So you’ve got an old furnace. It still works, technically. Sure, it looks like it crawled out of the ‘50s, makes more noise than a Boeing 747 and smells funny, but it produces heat, for the most part. You don’t really need to replace it, right?
The sad truth is an old furnace can be both dangerous and expensive. It wastes heat energy, which is money out the window, especially given today’s energy prices. And it may be leaking deadly gas and carbon monoxide.
Here are some dangers to be aware of when it comes to an old furnace and why you might consider replacing it. And when ready, call HVAC 911 for a professional technician to properly install the new unit.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Furnaces are designed to prevent the release of carbon monoxide, but components and sensors break down over time. This can lead to the potentially lethal leak of carbon monoxide. Since the gas is odorless and colorless, you might not notice carbon monoxide poisoning until you feel sick. It’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home, especially near a furnace, regardless of age.
Old furnaces are a fire risk
Heating appliances are the leading cause of house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. About half of all fires occur during the winter. Furnaces are designed with safety features that tend to break down over time. The sensors fail. Leaks are common. As furnaces age, they become an increasing fire risk. They often lack redundant safety features to ensure safe operation.
Older furnaces can become a fire hazard without proper ventilation. Always keep flammable materials away from an old furnace.
Natural gas leaks
Older furnaces are prone to leaks that can impact your health. That’s why it’s crucial to have carbon monoxide detectors installed around the furnace and on every floor of a house. Old heating equipment tends to lose its efficiency over time. They sometimes release gas that doesn’t get picked up by the sensor but can damage your health nonetheless.
Increased energy bills
The efficiency of furnaces is measured in Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE for short. It calculates how much heat a furnace produces for your home. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 80 percent wastes 20 percent of its energy to heat the house. Most furnaces older than 20 years are no more efficient than 80 percent. A new furnace should have an efficiency rating of about 97 percent. The money you save through a new and efficient furnace can be substantial and will effectively pay for a new furnace over time.
Is it time for a new furnace? Call HVAC 911
If you think it’s time for a new furnace, call HVAC 911. Our network of HVAC techs can install a new furnace and keep your home safe and heated more efficiently, helping you save money in the long run.
