Few things are as disruptive to your home as a faulty furnace. Whether it’s during the cold winter months or on a mild autumn evening, you need an efficient heating system to keep your house comfortable.
Unfortunately, furnaces are prone to wear and tear, which means regular servicing is needed for them to remain in proper working condition.
Fortunately, there are signs that can alert you when it’s time to call in a professional technician for help.
Here are ten telltale signs that your furnace needs service right away.
1. Age
The age of your furnace should be one of the first things you consider when determining whether or not it needs servicing.
Most furnaces last anywhere between 12 and 15 years, so if yours has been in service for over a decade, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional furnace repair company.
However, even if your furnace is below the 12-year mark, age should still be taken into consideration when assessing its condition – frequent servicing can help extend the lifespan of your furnace.
2. Loud Noises
Furnaces usually make a few noises during operation but if you’re hearing louder than normal rattles or bangs coming from your heating system, then the chances are that something isn’t quite right.
These more intense sounds may be caused by broken parts or air ducts that need repair work done on them. It’s best to call in a professional for a thorough inspection before you start using your furnace again.
3. Unusual Smells
Are there strange odors emanating from your furnace? If it smells like something is burning, then this could be an indicator that your furnace needs servicing. This may be caused by wiring problems or worse – a potential fire hazard.
Make sure to have a qualified technician take a look at the issue right away and start using other heating sources until the problem has been resolved.
4. Inefficiency
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills are suddenly higher than expected or if your furnace isn’t providing enough heat, then it might need servicing.
This can be caused by clogged air filters, old parts, or a malfunctioning blower. Whatever the case may be, make sure to contact an HVAC professional at once to get the most out of your heating system.
5. Pilot Light
Your furnace’s pilot light should always remain lit when it is in use. If you notice that the light is flickering on and off or goes out completely, then this could be an indication that something more serious needs attention from a technician.
It could be related to a faulty thermocouple or dirty fuel lines; either way, it’s best not to take any chances and have your furnace serviced right away.
6. Poor Air Flow or Quality
If you notice weak airflow coming from the vents in your home, it could be a sign of dust buildup or a problem with your furnace’s blower motor.
This could also lead to poor indoor air quality. If you or your family experience worsening allergies or asthma symptoms, this could be caused by dust buildup inside your furnace’s filters or ducts.
7. Constant Repairs
A good sign that your furnace needs servicing is if it always needs repairs. If you’ve had more than two repair calls in the last year, it may be time to replace your furnace. A new unit will run more efficiently and save you money in the long run.
8. Short-Cycling
This occurs when your furnace turns on and off repeatedly, usually caused by a malfunctioning thermostat or another issue with the unit’s electrical components. To sort it out, you’ll need to have a professional come out to inspect it right away.
9. Water or Other Leaks
If there is water leaking from your furnace, it’s usually a sign of a broken condensate line or an issue with the unit’s heat exchanger. To be sure, ask a technician to have a look and conduct the necessary repairs.
10. Temperature Differences
If the temperature in your home changes from one room to the next, it could mean there is a problem with your furnace’s thermostat or another electrical component.
To be on the safe side, get someone to inspect your system and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Conclusion
No one wants their home comfort disrupted due to a faulty furnace. By being aware of the signs that your furnace needs servicing, you can avoid bigger problems down the road and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Taking care of these issues right away may be much more cost effective than waiting until something breaks down and needing to have expensive repairs done. Keep an eye out for these five signs that your furnace needs servicing so you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your home all season long, without any worries.
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