3 Signs You Need a New Furnace This Year

by Kevin Smith Author

While winters in Texas tend to be mild, it does get cold enough to turn the heater on for several weeks of the year. Even though your heater isn't running as much as your air conditioning, you can't expect it to last forever. For example, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, you shouldn't be surprised if you're shopping for a furnace replacement in Magnolia soon. Here are 3 additional signs that you'll need a new furnace this year.

Increased Heating Costs

If your heating bill is going through the roof, your furnace might be at fault. If you're spending more money on heating your home in the winter than you spend on cooling it in the summer, you probably don't have the most efficient furnace available. Older units use more energy to generate the same amount of heat as newer units. Depending on the type of furnace you have, you'll see a hike in your gas or electric bill during the coldest weeks of the year.

Strange Noises

Your appliances shouldn't make weird noises. If you hear rattling, popping, or banging noises when you turn on your furnace, something is seriously wrong. It's best to turn it off and have a technician take a look. While there's a chance they can repair your furnace, don't be surprised if the loud noises indicate that yours has reached the end of its useful life.

If your furnace is screeching or squealing, that's usually a sign that there's something wrong with your blower or inducer motor. It may just be a loose bearing or a belt that needs to be changed out, but it could also have to do with the pulley that holds the belt. The repair cost and the age of the furnace might be the tipping point to decide to buy a new one instead.

Uneven Temperatures

An older furnace may be inefficient. This can cause some rooms in your home to be colder than others. It has to do with the fact that the unit isn't able to distribute the heat evenly throughout your home anymore. No matter what you set the thermostat to, you just can't feel comfortably warm in your home. Of course, you may notice other problems with your furnace, too. For example, if you notice soot around the registers, you should have an experienced technician take a look. They'll let you know if a furnace replacement in Magnolia is your next step.