Signs That Your Furnace Is About To Break Down

If you have a heating system in your home, you should take advantage of the mild temperatures of the fall to schedule an inspection. Before winter arrives and you depend on your heating system on a daily basis, you should have a professional check it to be sure that it will last another heating season. This is the best way to avoid a spike in your energy bills or a complete heating system breakdown.

Replacing your heating system can be costly. However, if you replace your dated heating system with an energy-efficient system, you can be sure that you will be warm and comfortable all winter long. If you have a professional come and assess the condition of your heating system, they can make the necessary repairs or recommend a complete replacement. Since losing heat during the winter is not safe or convenient, making this appointment is essential.

Signs That Your Furnace Is About To Break Down

Before the cold weather of winter approaches, you need to make sure that your furnace is in perfect working condition. Below are six signs that will indicate that your heater is in need of repair.

Your System Is Reaching Is Expected Lifespan

If you have your heating system maintained each year properly, it should last 15 to 20 years. If your furnace has reached this age, it can become less efficient. Also, the older your furnace gets, the more it will need to be repaired. If you notice that your furnace is making strange sounds, it there are strange smells, or if it is not performing properly, you could contact a certified technician. After inspecting your furnace, they will let you know if the problem can be repaired or if you should replace the system.

Heating Issues: Blowing Cold Air

If your furnace is no longer keeping your house as warm as it should, it could mean that the furnace is reaching the end of its life. This could mean that cold air is coming from the vents even if the heat is on.

There are a few issues that would cause the furnace to blow cold air. There could be an issue with the blower fan. If it doesn't have enough power to blow heated air through the home, you can start feeling cold spots. If the furnace isn't producing any heat at all, there could be an issue with the exchanger or the pilot light. If your home isn't as warm as you would like, you should contact a professional.

Frequent Need For Repairs

At a certain point in its life, your heating system will begin to require repairs. If you find that you are calling a professional to repair your furnace often, it might be time to think about investing in a new one. Frequent malfunctions often occur during the last two years of the furnace's life. If you find that you are frequently calling for repairs, you should consider a replacement.

Increased Heating Bills

If your heating bills have increased greatly, it could mean that your furnace has reached its maximum lifespan. When you set your thermostat to the desired temperature, your furnace will keep that temperature. However, if the heating system isn't working efficiently, it will need to work harder to keep the home warm which will require more energy. This will cause your heating bill to increase and your bank account to suffer.

The Color of the Burner Flame: Yellow vs. Blue

If your furnace runs on natural gas, the pilot light should always be blue. If your pilot light is yellow, it could mean that the furnace is no burning gas properly. Even worse, it could indicate that the unit is leaking carbon monoxide. This gas is called the silent killer because you cannot see it, you cannot smell it, but it can kill you. There are a few other signs that your furnace is having combustion issues such as rust, excess moisture, and the smell of rotten eggs. If you notice any of these signs coupled with a yellow pilot light, you should turn off the furnace, leave the house, and call a professional immediately.

Overheating Furnace Smell

If you smell hot metal or burning coming from your heater, there could be a problem. These are signs that your furnace is overheating, which could start a fire. If you smell these odors, you should turn off the heater immediately and contact an HVAC professional.

Conclusion

It is essential that you hire a skilled technician to inspect, maintain, and install your heating system. This type of work should never be a DIY job. A reputable technician can let your know if it is time to replace your unit or if a repair would suffice. If it is time for a replacement, they can help you find the best model for your home.

At Miller Oil Company, we hire only NATE certified technicians. We offer a variety of services including heating system tune-ups, repairs, replacements, and installations. Each of our techs has the knowledge and experience to keep your heating system working properly. We guarantee the lowest repair costs in the area. If you do need a replacement, we will recommend the best system for your home and your budget. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today. We also offer free in-home estimates.