As the first official day of winter draws nearer, you may find yourself wondering whether your furnace will be able to make it through the season. Perhaps you’ve had it for a long time, or it’s been in need of frequent repairs during recent years. A furnace or boiler that breaks in the middle of winter can be devastating, especially on a freezing night. So, to help you decide whether you need new heat equipment, check out the guide below.

3 Signs You Need New Heat Equipment

1. Age

Most heating equipment will last for about 16 to 20 years. If you think your furnace may be nearing this age—or even older—you should consider replacing it with a new one. If you begin shopping now, you can take the time necessary to make important decisions. Waiting until an emergency situation, however, can lead you to make snap decisions that may not be in your best interest. If you’re still unsure, have a technician service the equipment and provide honest advice regarding its expected lifespan.

2. High Energy Bills

Perhaps your HVAC system isn’t that old, yet you’ve noticed a recent spike in your energy bills. Without the proper care and maintenance, a furnace or boiler may not survive much more than 10 years, so you should never assume that younger equipment is fine. If your energy bills have increased, that indicates the heating system is working double-time to provide the same amount of heat. As furnaces near the end of their life, they lose efficiency. Consider replacing yours, as the money spent on high energy costs could be put to better use.

3. Strange Noises

In addition, furnaces begin to make plenty of noise as they age. If you often hear rattling, popping, or squealing noises from the depths of your homes, it’s likely the furnace. In this case, you should consider replacing the furnace sooner rather than later.