6 Signs Your Furnace in Williamsburg, VA Is Nearing a Breakdown

Furnaces seem to have a knack for breaking down when you need them most—typically during a cold snap when they’re working overtime. To avoid an unexpected failure in your Williamsburg, VA home, keep an eye out for these six signs that your furnace may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

1. The Furnace Is Getting Old

A properly maintained furnace will typically last 15 to 20 years. However, as it ages, its components start to wear down, making it harder to handle the demands of frigid weather. If your furnace is 15 years or older, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement before it gives out during the winter.

2. Unexplained Utility Usage Spikes

As your furnace ages, it may start to lose efficiency due to increased electrical resistance, which forces the system to use more power. On top of that, it might run longer heating cycles, consuming more fuel—whether that’s gas, propane, oil, or electricity. These issues can quietly add up over time, putting strain on your budget.

To catch inefficiency early, keep an eye on your utility bills. Compare each month to the same month last year and look for any unexplained spikes. Significant increases in energy use could be a red flag that your furnace is struggling and might be headed toward a breakdown.

3. Unusual Noise

When working properly, your furnace should be relatively quiet. You might hear the gentle hum of the circulating fan or a soft whoosh as the burner ignites in a gas furnace. It’s also normal to notice a few clicks as the system moves through its heating cycle.

However, loud clanking, banging, rattling, humming, or buzzing sounds are a sign something’s wrong. These noises could point to a repairable issue, but in older systems, they might indicate a more serious breakdown is on the horizon. Don’t ignore unusual sounds—have a professional check them out. If the cost of repairs starts to approach the price of a replacement, it might be time to upgrade your furnace.

4. Soot in the Burn Chamber or at the Supply Vents

Soot is a concern only for furnaces that use natural gas, propane, or heating oil. When these systems are operating correctly, they should produce little to no soot. Soot forms when fuel doesn’t burn completely, which typically points to a problem in the burn chamber.

During routine furnace maintenance, a technician will inspect the burn chamber and clean certain components. This is also when they’ll assess how much soot the system has been producing, which can signal if something isn’t working as it should.

If you notice soot around your supply vents, don’t ignore it. This could indicate a cracked heat exchanger, which requires immediate attention. Be sure to call an HVAC technician to evaluate and address the issue before it leads to more significant problems.

5. Excessive Repair Costs

Furnace repairs are inevitable as your system ages and its internal components wear out. But how do you know when it’s time to stop repairing and start thinking about a replacement? These two simple calculations can help you decide.

First, take a look at the cost of any single repair—or even a series of repairs. If the total cost of fixing your furnace adds up to more than 50% of what it would cost to replace it, replacement is likely the better option. A new furnace will not only save you from frequent repairs but could also lower your energy bills for years to come.

Second, consider the bigger picture by looking at your repair costs over the past two years. Add them up and multiply the total by your furnace’s age in years. If this number exceeds the cost of a replacement, it’s a clear sign that investing in a new system would be more cost-effective in the long run.

6. Frequent Illnesses in Your Household

An aging or inefficient furnace could be the hidden culprit behind more frequent illnesses in your home. When a furnace isn’t running properly, it may struggle to circulate air through the filter effectively. This allows allergens like dust and pet dander to linger in the air, leading to symptoms like itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and even asthma flare-ups.

Older furnaces can also pose a more serious risk by leaking exhaust, including carbon monoxide. Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea might signal carbon monoxide exposure. To keep your family safe, make sure you have a working CO detector in your home, and don’t ignore any signs of a potential leak—it could save lives.

If your furnace is showing signs of wear, don’t wait for it to fail. Call Peninsula Heating & Air today to schedule a furnace replacement consultation with one of our expert technicians. We’ll help you create a safer, healthier home environment.

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