As temperatures fall during the winter, most homes will fire up their furnaces. A well-functioning furnace is essential if you do not want to freeze during the cold winter nights. That said, you might not know if it is the right time to replace your furnace or have it repaired. This is why below we will look at signs that it is time to have your furnace repaired or replaced.

Your Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old

The average estimated lifetime of most furnaces is 15-25 years. Older furnaces need frequent repairs and the cost of doing these repairs will overtake the amount of money you could spend on a new furnace. Older furnaces are also less efficient, which means they may be wasting energy and leaving you with huge electric bills.

The Furnace Is Blowing Cold or Lukewarm Air

While it is true that a furnace will blow cold or lukewarm air due to various reasons, the main reason is that your furnace is old and is no longer as efficient as it used to be. That said, before opting for repairs or even a full replacement, check the pilot light for a failed motor or even a dirty lame sensor.

A Rise in Heating Bills

If you find your heating bills going up, it may be because your furnace needs servicing or replacing. Furnaces fail as they get older and become less efficient leading to the spikes in heating bills.

Strange Sounds

Sounds of scraping metals, banging, cracking, squealing or rattling are all signs that your furnace is failing. If your furnace starts making these sounds, it would be best to have it checked out by a professional to see if you need furnace repair Denver or a replacement.

The Pilot Light Is the Wrong Color

A lot of people do not pay attention to the pilot light in the furnace. The pilot light should be blue with either a yellow or orange tip. If it is yellow or flickering, that is a sign that the furnace is not burning fuel efficiently. It could indicate that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.

Water or Gas Leaks

Older furnaces can leak gas or water, with the former being infinitely more dangerous than the latter. If you smell gas or if your carbon monoxide sensor starts beeping, call a professional immediately.  Before they arrive, switch the furnace off, close the gas valve, and open as many windows as you can. Then ensure everyone leaves the house and wait for the professionals.

Strange Smells

A well-functioning furnace should not produce any smells. If you smell gas, smoke, any burning smells, or the smell of rotten eggs, something is wrong with your furnace. 

Even though these smells should be checked out by a professional, they could be sorted easily by cleaning the unit and changing the filter. If you cannot find the source of the smell, call a professional.

There are many signs that your furnace may be failing. If you encounter any of the issues listed above, call a professional so they can advise you on whether you need a new unit or just simple repairs.