If your furnace is struggling to keep up with maintaining a consistent and comfortable temperature, you’d be well advised to keep a close eye on it. Catching minor problems now can prevent them from becoming costly repairs down the road. You may even save yourself the frustration of system failure and emergency replacement when temperatures are at their worst.
Read on to learn the signs of heating system failure so that you can act swiftly.
Starting and Stopping
If your furnace is frequently cycling on and off, something in the system is causing it to shut off before it can complete a full heating cycle. It can be due to something simple like the heat sensor needing to be cleaned, or more complex like a failing fan motor.
Burner Flame Color
Periodically, take a look at the flame as your natural-gas powered furnace fires up. If the flame is yellow, it can signify a dirty burner causing the gas to not burn off completely. This, in turn, means the furnace isn’t heating as it should and the carbon monoxide produced may not be venting properly. Contact a heating professional right away, and make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.
Moisture Buildup
If you notice that some rooms in your home have moisture either on the ceilings, walls or windows, it could be a sign that there is insufficient airflow through your home. Damp air can indicate a problem in the vents or in the furnace itself.
Spiking Utility Bills
There are several factors that can lead to an increase in utility bills. However, if increased usage or a spike in utility charges isn’t to blame, it could be that your furnace is struggling to get the job done. For example, a clogged, dirty furnace filter can obstruct airflow and make the system work harder than it should to maintain a desired temperature.
Water Leaks
If there’s a puddle of water around your furnace, it’s a sign of a potentially big problem. Whether the water is coming from the furnace itself, or noticeable during the heating cycle, it’s time to call in a professional.
Constant Thermostat Tweaking
If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat in search of a comfortable temperature, it’s possible the thermostat needs to be replaced, or that the furnace can no longer keep up with the demands of heating your home.
Cold Spots
Are some rooms in your home colder than others? Your furnace may not be heating enough to keep your entire house warm or isn’t able to maintain the push/pull of the vent system to properly circulate warm air throughout.
Unusual Noises
It’s common for a furnace to make some noise during normal operation. But if you hear shaking, rattling, popping, or banging, it could be a sign that some of the mechanical elements are coming lose. If the sounds stop abruptly, your furnace may be giving you a warning that there are bigger problems lurking.
Repeat Service Calls
Every furnace will need to be serviced now and then. But more frequent service calls should be viewed as a potential sign of much bigger problems. If your furnace requires multiple repairs in two years or less, it could mean it’s nearing the end of its useful life.
Old Age
Most furnaces usually top out after around 20 years of service. If yours is creeping up there in years, you may want to consider installing a new unit. A new furnace will be significantly more energy efficient, which will translate into immediate savings on heating costs. What’s more, replacing it on your own schedule is far less stressful than doing an emergency fix in the middle of winter.
Whatever the reason, nobody likes losing heat. Not for a day, for an afternoon, not even for five minutes. But if and when it happens you want the problem gone, and fast! And the work performed by people with the training and expertise to get the job done right, the first time.
Well, we are that company – Air Professional Associates. Contact us today or anytime for heating system repair, routine preventive maintenance, or new system installation.