Recent incentives have encouraged plenty of Washington residents to switch out their old furnaces with new, high efficiency furnaces. But when your system acts up or breaks down, how do you know if it’s time for repairs, replacement parts, or to invest in something new?

The U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency run Energy Star, a program helping homeowners increase energy efficiency while reducing their impact on the environment. Energy Star suggests considering a new furnace if your current unit is 15 years or older. Most systems last longer when properly cared for, another reason to keep up with maintenance.

Other than age, some signs of a failing furnace include:

  • Heating bills that have skyrocketed.
  • Rooms that are too hot or cold, indicating improper insulation, poor duct performance or failing equipment.
  • Too much or too little humidity. Excess moisture is a sign of improper air circulation or leaky ductwork, and mold can become a health and structural hazard.
  • Too much dust. Dust in your furnace or ductwork signifies an unbalanced system. It also gets circulated into the air flow, building up on furniture and causing allergies and health issues.
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