Signs You Need a New Furnace (and When Installation in Langley Is the Better Option)

Be honest… Nobody likes opening the heating bill in the middle of a freezing Langley winter and doing a double take. Your furnace is usually the quiet hero, which keeps your place warm without complaint. But sometimes it starts giving less heat while your energy bill keeps going up. So, how do you know if it is seriously time for a replacement? Okay, let’s dive in.

1. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

Ever notice that your heating bill is going up even though you are getting enough heat? Yeah… that is a big clue. As furnaces get older, parts like the heat exchanger can corrode and blower motors slow down. A modern 90% AFUE furnace turns almost all your fuel into heat. But older models, around 60% AFUE, waste a ton… like 40% of your energy just goes up the chimney. Upgrading to a condensing gas furnace can cut your fuel use by about 38% a year. That is roughly $300 saved annually… not too shabby.

2. You Are Always Calling for Repairs

We all hate throwing money at something that keeps breaking. If your furnace is older… like 15 to 20 years… you probably already know the pain. Fixing a heat exchanger can set you back $1,000–$1,500, and things like motors or control boards? Hundreds more. When repairs start adding up to half the cost of a new furnace, honestly, it makes more sense to just replace it and be done with it.

3. Hot Here, Cold There (Short Cycling)

Does your furnace switch on and off of its own? That is called short cycling. It is very annoying… but it also stresses the system, wearing out motors faster. Modern two-stage or modulating furnaces fix this… they adjust the heat to match what you actually need, keeping temps even and running quieter.

4. Dust, Odors, or Soot Around the House

Notice weird smells, soot near vents or dust building up like crazy? That could mean your heat exchanger is cracked or the furnace is not burning fuel properly. This is serious… carbon monoxide risks are real. The Canadian Safety Association says do not wait… replace it if you see these signs.

5. Pilot Light Problems

Old furnaces often have a standing pilot light. If that keeps going out, it could be the thermocouple or gas valve failing. Modern direct-ignition furnaces ditch the pilot light altogether. Safer and saves gas too.

6. Age Really Matters

With regular maintenance, a furnace can survive 15–20 years. But after that, it slows down…. parts are harder to get and it might only be running at 70% or less. That is 30% more spent on fuel compared to a modern unit.

When Installing a New Furnace Beats Repairing

A few things to consider… if a repair costs more than half of a new furnace, replacement usually makes more sense. Swapping an old sub-80% AFUE unit for a 95%+ condensing furnace can cut yearly fuel costs by 20–30%. You also get warranties… like 10–20 years on the heat exchanger… and quieter, longer-lasting motors. Plus, newer systems keep your home evenly warm, control humidity better, and work with smart thermostats.

Bottom Line

Rising energy bills, constant repairs, uneven heating or a furnace older than 20 years… These are all red flags. Fixing minor issues on newer units is fine, but a full installation often pays off in efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Here in Langley, we have a great team at Langley Home Plumbing & Heating who can help figure out what’s best for your home. Our licensed techs give honest estimates, handle installations smoothly, and make sure your family stays cozy all winter. Thinking about an upgrade? Let’s get your furnace working smarter, not harder.