From strange noises to short cycling, there are many problems that your furnace can suddenly develop. But it can be tricky to know when your furnace just can’t – or shouldn’t – be saved.
To start off, here are three ways to know if your furnace is due for maintenance:
Some rooms are colder than others
The purpose of a furnace is to keep your home warm during colder months. And your furnace should be able to distribute heat evenly throughout your home.
If you find that some rooms are nice and toasty while others seem cold, then it may be time to get your furnace checked out.
Your furnace is noisier than before
A furnace is made up of moving parts, so it will make some noise. But if you notice it getting louder or making sounds you’ve never heard before, something may be wrong.
These noises could signify worn-out bearings or something more dangerous, like a carbon monoxide leak.
The pilot light is discolored
The pilot light is a small blue flame that lights the gas that comes out of the furnace. This makes it possible for the furnace to heat your home.
Your pilot light should be blue, so if you notice that its color has changed (maybe turned a shade of yellow), then it’s a sure sign of a carbon monoxide leak.
You should turn off your furnace immediately and call a repairman as these leaks can be life-threatening.
Here are three signs that it’s time to invest in a new furnace.
Your energy bill has skyrocketed
Efficiency is one of the features of a good heating system. And well-maintained furnaces should be able to use minimal energy to keep your home warm.
So if your electricity bill has suddenly gone up, then your furnace may be using more significant amounts of energy to produce its regular amount of heat. Over time, the lack of efficiency will cost you much more than a new furnace.
You have to get your furnace fixed frequently
Furnaces require maintenance about once or twice a year. And if properly cared for, they shouldn’t develop faults very often.
If your furnace is constantly breaking down, and you find yourself getting it fixed multiple times a year, it’s time to consider a new unit.
It’s an old furnace
Furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years on average. Using it for longer than that will cause it to develop issues that will need to be fixed often. And this can get expensive quickly.
So if your furnace is older than 20 years, then it’s probably time to start looking into buying a new one.
Expert Furnace Replacement
The heating system experts at Biard & Crockett can help you choose the right furnace for your Orange County home! Ca anytime at (714) 602-1299, or schedule an appointment online.