Have you ever woken in the middle of the night to a freezing house, knowing that you previously turned the furnace on?
If you know how miserable this is, you might also know that it could have been prevented by a quick furnace repair.
All too often, people believe that the ‘minor’ problem with their furnace can wait a week or two.
Sometimes this is the case, but other times people find that delaying the repair simply leaves them without heat.
We’re going to talk about the top 8 signs that your furnace needs repair. Keep reading for more information!
1. High Energy Bills
During the winter, you will likely notice that your energy bills are higher due to your home’s increased energy consumption. However, if you compare your energy bills over the past few years and find that you are paying far more than you have in the past, it could be a sign of a problem.
Furnaces are one of the most expensive appliances in your home to run but only become more expensive when they operate inefficiently. Furnaces that operate inefficiently are usually in need of simple repairs or maintenance.
2. Less Hot Air
Sure, your furnace is blowing warm air, but is it blowing as much warm air as you need or want?
If the answer is no, there is a chance that there is a blockage somewhere in your ductwork or that the blower motor isn’t functioning properly.
When your furnace is pushed to pump out hot air and cannot meet the demand, more components become at risk for breakage. The system also uses energy that you pay for yet reap no reward, and your home never feels comfortable.
3. Strange Noises
Optimally, your furnace should run quietly. A quiet furnace indicates that there are no loose or broken components and everything is operating as it should be.
When you begin to hear strange noises from your furnace, it may be related to the starting and stopping of the appliance or the actual function of the air handler and blower motor. These noises could also be related to the belts that are needed to operate.
It is not advisable to attempt to diagnose strange furnace noises yourself. Instead, call an HVAC professional for their diagnosis.
4. Furnace Neglect
You wouldn’t drive your vehicle for an entire year without an oil change and expect it to work perfectly, so why would you do the same to your furnace?
If you’ve forgotten about furnace maintenance and tune-ups, there is a chance that you need furnace repair. Even if your furnace is still working decently, there is a high chance that it is in need of a filter replacement.
Additionally, a trained technician can help spot any other potential problems that might crop up during the winter season, allowing you to avoid a heatless night.
5. Gas Problems
With a natural gas furnace, it is possible for it to leak natural gas. If this happens, you will likely smell rotten eggs. Should you notice this odor, shut the furnace off and vacate the premises. Call the proper authorities or gas company and wait for their instruction.
Natural gas isn’t the only type of gas that a furnace can leak, though. It can also emit carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be difficult to detect without alarms.
A carbon monoxide leak can happen when there is a problem with your heat exchanger or a leak in your flue. Other than carbon monoxide detectors, a yellow or orange pilot light is a good indication of this issue.
6. Frequent Cycling
Furnaces should operate similarly to your AC: the system runs for a while and then cuts off until the air cools enough to warrant the heat to turn back on.
If you’re noticing that your heating system is turning on and off rapidly or never turning off at all, there could be an issue with the thermostat, your ductwork, an air filter, or the air circulation in your home.
When a furnace continually runs or doesn’t run a full cycle before shutting off, you will begin to notice your energy bills creeping up in cost. Additionally, you may notice that your home is never quite warm enough or sometimes entirely too hot.
7. Thermostat Problems
If it seems like you are constantly turning the thermostat up but never feeling as though your home is warm, there could be a number of problems.
One of the more simple problems to diagnose and repair is thermostat replacement. However, before attempting this, it is best to call an HVAC professional to find the root of the issue.
8. Age
Even the best-maintained furnaces are not designed to last forever. Most of these systems last around 15-20 years but this does not guarantee their life.
As a furnace ages, it will definitely require more maintenance and repairs. If your furnace is up there in age, take time to ensure that everything works properly by having regular tune-ups. This will eliminate major issues in the middle of winter and prevent you from replacing the unit sooner than needed.
We understand that replacing a furnace is an expensive endeavor which is why we are such strong advocates of maintenance and repair. However, sometimes replacement is unavoidable.
Rest easy knowing that you will see a fast return on your investment due to energy savings and furnace efficiency.
Furnace Repair: What You Should Know
Furnaces are a vital part of the comfort of your home.
Unfortunately, because these systems are only used during cold weather months, they seem to take a backseat when it comes to repair and maintenance.
A regular and routine maintenance plan is one of the best preventative measures you can take. Should your home still need a furnace repair, it is important to know that calling sooner than later is always best.
If you would like more information on how to keep your heater running throughout the winter months, take a look at our tips for furnace maintenance!