The winter season is quickly approaching, and your furnace will likely have a lot of work to do in the months ahead. But you may be wondering, will your furnace survive the winter? Keep reading to find out how you can tell.

Furnace Lifespan

You’ll want to consider the age of your furnace when determining whether your furnace will survive the winter months, or if it may be time to invest in a new one. Typically, furnaces last about 15 years. If you don’t know how old your furnace is, or if you think it might be older than 15 years, it might be time to replace it. Regular maintenance can help keep your furnace in great shape for years. Qualified technicians and repairmen can help you get the most out of your furnace, but there comes a time when the cost of repairs isn’t worth it anymore.

Low Performance

New furnaces or those in great condition perform the best and operate at their most efficient level. As your furnace gets older, the efficiency and performance start to drop. This can result in higher heating bills, uneven heating and other furnace issues. Regular maintenance can help to slow down this process, and if your heating bills have really spiked, it could be a sign of a bigger issue that your furnace technician will be able to identify.

Unusual Noises & Smells

Keep an ear out for any unusual noises coming from your furnace, and don’t be afraid to get up close to it. Standing next to your furnace and listening to it while it’s on can tell you a lot about it, especially if you hear buzzing, rattling or humming. If you suspect it’s making any noises or emitting any smells that it shouldn’t, it’s worth getting it checked out by a professional.

Do I Need a New Furnace?

Frequent breakdowns are pretty common with furnaces that have past or are nearing the 15-year mark. Constant repairs and higher heating bills can add up, and sometimes it’s more cost-effective to purchase a new furnace. You can talk to your service technician about whether it’s time to replace your furnace, and they can usually help you choose a new unit that’s right for you and your home. A new furnace can help save you money, and keep you more comfortable during the cold winter months.

Still not sure if you need a new furnace? Learn more signs from Bryan’s Fuel!