With the fall season approaching and temperatures starting to drop, you will be using your furnace before you know it! However, your furnace might not even have another full winter season of use left in the tank, and you may be wondering how long it takes to replace a furnace.
Overall, the amount of time it takes to replace a furnace is around one to three days.
Regardless, it is best to consult with a professional HVAC contractor for a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances. Keep in mind that unexpected complications or additional work may extend the timeline.
In this article, we will go over how to know if you need your furnace replaced, factors that impact the timeline to replace a furnace, and the importance of regular furnace maintenance.
Click on each corresponding link to jump ahead:
- Do I Need My Furnace Replaced?
- What Factors Impact the Timeline to Replace a Furnace?
- How Important is Regular Furnace Maintenance?
If you need your furnace replaced, hire a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
1. Do I Need My Furnace Replaced?
Old furnaces can result in inconsistent performance or high energy bills.
Knowing when to replace a furnace is important to ensure your home stays warm and energy-efficient. Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to replace your furnace:
- Age of the Furnace: Furnaces typically have a lifespan of 15-20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has exceeded this age range, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than continuing to repair it.
- Increased Energy Bills: If you notice a significant and unexplained increase in your heating bills, it could be a sign that your furnace is no longer operating efficiently. Newer furnaces are designed to be more energy-efficient, so an old unit may be costing you more money in the long run.
- Frequent Repairs: If your furnace requires frequent repairs, it can be a sign that it’s nearing the end of its life cycle. Continuously investing in repairs can be more expensive than replacing the furnace with a newer, more reliable unit.
- Uneven Heating: If some rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, or if you have trouble maintaining a consistent temperature throughout your home, it could indicate that your furnace is no longer able to distribute heat evenly.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises, such as banging, rattling, or squealing, coming from your furnace can be a sign of mechanical problems. These issues may be costly to repair, especially if the furnace is older.
- Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light: If you have a gas furnace and you notice the pilot light is yellow or flickering (instead of being a steady blue flame), it could indicate a problem with combustion. This is a safety concern, and you should have the furnace inspected immediately.
- Visible Rust or Cracks: Visual inspection of your furnace can reveal signs of deterioration, such as rust or cracks. These issues can affect the furnace’s performance and safety.
- Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, it could indicate a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. This is a severe safety concern, and you should shut off the furnace and contact a professional immediately.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional HVAC technician. They can assess the condition of your furnace, provide recommendations, and help you determine if replacement is the best course of action.
Additionally, regular maintenance and annual inspections can help extend the life of your furnace and catch potential problems early.
2. What Factors Impact the Timeline to Replace a Furnace?
Factors such as the difficulty of removing your old furnace will affect the overall timeline.
The time it takes to replace a furnace can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the installation, the type and size of the furnace being installed, and the availability of materials and labour. However, in general, a furnace replacement can typically be completed within one to three days.
Here is a rough breakdown of the time involved in replacing a furnace:
- Assessment and Planning: This step involves evaluating your current heating system, determining the appropriate size and type of furnace for your home, and planning the installation. This can take a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the project.
- Obtaining Equipment and Materials: Once the planning is complete, the contractor will need to order or go and get the furnace and any other necessary materials. The time for this step can vary depending on the availability of the equipment but usually takes a few days to a week. If possible, visit your chosen HVAC companies showroom in advance. This way you can receive expert advice and pick out the best furnace for your living situation.
- Removal of Old Furnace: Removing the old furnace typically takes a few hours to half a day, depending on its location and condition.
- Installation of New Furnace: Installing the new furnace, including connecting it to the ductwork and electrical systems, usually takes a full day or longer, again depending on the complexity of the installation.
- Testing and Inspection: After installation, the system will be tested to ensure it is working correctly and safely. This step may take a few hours.
- Cleanup and Final Checks: The contractor will clean up the work area and perform final checks to make sure everything is in order. This step can take one to two hours.
- Paperwork and Documentation: Some paperwork and documentation may be required for warranty purposes or to comply with local building codes. This step can vary in time but do not expect it to be too time-consuming.
If you are currently in need of a new furnace, do not hesitate to contact us and book an appointment. With the proper information, we will be able to provide you with a quote and a time estimate
3. How Important is Regular Furnace Maintenance?
Having your furnace maintained regularly will prolong both its life cycle and its performance.
Regular furnace maintenance is crucial for several reasons, and it plays a significant role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of your heating system. Here’s why regular furnace maintenance is important:
- Safety: One of the most critical reasons for regular furnace maintenance is safety. Furnaces can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colourless, odourless gas that is extremely toxic. A malfunctioning or poorly maintained furnace can lead to CO leaks, which can be life-threatening. During maintenance, technicians can check for and address issues like cracks in the heat exchanger or problems with the venting system that may lead to CO leaks.
- Efficiency: A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently. Regular maintenance helps ensure that all components are clean, lubricated, and in good working order. This, in turn, reduces energy consumption and lowers your heating bills. An inefficient furnace can waste energy and increase your carbon footprint.
- Longevity: Furnaces that receive regular maintenance tend to have longer lifespans. Maintenance helps prevent wear and tear on critical components, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and extending the life of your furnace (thus eliminating the immediate need to replace a furnace). In return, this can even save you money on premature replacements.
- Reliability: Regular maintenance can catch and address small issues before they escalate into major problems. This reduces the chances of your furnace breaking down during the cold winter months when you need it most. It also minimizes the inconvenience and discomfort of unexpected heating system failures.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: A well-maintained furnace is less likely to circulate dust, allergens, or other contaminants throughout your home. This can lead to better indoor air quality and improved respiratory health for you and your family.
- Cost Savings: While it may seem counterintuitive, investing in regular furnace maintenance can save you money in the long run. The cost of maintenance is typically much lower than the cost of major repairs or a complete furnace replacement.
To ensure the benefits of regular furnace maintenance, it’s advisable to schedule professional inspections and tune-ups at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins, which is right now!
These appointments should be conducted by qualified HVAC technicians who can identify and address any issues, clean and lubricate components, and make necessary adjustments to optimize your furnace’s performance. Regular maintenance not only keeps your heating system in top shape but also contributes to a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Contact the professionals at Service 1st today and have your furnace inspected. The last thing you want is for your furnace to breakdown during the cold winter months, be prepared!
Replace a Furnace with Service 1st
If you are looking to replace a furnace, or you are wondering if you need a furnace replacement in the first place, contact us directly. You can rely on our experience and expertise at Service 1st. We provide thorough furnace replacements as well as a wide range of other HVAC services that homeowners can count on.
We have been serving homeowners in Cambridge and the surrounding areas for over 30 years and have a proven record of excellence. Whether it’s time for a new furnace or a simple service call, we can help.
We are a locally owned and operated business that prides itself on the highest quality work and installation of the highest quality products. We have received the prestigious Circle of Champions award from Bryant – an honour that highlights our commitment to quality, leadership, and excellence in the HVAC industry. We are an Elite Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and offer our customers the highest quality products and services.
What Our Customers Are Saying...
“Went with Service 1st to install a new heat pump (and furnace) as part of the HER+ grant program.
From first call to finished install of a brand new heat pump and furnace took only 3 days! Every employee I dealt with was exceptionally professional, prompt, informative, and kind. The installation smooth, tidy, and the price of workmanship is readily apparent.
This was absolutely a five-star service, and I will be recommending Service 1st as the go to HVAC company in the area.”
