Is your furnace 15 years old or older? Furnaces enduring 15-20 years of our brutal New Jersey winters have had a long life. A well-maintained furnace can last that long, or longer. But, after all that use, there are signs that it may be time to start shopping for a new one. Some hints that its days are numbered can be some of the sounds it makes. Listen to your furnace. If it is making more noise than it used to, they could be signs of trouble to come. Here are a few clues that may indicate what wear and tear may be showing: Squeaks, squeals: Bad bearings or belts in the fan motor or air supply system. Clicks: Faulty or unsecured terminals. Leaky gas valve. Roaring sounds: Worn blower or blocked heat exchanger. Other indications that furnace failure may be in the future are Frequent service calls to replace parts. Higher than average fuel usage. Excessive humidity in the home. These signs are things that may be costing you more now or in the future. A new furnace is a major investment but can help you save money in the long run. New, high-efficiency furnaces can offer energy savings of up to 15 percent, which can quickly offset the initial investment. They burn cleaner and greener and save money. They also run quieter. If you suspect your furnace is on its last legs, call us at Pipe Works Services. We will be glad to check it out, help you keep it running better, or give you information on the new high-efficiency furnaces. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, NJ, and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website.