When your furnace stops working—especially on a cold day in Georgetown, TX—your first priority is getting warm again as quickly as possible. At Advanced Air Conditioning + Heating, we understand that urgency. But when it comes to furnace repairs, especially on systems that are 12+ years old, safety must always come first.
In this post, we’ll break down why certain repairs may be denied on older furnaces, what a carbon monoxide test truly reveals, and how our technicians ensure your Georgetown home stays safe and comfortable all year long.
Why Some Furnace Repairs Are Denied on Older Systems
Homeowners are sometimes surprised when a technician advises against repairing an older furnace—especially if it appears that only one part is malfunctioning. However, furnaces that are 12 years old or more carry increased risks, even when the issue seems simple.
1. Undetected Heat Exchanger Damage
The heat exchanger is one of the most critical safety components inside your furnace. If it becomes cracked or compromised, harmful gases can leak into your home. Unfortunately, early signs of heat exchanger failure aren’t always obvious.
Even when a carbon monoxide test comes back clear, it doesn’t rule out internal structural problems.
2. Certain Repairs Can Trigger Hidden Failures
Replacing a major component—like a gas valve—on a very old furnace can unintentionally push the system past its limits. If the heat exchanger is already deteriorating, the repair may:
Cause a flame rollout
Create overheating issues
Increase the risk of a fire hazard
Lead to unsafe combustion conditions
Our priority isn’t to deny service—it’s to prevent dangerous outcomes for homeowners in Georgetown, TX and surrounding areas.
3. Protecting Your Home and Reducing Liability
When we recommend against a repair, it’s because our experienced HVAC technicians follow strict safety standards. Completing a repair on a furnace with potential structural issues is a liability risk for both the homeowner and the technician, especially if the system fails soon after.
What Carbon Monoxide Testing Really Tells You
Carbon monoxide (CO) testing is extremely important in furnace diagnostics, but it has limitations many homeowners don’t realize.
✔ A CO Test Does Confirm:
CO is not currently leaking into your home
Venting systems are functioning at the time of the test
✘ A CO Test Does NOT Confirm:
That the heat exchanger is free of cracks
That pressure differences aren’t pushing combustion gases elsewhere
That the furnace will remain safe under changing conditions
Because the combustion chambers operate under lower pressure than the conditioned air surrounding them, a compromised heat exchanger can still cause heat or flame rollout, even if no CO is detected at that moment.
When Is Furnace Replacement the Better Option?
If your furnace is 12-15+ years old, replacement is often the safer and more cost-effective option—especially when structural components are aging or manufacturers no longer support parts.
You May Want to Consider Replacement If You Notice:
Rising utility bills
Recurring breakdowns
Corrosion, rust, or overheating
Unavailable or discontinued parts
Visible signs of metal fatigue
A new furnace offers better efficiency, improved airflow, reliable heating, and enhanced safety features, making it a smart long-term investment.
At Advanced Air Conditioning + Heating, we never recommend a replacement unless it's truly necessary—but we also never compromise on safety. If we decline to perform a specific repair, it’s because we’ve identified a serious risk that could endanger your home.
With Every Service Call, You Can Expect:
Clear communication
Full transparency
Photos and explanations
Highly trained and licensed HVAC professionals
Recommendations that put your family’s safety first
We’re always available for second opinions, follow-up questions, or helping you compare repair vs. replacement options.
Stay Safe, Warm, and Informed with Furnace Experts in Georgetown, TX
Furnace issues can be stressful, but the right team makes all the difference. Whether you need heating repair, a safety inspection, or a furnace replacement estimate, Advanced Air Conditioning + Heating is here to help.
👉 Call us today to schedule your furnace evaluation or safety check in Georgetown, TX.
Your comfort matters—but your safety matters most.