Last Updated January 19th, 2026
In St. Louis, our winters aren’t just cold, they are unpredictable. From freezing rain to sub-zero wind chills, your furnace is the only thing standing between your family and the harsh Missouri elements. While a well-maintained heating system is built to last, every furnace eventually reaches a point where it can no longer provide the reliable, efficient warmth your home requires.
Recognizing the early warning signs of a failing unit can save you from an emergency mid-winter breakdown. This guide outlines the indicators that it’s time for a replacement and answers the most common questions homeowners have when considering a new furnace installation from the professionals at Meyer Heating & Air.
Warning Signs Your Furnace is Failing
Before a furnace dies completely, it usually provides several “cries for help.” If you notice these issues, it is time for a professional assessment.
Age of the System
If your furnace is over 15 years old, it is entering the “red zone” for reliability. Even if it is still running, older units are significantly more likely to suffer a catastrophic failure during a peak cold snap.
Spiking Utility Bills
If your gas or electric bills are climbing while your usage remains the same, your furnace is likely working harder to produce less heat. This loss of efficiency is a classic sign of internal wear and tear.
Strange Noises
Banging, popping, rattling, or screeching sounds often indicate internal mechanical failure. For example, a rattling sound could point to a loose component or, more seriously, a cracked heat exchanger.
Frequent Repairs
If you’ve had to call a technician more than twice in the last two years, you are likely spending more money on repairing an old system than the furnace is worth. At this stage, the cost of repairs often outweighs the investment in a new, warrantied system.
Inconsistent Heating
Finding hot and cold spots throughout your home often means the blower motor or the system’s internal components can no longer distribute air effectively. If you are constantly adjusting the thermostat to stay comfortable, the system is failing.
What to Expect from a Modern Furnace
When you decide to move forward with installing a new furnace, you aren’t just buying a “heater,” you are investing in updated technology that has changed significantly over the last decade.
Are New Furnaces More Efficient?
Yes, significantly. Older furnaces typically have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 60% to 70%, meaning 30% to 40% of the energy you pay for is lost. Modern high-efficiency furnaces offer AFUE ratings as high as 97% to 99%, ensuring almost every dollar you spend on fuel is converted directly into heat.
Do New Furnaces Have Pilot Lights?
No. Modern furnaces have phased out the traditional standing pilot light. Instead, they use electronic ignition systems, such as hot surface igniters. This is safer, more reliable, and prevents the waste of gas that occurs when a pilot light burns 24/7.
How Long Does a New Furnace Last?
With professional installation and annual furnace maintenance, a new gas furnace typically lasts between 15 and 20 years. Electric furnaces can sometimes push toward 20–25 years, though their higher operating costs often lead homeowners to upgrade sooner for efficiency reasons.
The Financial Benefits of Upgrading
A new furnace is a significant investment, but it offers several ways to recoup your costs and protect your home’s equity.
Does a New Furnace Increase Home Value?
Absolutely. A new HVAC system is one of the most attractive features to potential buyers. Real estate experts estimate that a new furnace can provide a Return on Investment (ROI) of 60% or more and provides peace of mind that the home is structurally sound and energy-efficient.
Is a New Furnace Tax Deductible?
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, many high-efficiency furnace installations qualify for federal tax credits. Homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the project cost, up to $600, for qualifying energy-efficient gas furnaces. Additionally, many local St. Louis utility companies offer rebates that the team at Meyer Heating & Air can help you navigate.
When to Call the Professionals at Meyer Heating & Air
While a DIY filter change is great maintenance, furnace installation is strictly for the pros. Dealing with natural gas, high-voltage electricity, and carbon monoxide exhaust requires the precision and licensing that only an experienced HVAC team can provide.
Contact Meyer Heating & Airtoday to learn more about our furnace installation services and how we can help you maximize your home’s comfort.