Are Old Furnaces Safe? Assessing Risks and Solutions

Old furnaces can require constant repairs and maintenance but can also be unsafe, potentially leading to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Close to 60% of homes in the U.S. rely on furnaces as their primary heat source. Unfortunately, many of these homes have old furnaces that not only require frequent repairs but can also be dangerous to residents. It's important to assess the risks and solutions of old furnaces in Carbon County if you have a furnace that is getting on in years.

What's the Average Life Expectancy of a Home Furnace?

The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 to 20 years on average. However, this can vary based on certain factors and not all furnaces will make it this long. Home furnaces should be cared for properly. Regular furnace maintenance will help ensure they last as long as possible.

A furnace should be maintained on an annual basis to keep it going strong and to ensure you have the heat you need during the winter months. The type of furnace and the amount that it's used can also affect the overall lifespan of a home furnace as well.

If a furnace gets much older than 15 to 20 years old, it may start to need repairs more frequently and could become more trouble than it's worth. It may also begin to pose serious safety risks and begin to endanger members of the household, so it's important to keep an eye on it and then act accordingly.

Is a 20 Year Old Furnace Safe?

Not only can an old furnace be difficult to deal with and require costly repairs on a consistent basis, it may also be unsafe. There are considerable old furnace risks and they can serve as a fire hazard if wiring is tattered and worn out.

Just as bad, carbon monoxide poisoning may also result from a furnace that has been in operation for a long time. If the unit has a cracked heat exchanger, carbon monoxide could pose a threat and may come into your home through vents. Older furnaces may also lack certain safety features that can shut down the furnace if carbon monoxide is detected.

Should I Replace a Furnace or Just Fix It?

Making the decision to replace a furnace isn't one to take lightly. The costs of both repairing a furnace and installing a new one can be high. Generally speaking, if the repair cost of the furnace is more than 50% of the price of simply replacing the furnace, then it's probably a good idea to replace it instead.

You may also simply want to replace the furnace if the furnace is already pretty old and has been in operation for 15 years or more. If breakdowns are common and frequent, you may also want to go ahead with a full replacement.

In these cases, since a furnace can last 15 or 20 years, replacing the unit may make a lot of sense if you want to upgrade furnace safety. While you'll pay more when replacing the unit than when making a repair, you'll likely find that the cost is worth it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Signs That a Furnace Needs Replacing?

There are various signs that may appear when a furnace needs to be replaced. If the furnace is 15 years or older, then it's likely that a full replacement is needed.

In addition to the age of the unit, here are a few things that you should look for to determine whether it's time to replace your furnace:

• Constant emergency repairs

• Increased energy costs

• Strange noises or smells

• Heating unevenly

• Weak airflow

• Obvious damage

• Pilot light flickering or problems

  
  

What Is the Most Common Furnace Failure?

There are several potential issues that your furnace may face that require professional heating system repair services. This includes pilot light issues, thermostat problems, blower motor issues, a cracked heat exchanger, and electrical and gas supply problems.

Perhaps the most common furnace failure is a dirty flame sensor. You'll notice that this problem is present if the furnace burners light up but then go out after several seconds. The furnace will then continue trying to ignite but will then shut down for a significant amount of time.

This problem is due to carbon buildup on the sensor that makes it impossible for the sensor to detect the burner flame. Cleaning the sensor will be necessary to get the furnace working again.

Should I Buy a House With an Old Furnace?

As with any home buying decision, it's important to consider every aspect of a home before making the decision to buy it. If you're buying a home with an old furnace, be sure to factor the need for a replacement into your budget.

Especially once a furnace is 15 years old or older, replacing it will likely be a necessary task to face once you move into your new home. You may want to negotiate a home price accordingly to ensure that you'll have the money to cover the costs of a furnace replacement.

While the presence of an old furnace isn't reason enough alone to reconsider a home purchase, it is something you should consider carefully. If you want to avoid the cost and extra thought and care that goes into buying a house with an old furnace, you may want to look for a different home to purchase instead.

Assessing the Risks of Old Furnaces

While many homes have old furnaces, keeping them around for too long can be a big mistake. Old furnaces frequently break down but can also serve as a fire hazard and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, so it's important to get a full replacement when the time is right.

If you need heating and cooling services or a furnace repair or installation, it's important that you hire professionals that you can rely on. As an established HVAC company in Lehighton, PA Home Comfort Solutions is here for your HVAC needs. We pride ourselves on honesty, integrity, and genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.

Is your furnace in need of replacement this winter? Do you need a furnace inspection? Contact us today to book a free estimate and to learn more about how we can help with home heating solutions in Carbon County.