5 Signs Your Furnace May Be Failing
Fall season (autumn) is here, and winter is fast approaching. We all know that surviving the chilly winter weather requires your home heating system to be in tip-top shape. As a preparation measure, homeowners find the fall season as the best time to schedule HVAC maintenance/replacement work before the winter conditions get unfriendly. Be on the lookout for these revealing signs that might indicate your furnace is failing.
Unusual Amount Of Dust
An excess amount of dust may be dangerous to your health and that of your loved ones due to poor air quality.
Are you noticing dust particles coming out the system's vents or some occupants experiencing coughs, wheezing, or other respiratory-related issues? In that case, you'd want to check the filters for a possible replacement call. A heating system expert may also recommend entire ductwork and unit cleaning to remove the excess dust.
Your Furnace Is 15-20 Years Old
How many birthdays have you celebrated since you installed your furnace? No matter how much you think your furnace is good, if it's older than 15 years, the guess is that it might fail sooner than you may expect. Therefore, you should be looking for a professional furnace service provider for a replacement.
Cold Air Blowing Through The System
The purpose of your furnace is to warm your home by blowing warm air into the interiors. If this isn't the case, or you have warm and cold spots in your house, the system might be failing. The problem causing this type of behavior is usually a mechanical one, such as a malfunctioning motor. It's good to call a furnace expert ASAP after you notice that warning sign to avoid further damage or costly repairs.
Odd Or New Noises
If the low, still, and comfortable humming sound from your furnace is suddenly replaced by loud or new noises, it's a signal that the system is on the verge of a breakdown. Squealing, popping, scraping, or other unfamiliar noises can mean something is loose or broken within the unit and may need urgent repairs or replacement.
Increased Heating Bill
As we approach winter, the days get colder, and that means your furnace has to progressively work harder to keep your interiors warm and comfortable, which basically means the unit will consume more energy. However, the utility bill shouldn't experience a sudden spike. If you notice that, it's a clear warning that the unit's energy efficiency is dropping. In such a scenario, there is a mechanical problem that needs immediate attention.
As soon as you notice any of the above furnace-related signs, contact an HVAC professional right away to avert further damage, which can lead to costly repairs/replacement or cause safety concerns for you and those you live with.