If you depend on your home’s furnace for what each autumn and winter, it is important to learn the critical signs of furnace repair and replacement. Knowing what to do when your furnace stops working is another valuable skill as a homeowner. So, take note of the following key signs that you may need to speak to an HVAC professional about replacing your home’s furnace.

One of the simplest signs that indicated furnace replacement is that your furnace is over 15 years old. Even with routine and seasonal HVAC maintenance, a furnace will eventually age out of being efficient enough to keep your home and family comfortable. If you aren’t sure how old your furnace is but suspect that it could be past its prime, find the manual and check for a serial number. With this serial number, you’ll be able to see when it was manufactured and installed, offering an “age” for your furnace and a better idea about whether it needs to be replaced.

You’ve noticed increased energy bills. This is a telltale sign of furnace repair and replacement, so hiring a professional to take a look at your unit is a great idea. An furnace that has to work harder than necessary uses more energy and power than is necessary. There may be a few causes for this, including an improperly set thermostat or a clogged filter that isn’t letting enough air through. Thus, your system is working harder than is typically necessary to get the desired temperature. Unfortunately, it leads to higher energy bills. A furnace that cannot run efficiently isn’t going to lend much to your home’s comfort.

You may consider replacing your home's furnace if you can’t keep your home warm enough - or the temperature is inconsistent throughout the home. The most common reasons that you aren’t able to keep your home warm enough include air leaks around the home or a malfunctioning thermostat. Both have simple solutions, but you need an expert to check out your system and find the right cause. However, if you consistent feel the need to turn the thermostat up to no avail, replacement could be the right solution.

If you aren’t sure if you need to replace your home’s furnace, speak to an HVAC technician to get the situation thoroughly checked out. Replacement, rather than repair, is a significant expense, so you don’t want to have to replace a major appliance when it’s unnecessary.