Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair
Especially when living in an area with severe winter seasons, having a dependable furnace that works properly is crucial. After all, your furnace is the source of warmth for your home. Your heating system should protect you and your family from the freezing outside elements. Because of the important role your furnace plays, recognizing the signs your furnace requires repair is critical to your home’s comfort.
When Should You Have Your Furnace Professionally Serviced?
If you’re not an expert in HVAC system management, you may think recognizing the signs of a malfunctioning furnace is a difficult task. However, with a little bit of knowledge and guidance, you’ll be able to recognize the signs of a malfunctioning heater and know when to call your HVAC repairman.
Unfamiliar Smells
Faint smells are typical for furnaces, especially when turning them on for the first time since the previous winter. However, if your furnace is generating strong smells that distract you from your day-to-day life, the odors may be a cause for concern.
Burning smells or heavy smells of gas typically indicate an issue with your furnace. Even if you’re not sure whether your furnace’s odor is a cause for concern, you should always call a professional just to be safe. Distracting smells typically indicate a need for a repair service.
Issues Turning On
Perhaps one of the most obvious signs of a malfunctioning furnace is a system that won’t turn on. If you’re experiencing difficulty turning on your furnace, you may want to consider contacting a professional HVAC repair company.
Aged and worn down furnaces often malfunction due to years of wear and tear. If your furnace won’t turn on when prompted, your furnace may require professional repair. Be sure to schedule a service as soon as possible to avoid taking on bigger issues down the road.
Poor Heating
When a furnace malfunctions, the system may not be able to evenly and thoroughly heat each room in your home. Additionally, a broken furnace may also give off less heat than what it’s set for. Between malfunctioning thermostats and leaking ductwork, there are a number of reasons why your heating system isn’t working properly.
The main purpose of a furnace is to produce enough heat to make a home feel warm and comfortable. If your furnace isn’t heating your home properly, the best way to find a solution for your issue is to schedule a repair service with a professional HVAC repair company like Quality Systems Heating & Cooling.
Discolored or Unlit Pilot Light
Take a moment to inspect your furnace and make sure the pilot light is giving off a blue hue. If you notice your furnace’s pilot light is off or producing another color, you should contact a professional HVAC technician as quickly as possible. Discolored pilot lights often indicate excessive gas buildup, which can lead to health issues and possible combustion.
Unfamiliar Noises
While it’s normal for furnaces to make some noise, if your furnace continually generates loud, disruptive sounds, there could be a larger issue at hand. If you’re noticing distracting and unfamiliar noises coming from your HVAC system, you should contact a reputable repair company as soon as possible. Professional technicians will be able to determine the cause of the noise and implement an effective solution.
Poor Air Quality
If your heating system isn’t consistently maintained, you may start to experience poor air quality throughout your home. An operating heating system should be able to remove harmful particles such as dirt, dust, and other irritants from the air before distributing the air around your home. If you’re noticing your eyes have become itchier and you’ve started to develop more frequent headaches, your heater may be due for a repair.
Activated Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector will alert you when toxic gasses are present in your home. When your detector goes off and starts alerting you of toxic gasses, you should immediately ventilate your home by opening windows. You should also call a professional HVAC company to ensure your furnace isn’t the source of the gas release.
Keeping an eye out for these signs can help you determine when your heating system is in need of repair. Staying on top of repairs will allow you to prolong your furnace’s lifespan and enhance its durability.
Should You Repair Or Replace the Furnace?
There are no hard and fast rules to determine whether your furnace should be repaired or replaced. However, the following factors can help you make an informed decision.
How Old Is Your Furnace?
The average lifespan of furnaces is over 15 years, which can be increased with regular professional maintenance. As your furnace ages, it becomes less efficient and requires frequent repairs. It’s often best to invest in a new furnace once you’ve hit the 15-year mark or you notice an increase in problems with your old furnace.
What Is the Condition of Your Furnace?
If your furnace seems to be working perfectly fine but it has become rusty, then it’s time to replace it. Rusty furnaces will start blowing cold air, causing an increase in gas bills and making weird noises. Remember that an outdated furnace can potentially be dangerous for you and your loved ones as it may have a cracked heat exchanger, which can result in carbon monoxide being released.
Is Your Furnace Consuming More Energy?
If you notice a sudden increase in your gas bills, your furnace might be to blame. New furnace models are equipped with advanced technologies, and they are more energy efficient as compared to the appliances from a decade ago. If your current furnace is 70 percent efficient, you’re likely wasting money and energy. New appliances now are saving energy by up to 95 percent!
What Is Your Budget?
While repairing your furnace might be comparatively cheaper than buying a new one, it may not be the best or most cost-effective option in the long run. Considering that an updated model is typically more efficient, you would be saving a great deal in terms of your energy bills over time.
Before making the decision to repair or replace, consult with an expert, like our team in Prior Lake, and find the high-quality, energy-efficient furnace you need!
Contact Quality Systems Heating & Cooling Today
Our team of professional technicians can assist you with all of your heating and cooling needs. From furnace repair to air conditioning installation, Quality Systems Heating & Cooling will help you maintain a comfortable and secure home.
To schedule an appointment, give our team a call at 952-226-2665. We look forward to serving you!