A well-maintained and properly cared for furnace can provide up to 15 years of trusty service. With routine preventive maintenance like the kind performed by the pros at Eagle Service Company, it may last even longer. Yet even with the best of care, repair issues are bound to come up. Sometimes the need for repair is quite obvious, like when your furnace stops delivering the warm air you depend on. Other times, the signs aren’t so clear.
So, how will you know when something is amiss? By paying attention to these warning signs.
Heat Loss
Heat loss is one of the most obvious signs that a heating system is in need of attention. The problem may be as simple as a broken thermostat or clogged air filter, or more involved like leaky ductwork, overheating, or a malfunctioning part. The only way to know for sure is to have the system checked by an HVAC professional.
Water Leaks
If you notice water leaking from your furnace, call an HVAC professional right away. A water leak can signal an issue with the heat exchanger which can be an expensive repair. Other causes include a clogged filter, a full condensation pan from the air conditioning unit, a clogged or broken humidifier, or a blocked or broken pipe in the plumbing that can back up in the drainage system.
Unusual Odors
For the most part, your furnace should not emit any odors. While a burnt dust odor is common when a furnace is turned on for the first time, the smell should dissipate after a day or so. If the odor persists, or you notice the smell of fuel near the furnace, it could due to dust build up inside the system or a sign of a fuel leak, the latter requiring immediate attention.
Unusual Noises
Aside from normal cycling on and off, your furnace shouldn’t make any unusual noises. If you notice banging, grinding, or squealing, it could be a sign of a broken or loose component.
Short Cycling
A malfunctioning or oversized furnace will repeatedly cycle on and off, consuming more energy than it needs to in an attempt to maintain a desired temperature. Other reasons for the frequent cycling include a malfunctioning thermostat and overheating. A furnace that runs short cycles repeatedly can lead to increased energy bills and become prematurely and permanently damaged.
Increased Utility Bills
If your utility bills are significantly more expensive than they were at the same time of the previous year – without a clear explanation – there could be problems with the furnace itself. For example, as a furnace ages, it loses energy-efficiency and has to work a bit harder to reach and maintain the temperature on the thermostat. In addition to higher utility bills you may notice more frequent and costly repairs, especially with a furnace approaching the 10 year mark.
To help prevent heating system problems, contact us for preventative maintenance – we recommend annual system inspections. But should a problem occur anywhere, at any time, our skilled team of HVAC professionals is always on hand to answer the call and get to work.
