This winter keep your home safe and comfortable by keeping your furnace running properly and efficiently. It is important to pay attention to any warning signs your furnace might give you that it may need repairs or need replacement. The more warning signs you notice the more likely it will need to be replaced rather than just need minor repairs. The following are telltale signs that it is time to call a technician to assist you in diagnosing if your furnace needs repairs or may need to be replaced soon.
Age of Furnace
The first thing to consider is the age of the furnace itself. Most furnaces run for about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is close to this age it may be time replace soon. Consider replacing your furnace before an emergency presents itself, so you are able to make the most informed decision. It is important to do proper maintenance of the furnace to keep it running smoothly.
High Utility Bill
A heating bill that unexpectedly rises, without an increase in usage is a warning sign that you may need furnace repairs. However, this might also be an indicator of an issue elsewhere in the system. A trained technician will be able to diagnose the issue. The extra money you are spending monthly on high utility bills could go toward purchasing a new, efficient furnace.
Bad Air Circulation
A furnace that is not heating your home properly is a warning sign of furnace failure. Most often this is due to fan motors or belts. If you are constantly having to adjust the thermostat to keep the home at a comfortable temperature it may be that the furnace is not able to properly distribute the air. This is caused by a malfunctioning blower fan. If the furnace is not blowing any hot air at all, then it may be an issue with the heat exchanger or pilot light.
Strange Noises
Strange noises coming from your furnace is a warning sign of an issue with your furnace. If you hear any rattling, popping or banging sounds coming from your furnace contact us to diagnose the issue. An older furnace that starts making strange noises may be closer to the end of its lifespan.
Yellow Pilot Light
The furnace pilot light should be blue, not yellow. If you see a yellow or flickering flame please contact us it might be a sign that carbon monoxide is being created by the furnace. Other signs your furnace may be producing carbon monoxide include streaks of soot, extra moisture fount on windows or walls, or presence of rust.
Dust
As your furnace gets older it has a harder time filtering out dust. If you start to notice an unusual large amount of dust when the furnace turns on call a professional.
Frequent Furnace Repairs The Past Two Years
Furnaces will usually require the most repairs in the last two years of their lives. Compare the cost of furnace repairs required over the past two years and determine if it wouldn’t be more cost effective to replace it with a new more efficient furnace. The more signs from above apply to your furnace the more you should start considering purchasing a new furnace. Please keep in mind that a properly installed furnace is essential in saving you money. A regularly maintained furnace is essential in preventing large furnace repairs from coming up in the middle of winter. If it is time to schedule furnace maintenance or you begin to notice any of the signs above contact us to diagnose. When in doubt contact LA Construction Heating & Air Conditioning at (818) 341-3406 or online. To learn more about the services our company offers, please visit our homepage.
