The Dangers of Using an Old Furnace: Everything You Need to Know

Today’s HVAC furnaces are a true technological marvel. They’re sturdy, simple to operate, and considerably safer and more efficient than most older models. With a quality furnace, your HVAC system can work flawlessly for a long time without needing significant repairs. 

However, like any other mechanical device, furnaces can break down or become inefficient and even dangerous as they age. When this moment comes, it’s far safer and more cost-effective to have it replaced with a cutting-edge alternative. 

But how can you tell if your furnace is still good enough, or if it’s time to start typing “new furnace installation near me in Cherry Hill” into Google? That’s the question we’ll be answering in this article. Keep reading to learn more. 

What is the average life expectancy of a furnace?

The average lifespan of a furnace varies depending on how much it’s used, how well it’s maintained, and which type of furnace it is. 

The typical lifespans of different types of furnaces are:

• Propane: 15 to 30 years
• Natural gas: 10 to 20 years
• Electric: 20 to 30 years
• Oil: up to 25 years

Sometimes, even if your HVAC system is able to meet your heating needs and you’re not dealing with any furnace-related problems, you may still be better off replacing the furnace with a cutting-edge alternative simply because it’s significantly more energy-efficient. 

Here are 9 signs your furnace is getting old: 

• Your utility bills have increased noticeably even though your usage is still the same. 
• Your HVAC system has gotten louder than usual, or you’re hearing rattling, buzzing, or humming noises. 
• The furnace is breaking down all the time.
• The color of the pilot flame has changed (it should be blue).
• The thermostat isn’t working properly, or the heating in your home is uneven.
• There’s a lot of dust, soot, dander, dirt, rust, and other grime in your home. 
• The air inside your home feels unusually dry. This can cause chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies to flare up.
• There’s visible rust or cracks in or around the furnace. 
• The furnace is nearing or past the average life for the furnaces of its type. 

Are old furnaces dangerous?

Unfortunately, yes. Since many old furnaces run on oil or gas, there’s always the risk of their fuel catching fire or leaking into your home. If left unaddressed, such malfunctions can be life-threatening. 

Dangers caused by aging furnaces include:

Fire hazard

Old furnaces can become a fire hazard if they don’t receive proper ventilation. Make sure to keep any flammable materials away from the furnace to decrease the possibility of a fire.

Gas leaks

Damaged or worn gas lines can become leaky. In addition to negatively impacting your health, these gas leaks may lead to a devastating furnace explosion. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning 

This potentially lethal condition occurs as a result of being overexposed to carbon monoxide. Old gas furnaces can sometimes develop leaks and other problems that cause carbon monoxide to freely flow into your home. Since the gas is colorless and odorless, people usually don’t notice it until it starts affecting their health.

Where can I get a top-quality furnace installation near me in Cherry Hill?

Is your HVAC system showing signs of age? Perhaps your furnace is refusing to turn on after a restart, or maybe you’re worried there may be a leak in your HVAC ducts? Whatever your HVAC-related needs may be, the best way to solve them is by contacting Allied Experts.

As the definitive leader among HVAC contractors in Cherry Hill, we boast years of experience and an uncompromising dedication to our clients. Call us today and spend a relaxing afternoon at Barlow Park while we make your HVAC worries go away.