Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacement
January 10, 2025
The average furnace lasts 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If your furnace is approaching this age or showing warning signs, replacement may be more cost-effective than continued repairs. Here are the eight most common signs.
8 Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacement
1. Your Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old Furnaces lose efficiency as they age. A furnace over 15 years old operates at significantly lower efficiency than modern models, costing you more in energy bills every month.
2. Rising Energy Bills If your gas bills keep increasing despite consistent usage, your furnace is losing efficiency. Modern furnaces (95%+ AFUE) use 15-25% less energy than older models.
3. Frequent Repairs If you're calling for repairs more than once per heating season, those costs add up fast. A general rule: if repair cost exceeds 50% of a new furnace, replacement is smarter.
4. Uneven Heating Rooms that are too hot or too cold indicate your furnace can no longer distribute heat effectively. This often signals a failing blower motor or heat exchanger.
5. Strange Noises Banging, popping, rattling, or squealing noises indicate worn or failing components. While some noises are repairable, multiple unusual sounds suggest widespread wear.
6. Yellow Burner Flame A healthy furnace flame is blue. A yellow or flickering flame may indicate a carbon monoxide issue — this is a safety concern that requires immediate attention.
7. Excessive Dust An aging furnace may no longer filter air effectively, leading to increased dust throughout your home. This affects both comfort and indoor air quality.
8. Visible Deterioration Rust, cracks, or corrosion on your furnace are signs of serious wear. A cracked heat exchanger is particularly dangerous and typically means replacement is necessary.
What Does a New Furnace Cost in the East Bay?
A new furnace installation in the East Bay typically costs: - Standard efficiency (80% AFUE): $3,500-$5,500 - High efficiency (95%+ AFUE): $5,000-$8,000
With utility rebates and incentives, East Bay homeowners can save on qualifying high-efficiency furnaces through available rebate programs.
Next Steps
If your furnace is showing any of these signs, schedule a free estimate. We'll inspect your current system and provide honest recommendations — including whether repair might still be the better option.
Call Energy Solutions at (925) 778-1335 for a free furnace assessment.