How to Know When to Replace Your Furnace
7016623059 • March 24, 2025
Are you dealing with an old or malfunctioning heating system?
We know that keeping your home warm, quiet, and safe is a priority. Here are some key signs that indicate it might be time for a furnace upgrade.
1. Your Furnace is Over 15-20 Years Old
Most furnaces have a lifespan of around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching or exceeding this age, it may be running less efficiently and could be at risk of breaking down. You can find the age of your equipment by checking the name plate, and if it's not visible there, check the serial number online. If you're still having trouble, call the company who installed the equipment - they should have that information on file.
2. Frequent Repairs
If you find yourself constantly calling for furnace repairs, the costs can add up quickly. When the price of repairs starts approaching 50% of the cost of a new unit, replacement is often the more cost-effective choice.
3. Rising Energy Bills
Older furnace models lose efficiency over time, causing your energy bills to increase. If you notice a steady rise in heating costs despite no change in usage, your furnace may be working harder than it should. Call us today to talk about rebates offered for newer, more energy-efficient furnaces: Lennox and Cascade Natural Gas have some promising rebate offers as of March 2025.
4. Uneven Heating in Your Home
Are some rooms in your home warmer than others? If your furnace is struggling to distribute heat evenly, it could be a sign of failing components or an undersized system.
5. Strange Noises
Banging, rattling, or squealing noises coming from your furnace may indicate mechanical issues. While some noises can be fixed with repairs, persistent or worsening sounds may mean your furnace is nearing the end of its life.
6. Excessive Dust or Poor Air Quality
An aging furnace may not filter air as effectively, leading to increased dust, allergens, and dry air in your home. If you’ve noticed a decline in indoor air quality, your furnace could be the culprit. Regardless of the status of your furnace, we recommend checking your filters every 1-3 months; err on the side of checking it more frequently if you have allergies or pets. If you notice a burning odor when the furnace turns on, it's likely time to replace the filter.
7. Yellow Burner Flame Instead of Blue
A furnace burner should have a steady blue flame. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion, which could lead to carbon monoxide production—a serious safety hazard.
8. Your Home Feels Less Comfortable
If your home isn’t staying warm enough even when the thermostat is set correctly, your furnace may be struggling to keep up, signaling that replacement is necessary.
The Benefits of a New Furnace
Replacing your furnace can improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and provide more reliable and consistent comfort. Newer models also come with advanced features like smart thermostats, better filtration, and quieter operation.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it might be time to replace your furnace. At AirTech Heating & Hydro Mechanical Inc., we can help you assess your system, evaluate the cost/benefit for repair or replacement, and choose the best option for your home. If you’re in the Bellingham area, contact us today to schedule an inspection and get expert advice on upgrading your furnace.
Bellingham furnace consumers- choose AirTech Heating & Hydro Mechanical Inc.! The best heating and cooling services in Northwest Washington. Proudly local since 1993.
When the summer heat starts rolling in, your air conditioner becomes the MVP of your home. But one small part of your HVAC system plays a bigger role than most people realize: the air filter. We get a lot of questions about AC performance here at AirTech, especially when folks call us for AC repair in Bellingham. And honestly, one of the most common culprits is something simple—a dirty air filter. What Your Air Filter Does (And Why It Matters) Your HVAC filter traps dust, pollen, pet hair, and other debris before it can get inside the system. This helps keep the air in your home cleaner, sure—but more importantly, it protects your HVAC system from damage. If the filter is clogged, your system has to work harder to pull air through, and that can cause all kinds of issues: Weak airflow Higher energy bills Uneven cooling Extra wear on system components Over time, that extra strain can lead to breakdowns and the need for unexpected (and expensive) AC repairs. So... How Often Should You Change It? We recommend changing your filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on your lifestyle. Got pets? Allergies? Running the A/C a lot during hot stretches? You’ll want to check it monthly. Changing your filter is one of the easiest ways to avoid calling for emergency AC repair in Bellingham when the system quits on the hottest day of the year. Maintenance = Less Stress (for You and Your HVAC) Besides swapping filters, your A/C needs routine care—just like your car. Spring and early summer are great times to schedule a maintenance visit to make sure everything's running smoothly. A typical HVAC maintenance visit in Bellingham includes: Cleaning the condenser coil Checking refrigerant levels Inspecting and tightening electrical connections Lubricating moving parts Testing system performance and airflow This kind of upkeep helps you catch small issues before they turn into big repair bills. And if we do find something off, our licensed techs are ready to handle AC repairs in Bellingham quickly and professionally. Your Local HVAC Team in Bellingham At AirTech Heating & Hydro Mechanical, we specialize in AC repair, HVAC maintenance, and cooling system care for homes throughout Bellingham, Anacortes, San Juans, and the surrounding areas. Whether your system needs a quick tune-up or more in-depth repairs, we’ve got your back. Need reliable HVAC service in Bellingham? Give us a call—we’re happy to help with filters, maintenance, or anything else your A/C needs to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
5 Unexpected Ways Spring Weather Can Affect Your HVAC System As Bellingham thaws out from winter and the days get longer, most of us are thinking about blooming flowers, open windows, and spending more time outside. But spring weather also brings some surprising changes that can affect your home comfort system. If you're not prepared, you might find yourself suddenly in need of AC repair in Bellingham or wondering why your allergies feel worse indoors than out. Here are five unexpected ways spring can impact your HVAC system, plus a few simple tips to stay ahead of the game: 1. Pollen & Allergens Overload Your Air Filters Spring is beautiful, but all that fresh air comes with pollen, dust, and other airborne allergens. These particles get pulled into your HVAC system and clog up your air filter faster than usual. That means more strain on your system and lower indoor air quality. When should I replace my air filter? During allergy season, it’s a good idea to check it every 30 days. If you see a visible layer of dust, swap it out. 2. Temperature Swings Can Confuse Your Thermostat One day it's sunny and warm, the next it's back to chilly mornings. These spring shifts mean your system might bounce between heating and cooling. If your thermostat isn't calibrated properly, your system could overwork itself trying to keep up. What is spring HVAC maintenance? It includes checking your thermostat settings, cleaning components, and making sure your system is running efficiently before summer hits. 3. Humidity Creeps Back In In Bellingham, spring rain and warming temperatures mean higher humidity levels. Too much indoor humidity can make your home feel muggy and cause your AC to run longer than necessary. It can also lead to mold or mildew in ductwork or air handlers. A well-maintained HVAC system helps control humidity. If your AC is running constantly, it might be time to schedule a service call for AC repair in Bellingham. 4. Critters Nest Where They Shouldn't Birds, squirrels, and other small animals love cozying up inside outdoor units or crawlspace ductwork. Nesting materials can block airflow, chew wires, or create hazardous buildup. Not sure if animals have been messing with your system? A quick inspection during your spring HVAC maintenance visit can catch these issues early. 5. Spring Storms Bring Debris Heavy winds and rain can blow leaves, sticks, or trash into your outdoor AC unit. This debris can damage fan blades or clog condenser coils, making your system work harder (and potentially fail sooner). Pro tip: After a storm, take a peek at your outdoor unit and clear away anything obvious. If you're not sure it's in the clear, give your local HVAC pros in Bellingham a call. Ready to Prep Your HVAC System for Spring? If you haven’t scheduled your spring tune-up yet, now's the time! Seasonal maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your system. Whether you need routine service, heating repair, or fast AC repair in Bellingham, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your spring maintenance visit. Stay comfortable, stay ahead.
As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, now is the perfect time to ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the season ahead. A little preventive maintenance in the spring can help you avoid costly repairs, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your system. Here’s why spring A/C maintenance is essential and what you can do to keep your unit in top shape. Why Spring A/C Maintenance Matters: Improved Efficiency – A well-maintained A/C unit runs more efficiently, lowering energy bills and reducing strain on the system. Prevention of Costly Breakdowns – Catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming expensive repairs during peak summer heat. Better Air Quality – Clean filters and coils help your system circulate fresher, healthier air throughout your home or business. Extended Lifespan – Routine maintenance helps extend the life of your HVAC system, protecting your investment. Signs Your A/C May Need Repairs Even with proper maintenance, issues can still arise. Keep an eye out for these warning signs that your A/C may need professional repair: Weak Airflow – If air isn’t circulating properly, it could be due to a clogged filter, duct issues, or a failing blower motor. Unusual Noises – Grinding, banging, or squealing sounds can indicate mechanical problems that need immediate attention. Warm Air from Vents – If your A/C is blowing warm air, it could be a refrigerant issue or a problem with the compressor. Frequent Cycling – If your system is constantly turning on and off, it may be struggling to maintain the set temperature due to a faulty thermostat or airflow problems. Water Leaks or Ice Buildup – Leaking water or ice formation on the coils can indicate blocked drainage or refrigerant issues. So, what does A/C maintenance look like? Spring A/C Maintenance Checklist: Replace or Clean Air Filters – Dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Check your filters monthly and replace them as needed. Inspect and Clean Coils – Dust and debris can accumulate on evaporator and condenser coils, reducing heat exchange efficiency. Cleaning them improves performance. Check Refrigerant Levels – Low refrigerant can indicate a leak and lead to inefficient cooling. A professional technician can check and recharge your system if needed. Test Thermostat Functionality – Ensure your thermostat is accurate and programmed for optimal cooling efficiency. Inspect and Clear Drain Lines – Clogged drain lines can cause moisture buildup, leading to water damage or mold growth. Check Electrical Components – Loose or damaged electrical connections can cause system failures. An inspection by a technician can ensure safe operation. Lubricate Moving Parts – Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear on essential components. Ensure Outdoor Unit is Unobstructed – Keep the area around your outdoor unit free of leaves, dirt, and debris to maintain proper airflow. Feeling convinced? Schedule Your Spring A/C Tune-Up Today by calling AirTech Heating & Hydro Mechanical Inc. at 360-734-5010. Preventative maintenance is the key to a stress-free cooling season. Here at AirTech, we offer professional A/C maintenance and repair services throughout the Bellingham area to ensure your system is operating at peak performance. Contact us today to schedule your spring tune-up and stay cool all summer long!