7 Signs it is Time for a Furnace Replacement

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As winter approaches, our staff at Integrity Air LLC starts to get busy. With the weather as unpredictable as it is in the Pacific Northwest, Integrity Air LLC has to stay prepared for furnace service requests day and night. When the weather suddenly shifts, you want to be able to turn on your heater and warm up your home as quickly as possible. There is nothing more disappointing than feeling the first whispers of winter, only to find that your furnace is not working as it should when you go to turn it on.

Furnace replacements and repairs are some of the most common calls we receive. No one likes being cold, especially in their own homes. Over the years, our staff has helped homeowners keep themselves and their loved ones warm through our furnace repair and replacement services. We are often asked, “How will I know when my furnace needs to be replaced?”

There are over half a dozen symptoms that indicate there might be a problem with your furnace. Our specialists at Integrity Air LLC observe the following seven signs described below when a furnace needs to be repaired or replaced. Furnace installations can be costly but are well worth the investment. Continue reading to learn the top seven signs that indicate you may need a furnace replacement.

TOP SIGNS OF A FURNACE PROBLEM

The Furnace is More than 15 Years Old
Your furnace is not meant to last forever. The average lifespan of a furnace is anywhere between 15 to 20 years. If you are like most homeowners, you probably moved into your home while the furnace was already in place and may have no idea how old your furnace is. You should be able to determine the age of your furnace by looking in the owner’s manual or looking up the model number. You can also work with a local furnace installation service like Integrity Air LLC and have an expert determine the age of your furnace.
Your Energy Bill has Increased
An abnormally high energy bill is sometimes the first indication that your furnace is starting to wear down. If your furnace is no longer as efficient as it once was, it will need to work harder to heat your home. Inevitably, if your furnace is working overtime to make up for lack of efficiency, your monthly bill will rise. Older furnaces are not nearly as cost-effective as newer models. If you have noticed your energy bill increasing every year, it may be time for a furnace replacement.
Rooms in Your Home Heat Unevenly
A house that is heating unevenly can be one of the most frustrating symptoms of a worn furnace. Our specialists often see this symptom occurring with our clients if their furnace vents are closed or blocked, or their air filters are dirty. On your own, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. Our furnace experts at Integrity Air LLC always check the vents and air filters first before recommending a complete furnace replacement. Sometimes, an adjustment or replacement of certain parts will solve this heating issue.
Strange Noises or Hums are Coming from the Furnace
Most of the time, you shouldn’t hear much noise coming from your furnace. A furnace expert should investigate abnormal noises that appear out of nowhere or worsen over time. Here are the most common sounds homeowners will hear when their furnaces break and need a repair as soon as possible:

Scraping
Any kind of scraping noises coming from your furnace usually indicate that there is a loose part in need of replacement or repair. With this noise, it is most likely that your furnace blower wheel is damaged. An experienced technician should inspect your furnace as soon as possible for blower wheel issues or other related problems.
Loud Bangs or Pops
Homeowners with broken furnaces will often complain about hearing a loud banging or popping noises. This is usually an indication that either the furnace burners are dirty or something is wrong with the air ducts. Furnace burners that are caked in dirt from use over time can delay ignition of your furnace and cause gas to build-up. Once the burner is finally able to ignite, a popping sound may result. Essentially, it is a small explosion that is causing the noise. If this type of problem persists without a technician’s intervention, the heat exchanger on the furnace may crack.
If the loud popping sound originates from the furnace air ducts, they may be undersized, flimsy, or worn. It is also possible that the air filter or vents may be the source of the strange noise. Since it can be difficult to determine where exactly the sound is coming from, it is best to hire a furnace expert for an inspection.
Squeals or Squeaks
Squealing noises can result from several different problems. Our technicians at Integrity Air LLC notice that this sound most often occurs when the blower belt frays or the blower motor is malfunctioning. Blower belt or motor issues are generally easy to fix but can cause significant damage to your furnace if you neglect the problem for too long. Contact a furnace installer from Integrity Air LLC as soon as you hear squeaking or other abnormal noises coming from your furnace.

Your Furnace is Rusted or Cracked in Certain Spots
Rust appearing on your furnace is a sign you should never ignore. Combustion gases inside of your furnace turn into vapor, which usually gets vented out through the furnace flue. If the vapor comes into contact with the metal, rust may develop over time. Our furnace installers in Portland typically recommend a replacement to remedy this problem. Rust forming is usually a sign that a furnace has reached the end of its life.
Repairs have Become More Frequent
If you find yourself continuously repairing your furnace over and over again, it may be time to replace it altogether. Minor, but frequent repairs can cost you a significant amount of money. It may be time to consider replacing your furnace if you find that you are investing in new parts or repairs several times per year.
The Burner Flame is Yellow
The pilot light in your furnace should be blue. If the flame appears yellow, this is a sign that something is off. Typically, a yellow flame indicates that there is dirt on the burner. Thus, the natural gas in the furnace is not mixing properly with the surrounding air. This dangerous imbalance of gases can lead to deadly carbon monoxide leaking into your home. If you notice a change in flame color, be sure to contact Integrity Air LLC for an inspection.

PREVENT FURNACE ISSUES IN THE FUTURE

Furnace replacement in Portland, Oregon, and other surrounding cities is our specialty. Throughout our years of servicing homeowners in the area with their furnace needs, we have seen time and again that regular maintenance is the best way to prevent small issues from spiraling out of control. Our technicians recommend scheduling a furnace inspection at least once a year, preferably before any cold weather hits. You are guaranteed to get the most out of your furnace by having an experienced expert perform periodic inspections.

Yearly inspections allow you to become aware of small issues before they have the chance to spiral into larger ones. All homeowners can benefit from annual furnace inspections, especially if they are looking to save money. It is much easier to repair parts that have only been faulty for a short time. If you wait to make necessary repairs, you may find yourself replacing your entire furnace sooner rather than later.

Additionally, due to the potential for hazardous carbon monoxide to leak into your home, you don’t want to push off a furnace inspection for long. Not only will proper maintenance save you money, but it may also spare you and your loved ones from serious health issues. Carbon monoxide leaks can be lethal, especially since it is nearly impossible to detect this odorless and colorless gas. Working with a professional every year will save you money and help you protect your household.

HIRE INTEGRITY AIR FOR YOUR FURNACE INSTALLATION NOW!

Are you looking for someone to help you with furnace installation in Portland, OR? Look to Integrity Air LLC! Our furnace installation experts are highly skilled, professionally trained, and able to assist with everything from repairs to complete installations. Inspections, repairs, or complete furnace installations in Portland should be performed towards the end of the summer, just before cold weather hits.

Contact Integrity Air LLC now to schedule a furnace installation today. Our Portland furnace services are always competitively priced, professional, and guaranteed to help keep your family warm all winter long. Our experts can also assist with regular yearly maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs. For the best Portland furnace replacement services, give Integrity Air LLC a call now at (503) 598-0966!

Reviews

“Kyle, your company did a new furnace and ac installation at my home in Hillsboro this last May. I just wanted to thank you and commend Pedro Rivera in particular, and the crew for a job well done. All of the work was exactly as quoted, on time and without any difficulties. I would highly recommend your company to anyone that I come across, and have in fact have already done so. Thanks again.”

-Dan R.

“Could not have been happier. We were without heat after our 30-year-old furnace failed before Thanksgiving weekend. Integrity sent Pedro Rivera right away to review, measure, recommend and bid on the job. Within a couple days, the installers came–right on time—and finished by early afternoon. The area was cleaner after they were done than when they arrived. The price was good, professionalism and timeliness unmatched.”

-Gary T.

“Awesome service, came on such short notice, explained everything, understood the issue, diligent about what needs to be done. Everything was under warranty so no charge. If you call them, ask for Kyle, great service experience and will definitely recommend.”

-Sukh K.

“You Guys are the greatest! we really like your style, workmanship, and professionalism. I would recommend Integrity Air to anybody who wants excellent service. Thanks! We would not hesitate to have any future work done by you guys.”

~M.C.