My furnace is 16 years old. It still working, but has small strange sound. How do I know is time to change a new one?
2006-06-27 06:56:35 · 12 answers · asked by Susanc 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Many central heating systems last 25 years or more. You didn't mention what type of furnace you have, forced air, hot water and what type of fuel it burns (gas, oil, electricity, propane, wood, coal, etc). Other factors are whether you have air conditioning, a separate domestic hot water heater or combined boiler and domestic hot water heat. Because of rapidly rising energy costs, one approach you can take is to compare the costs of running your current utilities versus how much you could save by upgrading to newer more energy efficient appliances. A 16 year old heat pump or refrigerator for example should definitely be replaced with new energy efficient models that only cost half as much to run. This assumes you don't plan on moving to a new house in the next 10 years or so. New condensation type gas fired hot air furnaces run so efficiently (90%) that they only need a plastic PVC pipe for a flue.
2006-06-27 09:05:32 · answer #1 · answered by bobweb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Might just need a cleaning or maintenance. Sometimes the fan motors on models of about that age or earlier can blow. New fan motor and installation is probably a few hundred bucks. Newer fans have enclosed bearings that don't need oiling.
The stronger brand furnaces (ANYTHING BUT Goodman or Janitrol) should last much longer than 16 years.
Good luck.
2006-06-27 07:08:56 · answer #2 · answered by firm_shake 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have heavy limescale in your area then it could be 'kettling' which is where the metal water jacket expands faster than the limescale formed on the lining. If it has a cast iron heat exchanger then there is no reason why it cannot go on for a few years more. Low capacity boilers tend to bow at at 15 years.
Give a few more details like boiler make model and fuel type if you want a better idea.
DWD
2006-06-27 07:03:39 · answer #3 · answered by Dewaltdisney 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find an HVAC professional to have a look at your system. I recommend having your system serviced at least twice a year. It is possible to get a very affordable service contract in most areas. If you are concerned about the energy used, there are many new units that are very energy efficient. If someone tells you that you need to replace your system, get at least 3 other opinions before you make a decision. Use your head when you get someone to look at your system. Be careful about someone like "Uncle Bob's Heating and Deck washing", especially when they pull up in a 1973 van with magnetic signs where the phone numbers have been marked out.
2006-07-08 01:01:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the filter out is black as in soot black ,i might fret with regard to the furnace circulating products of combustion.If the furnace room or basement is merely too tight (inadequate oxygen for clean combustion) the room developes a damaging tension or vacuum because of the fact the furnace takes in air interior the room and "burns " it. This air needs to get replaced and it will come from everywhere it could, even actual backtrack the chimney. i've got seen it lots as a heating tech. I even have additionally seen loads of soot from burning low-priced candles. if your filters are lined with time-honored enjoyed ones airborne dirt and dust , then they are doing their activity.
2016-12-08 13:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just have a furnace man check it out. We've had ours since 1972 and its doing fine.
2006-07-10 11:51:01 · answer #6 · answered by jean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AS LONG AS THE HEAT EXCHANGER IS NOT CRACKED OR RUSTED OUT AND YOU CAN STILL GET PARTS FOR IT KEEP IT. AT 16 YEARS OLD ITS COSTING A LOT TO RUN IT. THE COST OF FUEL HAS TRIPLED OR MORE IN 16 YEARS.ANOTHER WAY TO TELL ,IF ITS GAS, IS BLACK SOOT AROUND YOUR VENTS, SOOT LAYING ON YOUR SHELVES OR WINDOW LEDGES. HAVE AT LEAST 3 GOOD FURNACE REPAIRMAN TO CHECK IT.HAVE THEM TO RUN CO2 TEST.
2006-07-10 05:30:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
should be ok after a servicing. 16yrs is a little more than the half life of a furnace.
2006-07-04 15:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by Handy but Perplexed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have someone come out and check it. If you worry about something like that you have a tendency to pick up sounds that have been there for years and you look for the obvious.
2006-07-08 02:12:51 · answer #9 · answered by AL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have it serviced by a technician, my brother has a sears that was bought in 1962, it is still working
2006-07-03 15:06:41 · answer #10 · answered by rlynnrussell 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋