The last thing you want to happen during winter is for your furnace to break down. Not only will you feel uncomfortably cold, but you will also have to spend money on repairs or replacements you did not initially have a budget for. As such, your furnace’s health is at the top of your priority list. Look out for the top 10 signs your furnace needs immediate repair before winter hits.
Why Furnace Maintenance Is Essential Before Winter
Ignoring furnace issues brings so many risks to households. Instead of having a home that protects you from the cold, you could end up with a freezing living space, high energy bills, carbon monoxide leaks, and poor air quality. Proactive maintenance — including furnace repairs — keeps these risks at bay by identifying and resolving minor issues that could otherwise blow up in the peak of winter.
10 Critical Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair ASAP
1. Unusual Noises
If you hear banging, popping, rattling, or squeaking noises from your furnace, have a professional assess it for mechanical issues. There could be loose components, a failing motor, or damaged belts that need fine-tuning.
2. Inconsistent Heating
Does your room feel freezing while the living room feels like a sauna? Your furnace could be struggling to distribute heat evenly. You can check your thermostat and air filters and make the necessary adjustments or cleaning.
3. Increasing Energy Bills
A furnace with inefficient or faulty components will work harder than it should to maintain your desired temperature. This problem can translate to skyrocketing energy bills. Energy-efficient repairs will improve your furnace’s performance and save you money in the long run.
4. Frequent Cycling on and Off
Short cycling or frequent turning on and off of furnaces can result from a malfunctioning thermostat or airflow issues. This constant cycling puts extra strain on your system, eventually causing further damage. Learn how to fix a furnace that will not turn off or trust an expert to handle the problem.
5. Yellow Pilot Light
The pilot light on your furnace should be blue. If yours is burning yellow or flickering, there is a restriction in the amount of oxygen, which could indicate a carbon monoxide leak. This serious health hazard requires urgent repair. Turn off your furnace and call a professional right away.
6. Poor Air Quality
When your furnace is not in optimal condition, it can cause dust, allergens, and other contaminants to circulate in your home. Protect your household from poor air quality by regularly replacing your air filter and scheduling a professional inspection of other furnace components.
7. Difficulty Starting the Furnace
If your furnace struggles to start or you need to restart it frequently, your ignition system or thermostat may be asking for attention. Check these components and determine the exact issue. You may need to call an expert for safe and effective solutions.
8. Strange Odors
Burning smells or gas odors from your furnace could indicate dust buildup, gas leaks, or faulty electrical components. Like with the yellow pilot light, immediately turn off your furnace and schedule an inspection to avoid hazardous situations.
9. Excessive Dust or Soot
Excessive dust or soot around your furnace is often a sign of incomplete combustion or clogged burners. These accumulated particles obstruct airflow, reduce system efficiency, and pose a fire hazard. Keep the area clean and all vents and filters free of debris.
10. Furnace Age Over 15 Years
A furnace can serve you for 15 to 20 years; as it nears or exceeds this age range, it becomes more prone to breakdowns and inefficiency. Consider professional inspection to determine whether you need a major repair or replacement to avoid inconvenient mid-winter system failures.
What To Do if You Notice These Signs
Knowing the 10 signs your furnace needs immediate repair before winter hits is the first step. The next one is taking the right actions to address them.
- Conduct an Inspection: Check your furnace and all its components for visible damages or signs of wear and tear.
- Clean and Replace Filters: Do this task monthly or every three months, depending on your furnace type.
- Check the Thermostat: See if your thermostat is set to the correct modes and temperatures.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Contact a certified HVAC technician for accurate diagnoses and expert repairs and replacements that make your furnace run as it should again.
Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating, & Air services Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, helping homeowners reap the benefits of fully functional heating systems. Contact us for professional furnace services.
Financing Options for Furnace Repair
Furnace repairs can be expensive, especially if they are urgent. Since these services invest in your comfort, safety, and health, we have financing options to help you manage these expenses. Get the repair your furnace needs when you need it!
Wrapping Up
Knowing the 10 signs that your furnace needs immediate repair before winter saves you from uncomfortable, hazardous, and expensive breakdowns. You deserve a winter wonderland, not a winter nightmare! From strange noises to yellow pilot lights, take action as soon as you notice them to make your furnace work efficiently and safely again.
