6 Hidden Risks of Not Replacing an Older Furnace

As a homeowner, your furnace, much like any other piece of machinery, ages over time, presenting challenges that can have big consequences for you, which leads to you asking, should I replace my furnace?

In this blog, we highlight the importance of recognizing the potential risks of aging systems and emphasize your need to be proactive. Your home’s comfort, safety, and financial well-being are at stake, making it essential to make informed decisions regarding the aging heart of your heating system.

How Old is Too Old for a Furnace?

The age at which a furnace potentially becomes a liability varies, but a good rule of thumb is the 15-year mark. Once a furnace blows out its candles on its 15th birthday, significant problems are much more likely to occur. However, the actual lifespan of a furnace depends on factors such as maintenance history, usage patterns, and the quality of the original installation.

Now, let’s hop into the six reasons why keeping an aging furnace poses risks that every homeowner should know.

1-Older Furnaces Lack Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest drawbacks of an aging furnace is its energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, furnaces 15 years or older can have an efficiency rating as low as 56%, meaning nearly half of their energy is wasted. In stark contrast, modern, high-efficiency furnaces boast 90% or more efficiency ratings.

High efficiency furnaces can translate to savings on your utility bills—an average of 20% to 30% less energy consumption than their outdated counterparts. Upgrading to a more efficient system aligns with environmental responsibility and can put some savings back in your pocket.

2-Potential Safety Hazards of an Older Furnace

Carbon Monoxide Leaks in Your Furnace

Aging furnaces increase the risk of dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Undetected, this colorless, odorless gas can pose serious health risks. As disclosed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100,000 people in the U.S. visit the ER each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

As the furnace ages, components like the heat exchanger may develop cracks, allowing this colorless, odorless gas to escape into your home. Additionally, corrosion or rusting of the heat exchanger over time can compromise its integrity, leading to leaks.

Apart from a cracked heat exchanger, carbon monoxide leaks can also result from issues such as a malfunctioning flue pipe or a blocked vent. Any blockages or damage in the venting system can disrupt the proper ventilation of combustion gasses, releasing carbon monoxide into the living space.

Possible Fire Hazards of an Older Furnace

Some sources will tell you that heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires, but we need to clarify something. That particular stat is related to portable and stationary space heaters, which you certainly should be cautious about using and try not to use them if possible. With that being said, here are potential gas furnace fire hazards.

Blocked Furnace Flue – Debris or other obstructions can clog the furnace flue, restricting air flow. This restriction can lead to soot buildup, decreasing efficiency and the possible risk of flame rollout. Flame rollout occurs when the fire escapes the heat exchanger, potentially damaging internal furnace components. If it continues, your gas furnace could suffer severe damage, and the fire might extend beyond the furnace, posing a direct threat to your home. Most units have safety devices to prevent drastic situations but regular maintenance can help stay ahead of these issues.
Clogged Heat Exchanger – This condition mimics the effects of a blocked furnace flue, reducing performance and increasing the risk of flame rollout. A compromised heat exchanger not only reduces the furnace’s efficiency but also introduces a potential fire hazard that could result in significant damage.
Improper Gas Furnace Pressure – Gas furnaces demand a properly mixed natural gas and air cocktail for safe ignition. Inadequate pressure often arises from a clogged burner, making burner flames more prone to rollout. This issue can also jumpstart unwanted condensation within the heat exchanger, hastening corrosion. Conversely, excessive gas pressure can generate extreme heat inside the furnace, causing combustible soot within the heat exchanger to ignite. Such fires, while very rare, can quickly spread, presenting a substantial risk to your home’s safety.

3-Escalating Furnace Repair Costs

Beyond safety concerns, the financial impact of maintaining an aging furnace can be a big reason to consider replacing your furnace. As furnaces age, they become more prone to breakdowns and malfunctions, leading to a steady increase in repair costs and increased frequency of these costly repairs. Components of old furnaces such as the blower motor, igniter, and thermostat may wear out or fail, requiring frequent replacements.

Less talked about is the scarcity of replacement furnace parts for older models which can also contribute to an even higher repair expense if even possible depending on the age of the unit. What starts as a minor repair can quickly turn into a series of costly interventions, ultimately outweighing the upfront investment of a new, more efficient furnace.

4-Missing Out on Newer Furnace Technology

Another inconvenience of not replacing an aging furnace is using outdated technology. Older furnaces lack the advanced features and energy-saving capabilities found in modern models—this technological lag results in less precise temperature control, inefficient heat distribution, and higher energy consumption. Outdated furnaces may also lack compatibility with smart thermostats, which offer convenient and customizable heating and cooling system options that help you increase your comfort in your home!

Examples of Newer HVAC Features and Technologies

Smart Thermostats – Modern furnaces can be seamlessly integrated with smart thermostats, allowing precise control over your home’s temperature and energy bills. Smart thermostats enable programming, remote access, and even learning algorithms to optimize energy usage.
Zoning Systems – Advanced zoning systems divide your home into different temperature zones, ensuring that each area receives the right amount of heating. This promotes energy efficiency by only heating the spaces that need it.
Variable-Speed Motors – Newer furnaces often feature variable-speed motors that adjust their speed based on the heating needs. This results in more consistent temperatures, quieter operation, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Remote Monitoring and Control – Some modern furnaces offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing homeowners to check the status of their heating system, receive maintenance alerts, and adjust settings using a mobile app.

5-Potential Environmental Impact of an Older Furnace

Beyond the immediate concerns of safety and finances, not replacing an aging furnace can also have an environmental impact. Older furnaces often lack the energy-efficient features and green technologies incorporated into modern models, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy consumption. Here’s a deeper look into the environmental consequences:

Higher Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Older gas furnaces are typically less efficient in burning fuel, leading to higher carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per unit of heat produced. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient furnace can significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint by minimizing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.
Increased Energy Consumption – Outdated furnaces consume more energy to generate the same heat as their modern counterparts. This heightened energy consumption contributes to higher utility bills and strains natural resources. Upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace reduces your environmental impact and leads to long-term cost savings.
Limited Use of Renewable Energy – Embracing newer technology allows homeowners to explore eco-friendly new heating system alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to home heating.

6-Diminished Resale Value

An aging furnace, laden with potential safety hazards and lacking energy-efficient features, can potentially diminish the resale value of your home. Prospective buyers often view outdated heating and cooling systems as a possible financial burden and a reason for negotiation.

Here’s how keeping an aging furnace can impact the resale value of your home:

Perceived Maintenance Costs – Homebuyers are generally wary of looming maintenance costs, and an aging furnace raises red flags. A furnace approaching or surpassing the 15-year mark will likely require more frequent repairs and may be perceived as a ticking financial time bomb. This perception can result in buyers seeking price reductions to compensate for the anticipated maintenance expenses.
Energy Efficiency Expectations – Modern homebuyers prioritize energy efficiency, seeking homes equipped with environmentally friendly and cost-effective features. An outdated furnace with lower energy efficiency may deter potential buyers looking for a property with a smaller environmental footprint and lower utility bills.
Technological Expectations – In the era of smart homes, buyers expect modern heating systems with advanced technological features. An aging furnace lacking compatibility with smart thermostats or other tech accessories may be considered outdated. The absence of these features can impact the overall appeal of your home in the competitive real estate market.
Home Inspection Concerns – During the home inspection, an aging furnace may become a focal concern for potential buyers. Home inspectors may highlight the risks associated with an older heating system, potentially leading to requests for costly repairs or replacements as part of the negotiation process.

Warning Signs Your Furnace May Be Ready To Be Replaced

We’ve covered the potential risks of keeping an aging furnace, but how do you know if your system is in the camp of being old but still runs excellent or is on its last legs? Here are some things to monitor:

Age of the Furnace – If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s a strong indicator that it may be reaching the end of its operational life.
Increased Utility Bills – A sudden and unexplained spike in your heating bills could indicate a malfunction and reduced efficiency.
Inconsistent Heating – Indicating a declining performance in your aging furnace, uneven heating throughout your home may make some rooms feel too warm while others remain chilly.
Strange Noises – Unusual sounds such as banging, popping, rattling, or squealing from your furnace can signal mechanical issues. These noises may be indicative of worn-out or damaged components.
Frequent Repairs – Calling for furnace repairs more often than in the past could indicate that your furnace is in its last season.
Yellow or Flickering Flame – The flame in your gas furnace burner should be blue. A yellow or flickering flame may indicate a combustion problem, sometimes caused by a defect or malfunction resulting in harmful carbon monoxide potentially entering your home.
Visible Signs of Rust or Cracks – Inspect your furnace for visible signs of deterioration, such as exterior rust or heat exchanger cracks.
Increased Dust and Dry Air Quality – Aging furnaces may struggle to filter and humidify air properly, leading to increased dust and dryness in your home.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts – If your carbon monoxide detector consistently sounds alarms, it indicates a potential issue with your furnace or other gas burning appliances in the home.

Importance of a Professional Furnace Inspection

While it’s crucial to be aware of warning signs and potential issues with your aging furnace, the best solution lies in having a professional HVAC technician take a look. A thorough inspection by a qualified professional can comprehensively assess your old furnace’s condition, identifying issues that may not be immediately apparent.

If you’re in our service area and think it might be time to replace your furnace, please reach out, and we’ll schedule a free appointment to look at your aging furnace. Our team of qualified technicians will assess its condition, discuss findings with you, and provide recommendations tailored to your home’s heating needs.

Even if you’re not in our service area, we strongly urge you to contact your local HVAC professional. Regular inspections are essential for the ongoing health and performance of your furnace. A local technician can provide the same level of expertise, ensuring that your heating system is in top condition.

Remember, a professional inspection is not just about addressing current issues but about protecting your home and wallet against potential problems in the future. Don’t wait until a minor glitch turns into a major headache.