We all desire that are furnace lasts as many years as possible, however, that is not always the case. In some situations a small problem may go unnoticed and end up with a much larger and expensive problem than we care to admit to. By not taking matters seriously enough, it then becomes necessary to purchase a new furnace at times when the weather is worse. The following tips are going to help you understand when you should repair or replace your current furnace.

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Starting and Stopping

In some instances, you will notice that your furnace constantly starts and stops with little notice and is usually do to an internal problem not allowing the unit to complete its heating cycle. Unfortunately, there is not one cause for this type of furnace failure, but it is typically due to a dying fan motor or dirty heat sensor.

Flame Color

When your furnace is about to fire up, take a moment to note the color of the flame. In many instances, with the newer model furnaces you will not even need to open the access panel for this.

If your furnace has a glowing yellow flame, it is an indication that you more than likely have a dirty burner and the gas is not burning completely. While this is truly the sign of an inefficient furnace it also leads to a serious problem of improper ventilation of dangerous carbon monoxide.

Rusted Flue

Another telltale sign that carbon monoxide may be improperly ventilated is that of a rusted flue. If your home has suffered a broken pipe or the roof has been leaking, there is a possibility that your flue has become corroded and rusted, which is a dangerous situation. A gas furnace will produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide which must be ventilated through a proper flue into the outdoors. If your flu line has become rusted due to water damage, it is possible for the carbon monoxide to peek back into the home.

Moisture

Many homes throughout the country deal with moisture buildup on the windows, walls and ceilings, this is usually a sign that there is not sufficient airflow throughout the home. Home sick deal with damp or stagnant airflow are usually the result of vent problems are furnace situations.

High Cost Of Utilities

There are a multitude of reasons why utility bills can be higher than average. During extremely cold months, he furnace is going to be required to work harder than usual creating a much higher utility bill. However, during milder season if the cost of your utilities are still rather high there may be an issue with the furnace and requires professional assistance. Your first course of action should be to check the furnace filter, due to the fact that a dirty filter will restrict the furnaces air flow and make it work twice as hard.

Water Leakage

A puddle of water surrounding your furnace is a telltale sign of a potential problem. Your first step in this type of situation is to determine where the water is coming from. If an air conditioner is running, this is most likely the main culprit with a leak or clog in the water condensate line. If orders come in directly from the furnace or from the heathen cycle, there is a much more serious problem that a professional should deal with in a timely manner.

Pest Control

Rats, mice and other animal species can do serious amounts of damage to your home heating elements and systems. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to occasionally check for animal droppings and nested materials as well as ensure vents are free and wires have not been chewed. Likewise, always check for animal activity on the roof to be certain that vent hoods are free and clear of damage.

Old-Age

A typical household furnace usually has about 20 years of service and it. With regular maintenance and service, this amount of time can be increased. However, if you believe your furnace is at the end of its life, it is wise to replace it for the cold weather begins.

Uncomfortable Temperatures

You find yourself getting up every hour or so to alter the temperature in the house, it may be wise to call upon a professional technician. This may be a case of the thermometer going bad or it can be an issue with the furnace not been able to maintain its heat and levels.

Repeated Service Calls

It is important for furnaces to be serviced and maintain throughout their lives. However, if your furnace has a recurring problem there may be a serious underlying issue. If you find yourself: upon the services of a technician for the same problem over the course of two years, it may be time to look into her replacement furnace.

Cold Areas

Many homeowners complain about certain rooms in their home being colder than others. In most cases this is simply due to the fact that the furnace is not able to keep the entire house warm or the ventilation system is not able to push and circulate the warmer air.

Unit Noise

Regardless of what you may have heard, there is no such thing as a silent furnace. However, if your furnace has recently begun to clang, rattle and shake, it is more than likely a sign that there has been an element come loose. If this is the case, it is wise to call upon the services of a technician for a maintenance visit.