A well functioning furnace is an absolute must in any home during the bitter cold days of winter. Sometimes though it can be difficult to know if your home’s central heating system is working as effectively as possible. While it’s recommended that you have routine maintenance performed on your system twice a year (once for your air conditioning before summer and once for your heating before winter), there are also a few ways to check for yourself to know if you need a new furnace.

1. Your heating bill seems to keep going up in cost.

If you seem to be paying more and more in heating expenses every month, it could be a sign that your furnace is not running very efficiently because it has to work harder and longer just to provide the same amount of heat. Newer furnaces have the latest technology to make them more energy efficient and thus cost effective.

2. The rooms in your house don’t stay warm.

Having to adjust the thermostat all the time just to maintain a comfortable in your house is not normal and it’s a sign that your heating system is breaking down. It is struggling to properly distribute heat throughout the house and you may find that the temperature is uneven from room to room.

3. Your furnace is making noises.

This is an obvious red flag. Your furnace should not be banging, rattling, screeching or squealing. You may also hear the fan starting and stopping more often than usual.

Even if your furnace is not displaying any of these warning signs, you should keep in mind that the average lifespan for a heating and cooling system is 16-20 years. If yours is that old or you find yourself constantly needing heating repairs, you should consider starting the hunt for a new furnace before you absolutely need it. It’s always best to take preventive measures especially when it comes to your home.