It is cold outside, and the last thing you want is for your furnace to stop heating your home during this time of year. Fortunately, it is pretty rare for a furnace to stop working out of nowhere. Your furnace often gives you signs that it is aging and nearing the end of its lifespan. Unfortunately, most people are not familiar with these signs, and as such, they miss them. They are then caught off guard when their unit stops working in the dead of winter. If you have a furnace, educate yourself on the signs that yours may be nearing the end of its lifespan. 

The Heat Output Is Not What It Once Was

One of the signs that your furnace may give to you if it is nearing the end of its lifespan is not producing as much heat, or outputting as much heat, as it once did. If you notice this occurring, the first thing you should do is replace the filters on your furnace, as this can also cause this issue. If that does not solve the problem and your furnace is ten years or older, your furnace may simply be unable to keep up with the demands of heating your home any longer. 

Your Heating Bill Has Increased

Another sign that your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan is a higher than normal heating bill. When your furnace is older, it will struggle to heat your home as efficiently as it once did. Often times, it has to work longer to produce the same amount of heat. When it runs for longer, your heating bill increases. 

You Hear Unusual Sounds Coming From Your Furnace

The final sign that your furnace may be on its way out is unusual sounds coming from the unit. A furnace that needs repair or is nearing the end of its lifetime can make a variety of unusual sounds, including banging, squealing, screeching or grinding. If you hear one or more of these noises coming from your furnace, your furnace is trying to get you to hear that it is tired and may stop working in the near future. 

If your furnace is not producing the amount of heat it once was, if your heating bill has increased or if you start to hear some unusual sounds coming from your furnace, you will want to have your furnace inspected. In some cases, repairs may be needed to help solve the problem. In other cases, furnace replacement may be needed. Contact a heating and cooling contractor today, such as at Air Controls, to schedule an appointment.