance too often, and that signals it’s time for a new high-efficiency furnace.

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to consider an upgrade.

1. Is your furnace more than 10 to 15 years old?
   • Furnaces around 10 to 15 years old tend to be more susceptible to breakdowns and maintenance issues, and by this point, many part replacement warranties have expired. Older furnaces are also less efficient than modern models, meaning higher energy bills.
   • That doesn’t mean you automatically need to replace your furnace as soon as it hits its 10th birthday, but the older it is, the more worthwhile replacing it for a newer version becomes.
2. Has your furnace been breaking down regularly?
   • Depending on what the problem is, furnace breakdowns can be costly. If you’re covered by a warranty and can arrange a fast maintenance call, then these breakdowns may only be an inconvenience. But as winter becomes colder, HVAC companies often become busier, so it’s good to have a reliable unit to keep you warm.
   • Especially if your furnace has been red-tagged.
3. Is the cost of repairs getting prohibitive?
   • A general rule of thumb for a furnace replacement versus maintenance is this: if the cost of a repair (especially for an older unit that’s not under warranty) will cost more than 50 percent of what you’d pay for an upgrade, then you should probably opt for a new furnace.
4. Is your home being warmed to the temperature you desire?
   • If your home is cooler than it was when you first purchased your furnace, or it has never reached a suitable temperature, then there could be a maintenance or sizing issue that could be corrected with a new model.
5. Are your monthly energy bills high?
   • High heating bills can mean your furnace isn’t efficient enough. The AFUE rating is the annual fuel utilization efficiency rating, and this shows how efficient the furnace is at converting energy to heat.
   • A high-efficiency furnace should have a 90+ percent AFUE rating, and there are some on the market today that are rated as high as 99 percent. By contrast, most furnaces manufactured in the 1990s and earlier might only be 80 percent efficient or less.

The Benefits of a Modern Furnace

One of the main advantages of upgrading your furnace is getting a high-efficiency model with a good AFUE rating that will cut your energy bills.

Note that this savings chart shows savings compared to a baseline of 60% AFUE, which would be likely for very old furnaces (25 years+). Furnaces that are in the 15-20 year old range, are likely closer to 75 – 85% AFUE.

Another benefit of high-efficiency furnaces is that many are backed by ENERGY STAR®. ENERGY STAR is a program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. In Canada, it’s administered by the government, and the purpose is to help consumers identify high-efficiency products.

Looking for an ENERGY STAR certified furnace will help you save money on your monthly bills, but it will also guarantee that the unit you buy performs better than comparable models. There are also lots of rebates out there for ENERGY STAR certified furnaces.

Upgrading your furnace is also the opportunity to purchase a unit with a BTU rating that is suitable for your home, meaning the furnace has been accurately sized for your space. A professional HVAC technician will be able to assess your home and calculate the right size for your new furnace.

Another great thing about modern furnaces is the technology. Depending on your budget, you could get a top furnace model with communicating technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, self-diagnostics, quiet operation features, two-stage or modulating gas valves, and much more.

Finally, new furnaces will be covered under warranty, which adds some peace of mind.

FAQ

Read More: 22 Common Furnace Problems with Troubleshooting Tips