Furnaces need to be kept in good shape to make sure the home can stay warm throughout the winter and to prevent energy costs from climbing. It is important to know when to call for help with the furnace, as getting fast help can minimize the cost of potential repairs. The following are some of the signs that it’s time to repair the furnace.
Energy Bills are Increasing Rapidly
If the energy bills are increasing rapidly during the winter months, the homeowner may need help with a broken furnace. A furnace that doesn’t work properly is going to cost a lot more to run, and the first sign of that might be the energy bills. Compare the cost with last year, keeping in mind rate increases, to see if the energy bill is higher.
Furnace Won’t Turn On
If the furnace won’t turn on at all, it’s necessary to call for help. There may be a number of reasons why this is happening, especially with older furnaces. Try turning on the furnace before the weather gets too cold to ensure it will turn on or that help is available if there are any issues.
It Frequently Turns On and Off
The furnace will turn on and off to keep the home consistently warm. However, if it seems to be turning on and off rapidly, it’s not working properly and will need repairs. Let a professional take a look to diagnose the issue.
The Pilot Light is Yellow
If the furnace has a pilot light, it is important to keep an eye on the color of the flame. If the pilot light is yellow or another color, it may mean there is something wrong with the furnace that needs to be fixed.
It’s Making Strange Noises
Strange noises are often a sign that something has broken down or that something is worn down and not working properly. The issue is only going to get worse, so if the furnace is making strange noises, it’s important to get help right away.
Takes Too Long to Heat the House
The house should start to warm up pretty quickly, though it may take a while to reach the right temperature. If it seems to be taking too long to heat up the house or it is having trouble keeping the home at a consistent temperature, try different ways to stay warm and call to have it inspected.
Excess Dust Near the Vents
Excess dust near the vents can be a sign that the air isn’t being properly filtered or that the furnace is not working correctly. Professional servicing can enable the homeowner to determine what is wrong and have it fixed right away.
It’s Been a While Since it was Serviced
If it’s been a while since the furnace was last serviced, now is the time to have it done. Schedule professional maintenance to have the entire system inspected and repaired. They’ll make sure everything works as expected to minimize the potential for the furnace to stop working.
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it might mean your furnace needs to be fixed. Contact a professional to make sure the system is fixed properly and that it will continue to work well, keeping you as warm as possible no matter what the weather is like outside.
