What are the signs your furnace needs replacing?

tl;dr

There are a few telltale signs your furnace needs replacing. If you’re experiencing a dying furnace, Tetra can make your heat pump upgrade happen as early as the next day — without ever charging a rush fee.

Overview
Additional Resources

At a Glance:

  • Uneven heating, high bills, or strange noises are clear signs your furnace needs replacing.
  • When considering your furnace replacement options, a heat pump upgrade can offer you better comfort with a lower energy bill. 
  • Tetra can help you get a new system installed as early as the next day. All you have to do is sign your paperwork and put down a $100 deposit.

How to spot the signs of a dying furnace

Nobody wants their furnace to quit during a cold front or holiday gathering. A dying furnace doesn’t just make your home uncomfortable, it can drive up utility bills and lead to costly repairs.

The good news is that your furnace often gives clues when it’s failing. Catch these signs your furnace needs replacing early to avoid an emergency and upgrade to a better heating system on your own timeline.

For more on when to replace your old HVAC, check out this resource. 

Warning signs your furnace needs replacing


1) Uneven heating or cold spots

If your thermostat is cranked up, but your home still feels chilly or unevenly heated, it’s a sign your furnace needs replacing. A constantly running furnace that can’t maintain a comfortable temperature is a strong indicator that it’s time for a furnace replacement.

2) High heating bills

Have your energy bills suddenly spiked for no obvious reason? Older furnaces lose efficiency over time, consuming more energy just to maintain the same temperature. If your furnace is over 15 years old, a heat pump upgrade or high-efficiency furnace could save you money and hassle.

3) Strange noises

Squealing, grinding, or popping noises coming from your furnace aren’t just annoying, they’re signs of a dying furnace. A tune-up might help a newer furnace, but if your home has an older system, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement or heat pump upgrade

4) Excessive moisture or rust

Condensation on windows or rust around your furnace could indicate improper venting of exhaust gases. This poses safety risks, including potential carbon monoxide buildup. A dying furnace with these signs should be replaced immediately.

Why replace before your furnace fails?

Replacing your furnace before it breaks down lets you avoid unexpected costs and stress. A dying furnace can lead to increased energy use, higher bills, and safety issues like carbon monoxide leaks. 

Upgrading before your system dies means you’ll have the time to make the best choice for your home. Whether that’s a heat pump upgrade or a furnace replacement, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you didn’t make any rushed decisions. 

Check out our quick and easy guide on furnaces for more intel. 

Furnace replacement options: high-efficiency furnace or a heat pump upgrade? 

A new high-efficiency furnace:

  • Converts up to 98.5% of energy into heat, compared to older models at 70%.
  • Lowers utility bills while providing reliable, fast heating.
  • Ideal for homeowners who prefer traditional heating systems.

A heat pump upgrade:

  • Offers both heating and cooling in one system.
  • Up to 400% efficiency, producing more heat energy than it consumes.
  • Reduces carbon footprint and qualifies for federal tax credits up to $2,000.
  • Can qualify for thousands more in rebates at the local and state level

If you still need help deciding on a heat pump vs furnace, here is a helpful article. 

Why choose Tetra for your furnace replacement or heat pump upgrade?

  • Tetra offers free, virtual estimates, where we can help you pick a new system, estimate its operating costs, and verify your eligibility for rebates and tax incentives — all without visiting your home. 
  • We can install your new system as early as the next day. Once you sign your proposal, you just need to put down $100 to get your project started - no 3050% down payments for a system. It’s that quick and easy. 
  • Unlike other contractors, we’ll never charge rush fees for emergency installs.
  • Every system installed by Tetra comes with 10 years of free repairs and maintenance.

Learn more about the Tetra Fully Covered warranty with this useful blog post.

Ready for a furnace replacement or heat pump upgrade?

Don’t let a dying furnace leave you in the cold. Whether you’re exploring a heat pump upgrade or need a new furnace, Tetra makes the process quick, affordable, and stress-free. 

Schedule your free, virtual estimate today to get started!

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You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

FAQ

What are the signs your furnace needs replacing?

Look for uneven heating, rising energy bills, strange noises, or visible rust and moisture around your furnace. If your furnace is over 15 years old and struggling, it’s likely time for a replacement.

When should I replace my furnace?

You should replace your furnace if it’s over 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, or can no longer keep your home consistently warm. Upgrading proactively can save you stress and reduce your energy costs.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old furnace?

Usually, no. At 20 years old, most furnaces are inefficient, prone to breakdowns, and out of warranty. Upgrading to a new, efficient system is typically a better long-term investment.

Should I upgrade to a heat pump?

Yes! Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling, are up to 400% efficient, and can significantly lower your energy bills. They’re also better for the environment, safer for your home and qualify for local rebates and federal tax credits.

Why should I replace my furnace before it dies?

Replacing your furnace before it fails avoids emergency costs, gives you time to plan, and ensures your home stays safe and comfortable during winter. It also allows you to upgrade to a more efficient system on your schedule.

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