24/7 Emergency Service 
Most Lenexa, KS, households use furnaces to keep their homes comfortable and safe throughout the winter. Home heating can be expensive even with a modern system that’s efficient and well-maintained. Malfunctions can drive up those costs even higher. Let’s explore the 12 most common indications it’s time to replace your furnace with a new system.
1. Old Age
Age is often the number one consideration when it comes to furnace replacement. The average furnace lifespan is about 15 years. A well-maintained furnace can last 20 years. Many electric and high-quality fuel-burning furnaces can even last 30 years. Life expectancy varies from one model to the next. If your furnace is old, one reason to replace it is that it’s likely lost considerable efficiency over the years. Innovations have made furnaces more efficient than those manufactured decades ago.
2. Cracks, Rust, or Other Corrosion
Cracks in the furnace housing are a serious problem no matter what the furnace age. They can affect airflow and allow toxic gases to escape. Cracks can also undermine the structure and cause vibration that compromises other components. A cracked heat exchanger, for instance, is not only inefficient but dangerous due to toxic gases being allowed to accumulate in your home.
Rust and other corrosion are also big concerns. A small amount of rust isn’t a deal-breaker if your technician can remove the rust and correct the underlying issues. If there’s significant corrosion, it’s usually time to replace the unit.
3. Increased Energy Use
As of 2023, a mid-efficiency gas furnace will have an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of at least 81. AFUE 81 means that even when it’s new, a furnace will waste 19% of the fuel it burns. Over time, that efficiency can decrease to 70% or less. That’s why the industry recommends monitoring your energy consumption month to month and year to year. When energy use spikes, you’ll know to schedule an inspection. Perhaps you can recover a significant portion of that efficiency through repair. If not, it’ll be more cost-effective to replace the furnace.
4. Recent Access to Natural Gas
Most homes with a furnace have a system that burns either natural gas, liquid propane, or, less commonly, heating oil. Natural gas is by far the best choice if you have access to it. It’s more convenient and affordable. Consider accelerating the replacement timeline for the increased long-term savings. If you have an electric furnace, hybrid heating is a compelling option. These systems combine a heat pump and furnace for reduced annual heating costs.
5. Inadequate Heating
Replace a furnace that’s no longer providing the comfort you want. Maybe your furnace struggles to reach your desired temperature. It may reach it, but the heating is uneven. You may experience stark temperature differences between floors or cold spots in certain rooms. These airflow problems may also indicate it’s time to replace the ducts along with the furnace. Old ducts can leak as much as 40% of your heated air.
6. Irregular Cycling
A normal furnace cycle is 10 to 15 minutes, and there will typically be two to three cycles performed per hour. A furnace that runs for a short period and turns on and off frequently is short cycling. In older systems, this can indicate overheating, blower malfunction, heat exchanger problems, and duct leakage. A system that cycles too frequently is struggling to reach your desired temperature. If the furnace is old and you’ve ruled out a thermostat problem, the furnace is likely to be nearing the end of its useful life.
7. Frequent Breakdowns
A furnace that requires frequent repairs usually isn’t worth keeping around regardless of its age. If it breaks down again after making repairs and scheduling seasonal maintenance, it’s time to consider replacement. It’s a sign that the furnace is failing. Even if you can keep it running, you can expect more repairs in the future. Replacement will certainly cost more now, but it’ll save you money over time.
8. Expensive Replacement Parts
A major repair may be worthwhile if your furnace is relatively young and in good condition otherwise. This is especially true if the warranty provided by the manufacturer of your furnace covers the repair. For repairs that are not covered by a warranty, the exception is when the part is notably expensive. This can be the case because the part is specialized, such as those found in high-efficiency condensing boilers. It can also happen when a manufacturer stops making a model and discontinues the part. The decrease in supply causes the price to rise.
9. Combustion Issues
Serious combustion issues often indicate it’s time to move on to a new furnace. Heat exchangers usually aren’t worth replacing unless it’s a covered repair. You’ll also have to be wary of taking any chances with combustion equipment. Fuel-burning furnaces create toxic gases as a byproduct. A well-functioning system vents those gases outside the home. A combustion chamber with a worn liner, for instance, can let those gases inside the home.
10. Loud and Stange Noises
Modern furnaces should be relatively quiet. Rumbling indicates a problem with the ducts or furnace housing. Loud sounds can indicate a potentially dangerous gas buildup. Squealing and grinding often indicate issues with the furnace blower. If you hear a loud or strange sound, schedule an inspection to find out what’s causing it.
11. Unpleasant Smells
Mustiness can indicate moisture in the ducts or the furnace itself. The smell may be due to mildew or even mold, which can be hazardous. A brief burning smell when the furnace cycles on can indicate excessive dust. A more persistent burning smell may suggest an electric problem. A rotten egg smell indicates a gas leak that demands immediate attention.
12. Diminished Air Quality
Bad smells during runtime aren’t the only way a furnace diminishes air quality. A furnace in poor condition can circulate significant contaminants like dust particles that circulate into the different living spaces of your home. You may notice more excessive dust accumulation on the various surfaces of your living spaces. There’s also the concern of carbon monoxide poisoning and other toxic gases.
Trusted Furnace Replacement Services in Kansas City
MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric in Lenexa provides services throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians install and service furnaces, fireplaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. You can count on us for thermostat assistance, zone control, air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. We test indoor air quality and clean, install, repair, and seal ducts.
Our licensed electricians perform inspections, installations, and repairs. This includes electrical panels, surge protection, generators, EV charging stations, indoor and outdoor lighting, and smart home devices. Our plumbers’ clean drains, detect and fix leaks, repair sewers, and pipe and repipe water, gas, and sewer lines. We also install and service bathroom and kitchen fixtures, water heaters, sump pumps, and water treatment systems.
Call MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric today or contact us online with any questions or to schedule an appointment for heating installation.
Business Hours
Quicklinks
