You rely on your furnace throughout the winter to keep your home comfortable. The last thing you want is for your furnace to break down in the middle of a cold night. If you know the warning signs of furnace problems, you can repair or replace your furnace before it leaves you in the cold. Here are four furnace warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
How old is your furnace? Fifteen years is the average lifespan for most furnaces. An older heating system will start to need more frequent repairs. If your furnace is more than fifteen years old, it may be time to think about replacing it.
Your heating bill has increased. Has your heating bill increased substantially, even though you haven’t changed how much you use your furnace? This is another warning sign of furnace failure. Your furnace will become less efficient as it ages, and it will run longer in order to heat your home. This will use more energy and lead to higher bills.
Your burner flame is yellow instead of blue. If you have a gas heating system, the burner flame should be a bright blue. A yellow or flickering burner flame is a sign of an incomplete burn, which is also a warning sign that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide. Other warning signs of carbon monoxide include:
- Soot around the furnace
- Lack of an upward draft in the chimney
- Excessive moisture on walls and windows
- Signs of rust visible on the vent pipe
Exposure to carbon monoxide is dangerous. If you notice any warning signs of carbon monoxide production, have your furnace repaired immediately.
You hear unusual sounds. Loud noises are another furnace warning sign. You should be concerned if you hear banging, rattling, squeaking, or popping sounds coming from your furnace.
Have you noticed any of these issues with your furnace? If so, don’t wait for a costly breakdown. Contact us to learn more about the heating repair services we provide.