Top Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair Before Winter Hits
As winter approaches and your home needs the best heating it can get, your furnace must be prepped and ready to go. Finding yourself in the dead of winter with no heating will not only be unpleasant for the entire household, but you’ll end up with some costly repairs as well.
Semper Fi Heating and Cooling, formerly Summit Air Conditioning is here to help you avoid that. We’re here to cover the importance of furnace repair and the top signs that indicate furnace repair is needed. Being able to identify and act upon these signs will put your home in the best position before winter hits.
Why Furnace Maintenance Is Essential Before Winter
Furnace maintenance before the winter is essential for many reasons. Otherwise, ignoring issues may snowball into bigger problems. A cold house, increased energy bills, potential carbon monoxide leaks, and poor indoor air quality are all possibilities. So not only does neglecting your furnace’s issues cost you more, but it also is a matter of safety.
Making furnace maintenance a priority keeps these risks at bay by catching issues as they arise. This way, your home’s furnace will be able to provide your required heating needs during the winter months.
Understanding the Importance of Furnace Repair
Promptly addressing your furnace issues with repairs keeps your home warm, safe, and devoid of any sudden problems and expensive fixes. On top of that, furnace repair will only make the system work better. Here are the factors that drive home how important furnace repair is:
The Role of Your Furnace in Home Comfort
A properly working furnace keeps your home warm and improves the indoor air quality. For the best comfort and performance, checking and changing the filter every few months is highly recommended. This also paves the way for less energy consumption, avoiding uneven heating, and a unit with a longer lifespan.
Why Timely Repairs Matter for Safety and Efficiency
Putting off necessary furnace repair or replacement is dangerous for your home. Failure to follow up on timely repairs can lead to gas leaks or carbon monoxide leaks. Fixing issues like ignition or airflow problems will also boost efficiency and save you less money on fuel.
10 Critical Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair ASAP
Every homeowner should look out for these 10 critical signs that indicate your furnace needs repair as soon as possible:
1. Unusual Noises
Notice noises such as banging, popping, rattling, or squeaking noises from your furnace? These unusual noises indicate that there could be loose components, a failing motor, or damaged belts that require repairs.
2. Inconsistent Heating
If you notice that rooms throughout your home never match the temperature of one another, your furnace could be struggling to provide even heating. This could be due to the thermostat or air filter. Make sure to check them and determine if adjustments or cleaning needs to be made.
3. Increasing Energy Bills
Have your energy bills skyrocketed with no explanation? A furnace that isn’t properly functioning or maintained is forced to work harder, consuming more energy. This could be the culprit behind the rise in your energy bills.
4. Frequent Cycling On and Off
If you notice that your furnace is turning on and off or undergoing shorter-than-normal heating cycles, you could be experiencing airflow problems or a faulty thermostat. These short cycles put extra strain on your furnace and can eventually lead to further damage.
5. Yellow Pilot Light
If you notice a yellow pilot light instead of the normal blue, there’s a restriction on the amount of oxygen. This could very well indicate a carbon monoxide leak, a serious health hazard for your household. In this case, furnace repair is urgent.
6. Poor Air Quality
Dust, allergens, and other contaminants circulate in your home at a much higher rate when your furnace isn’t at its best. Regularly replacing the air filter and getting a professional inspection will help erase the poor air quality from your home.
7. Difficulty Starting the Furnace
Having difficulty even starting your furnace? This could be because the ignition system needs attention or the thermostat isn’t working like it should.
8. Strange Odors
The smell of something burning or gas odors from the furnace could stem from dust buildup, faulty electrical components, or a gas leak. Turn off your furnace immediately and schedule an inspection because, like the yellow pilot light, this could lead to a hazardous situation.
9. Excessive Dust or Soot
Large amounts of dust or soot around the furnace are a common sign of a clogged burner or incomplete combustion. These lead to an obstruction in airflow, a reduction in the system’s efficiency, and pose a fire risk. The area near your furnace, ventilation system, and filter should be clear of debris at all times.
10. Furnace Age Over 15 Years
Like many at-home systems, furnaces don’t last forever. Once a furnace gets over the age of 15, it’s more likely to experience issues or breakdown.
What To Do if You Notice These Signs
If you notice any of these signs in your home, follow these steps:
Conduct an Inspection
Start by inspecting your furnace and all of its components for signs of damage or any wear and tear.
Clean and Replace Filters
Clean and replace the filter if you find an abundance of debris. Either cleaning or replacing your furnace’s filters should be performed one to every three months.
Check the Thermostat
Sometimes the reason behind your home’s heating issues is the thermostat itself. Check the thermostat to see if it’s in the correct mode and at the right temperature.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Contact a local and certified HVAC technician who can accurately diagnose the issue with your heating system and follow up with the necessary furnace repair or replacement.
Furnace Repair Services Courtesy of Semper Fi Heating and Cooling
When your home’s furnace requires repair, choose Semper Fi Heating and Cooling. Contact us today for our comprehensive furnace repair services including installation to get your home ready for the upcoming winter.
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