Another factor to consider is that modern furnaces are far more energy-efficient than they used to be, and purchasing a new furnace with a superior fuel efficiency rating could save you big money over the long haul. So if you let your furnace go beyond a certain point you could be pressing your luck. While a well-maintained furnace can last for more than 20 years without replacement, the average lifespan for a furnace is about 15 years. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, disorientation, mental confusion, headaches and nausea, and if anyone in the family is complaining of such symptoms you should shut the furnace down and arrange for a repair technician to come and check for damage. Over time cracks can form in a furnace’s heat exchanger, raising the possibility of dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Members of your family haven’t been feeling well. The problem may be reparable, but if a trained technician can’t find the problem your furnace could be on the verge of a serious mechanical breakdown. But if you start to hear banging, grinding, rattling, squeaking or popping noises whenever your furnace is in operation, it’s a clear indicator of trouble you can’t afford to ignore. The furnace is making odd noises.įurnaces should run smoothly and quietly. If you notice cold spots in certain rooms, especially those that are upstairs or on the periphery of the home, it may signal a loss of generating power in a furnace that’s on its last legs. Soaring utility and repair bills are signs of progressive furnace deterioration, and so is unsatisfying or inconsistent performance. But if you’ve had repair technicians in your home two or more times in the past year, or you’ve noticed your repair bills rising incrementally as they years pass, the patch-and-plug approach to furnace maintenance may no longer be your most cost-effective response. Rising repair bills.Īll furnaces need repairs from time to time, some of which may be extensive and costly. Buildup of dust and debris in your furnace or ductwork could be a factor, but if a cleaning and maintenance check eliminates that possibility, it’s reasonable to assume your furnace is nearing its expiration date. If your thermostat settings are the same but your gas bills are rising, it’s a clear sign your furnace is struggling to keep pace. Here are six telltale signs that may indicate your furnace is ready for the scrap heap … 1. If you wait too long to replace your furnace it may give up the ghost on one of the coldest days of the year, which is the absolute worst-case scenario. But is it up to the challenge?Īs time passes and the wear and tear accumulate, even the most sturdy and reliable furnace will start to run out of fuel, both figuratively and literally. Using barbeques or camping stoves inside, and turning on vehicle or lawn mower engines in your garage, can also cause a build-up of carbon monoxide.The winter heating season in Colorado means heavy-duty action for your furnace. Causes of carbon monoxide poisoningĬommon household appliances used for heating and cooking can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed properly, are faulty, or are poorly maintained.Īppliances that can cause carbon monoxide include: They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Check if you have carbon monoxide poisoningĬarbon monoxide gas is colourless and does not smell, so you cannot tell if it is around you. Carbon monoxide can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in.
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