As the fall foliage begins to create hordes of leaf raking and crisp air settles into North America, homeowners all over the United States are now starting to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
And although easy transitions like hot drinks and cozy blankets are always a part of this seasonal autumn charm, one huge home upkeep task that everyone has to keep in mind this time of year is furnace maintenance.
No one wants to wake up on a brisk winter morning only to instantly realize that their home is literally freezing, which is why it’s possible that you could need a new furnace system well before winter even shows up later this year.
We recently got in touch with the furnace replacement pros in Westminster Colorado at Apex Clean Air to learn more about the furnace-related red flags that homeowners should be on the lookout for this time of year, and you’re going to want to listen up about what we learned…
So, check out the below sections to learn about the common red flag warning signs indicating that your home might need a furnace replacement before winter shows up!
Red Flag #1: Your Existing Furnace System Is Over 15 Years Old
The vast majority of modern furnaces are capable of lasting around 15-20 years, but this is only when they’ve been properly maintained on a yearly basis.
If your home’s furnace is near or over 15 years old, it could be a good time to consider replacing your system prior to winter’s arrival and the subsequently heavy usage you’ll put on your system by the time December rolls around.
The tough truth is that an older furnace unit might not be efficient enough for your household’s heating needs this winter, and it’ll also be far more likely to need repairs when you need it most!
Red Flag #2: Skyrocketing Monthly Energy Bills
If you’re noticing abnormally high energy bills that seem to be going up regardless of your home’s overall usage, it could mean that your furnace system is no longer functioning properly.
Worn-down HVAC components will inevitably force your furnace to consume more energy and work too hard, which will lead to higher bills even when your usage stays steady.
But the good news is that today’s energy-efficient furnace models can drastically lower your heating bills by the time the first cold spells arrive!
Red Flag #3: Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home’s Rooms
Do some of the rooms in your home feel chilly, while others feel abnormally toasty? Is this heating inconsistency not changing even when you make thermostat adjustments?
This type of uneven household heating is a common warning sign indicating that your furnace is struggling to consistently push warm air throughout your vents.
Although professional air duct cleaning services can often alleviate these symptoms and get your heating back to normal, there are other scenarios in which you might need a furnace replacement to effectively restore your entire home’s overall comfort.
Red Flag #4: Frequent Furnace Repairs Adding Up
Although occasional furnace repairs are perfectly normal for aging systems, you’ll have a much bigger problem on your hands when you find yourself calling HVAC technicians multiple times each winter.
Not only do these repair costs quickly add up, but they also can be incredibly annoying when you simply can’t rely on your furnace to perform when it’s needed most.
At a certain point, it makes more financial sense to invest in a furnace replacement—instead of continuing to patch up and repair a system that’s clearly unreliable!
Red Flag #5: Strange Furnace Odors & Noises
Although every furnace makes noises, it’s not a good sign when you’re hearing abnormal rattling, banging or squealing emanating from your unit. These sounds are clear red flags that your furnace is experiencing serious internal issues.
The same thing goes for unusual odors like mustiness or burning smells, because these warning signs indicate worn-out components or rather serious safety hazards.
And what’s worse is that if these issues are neglected and subsequently persist into this winter, you could be susceptible to serious repairs that will inevitably require a furnace replacement as your safest option!
Red Flag #6: Poor Indoor Air Quality
It’s also common for older furnaces to struggle with allergen, dust and pollutant filtering—which leaves homes with poor indoor air quality.
If you’re currently noticing any dust buildup or allergy symptoms in months like October and November, this is a serious warning sign that these issues will only get worse in December and January.
The good news is that modern furnace systems are specifically designed to improve a home’s overall indoor air quality, while ensuring that homes stay warm during the coldest days of the year.
Why The Fall Months Are The Perfect Time Of Year For Furnace Replacements
There are several advantages that come with replacing your furnace during the fall months.
First and foremost, you’ll avoid the discomfort and stress associated with potential furnace breakdowns during the middle of cold spells while local HVAC companies are slammed.
Second, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that your home is well equipped to handle the coldest days of the year.
And lastly, upgrading your existing furnace system prior to winter’s arrival will also help you qualify for many different seasonal discounts and energy rebates that are set to expire in 2026!
Is Your Home’s Furnace Acting Weird? You Could Need A Furnace Replacement Before Winter Quickly Shows Up!
There’s no denying how your furnace is by far one of your home’s most important appliances, and it’s inevitably going to be needed this winter.
So, if you’re currently noticing weird issues and red flags, you can save your household a lot of hassles by avoiding unexpected emergencies this winter through a furnace replacement this fall.
And now is truly the time to act as HVAC companies are less busy during the shoulder season of October and November!
