7 Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention

The winter season is here with us. Thus, you must ensure that your furnace works correctly to keep your house warm throughout this season. But how can you tell if your furnace needs attention? This blog post will explore seven signs your furnace may need attention to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Don't let a faulty furnace ruin your winter — stay warm and safe by keeping an eye out for these telltale signs.

1. Unexpected Increase in Energy Bills

An unexpected boost in your energy bills can signify that your furnace does not run efficiently. You might instinctively turn up the thermostat, or an automated system turns the heat. An inefficient furnace uses more gas to maintain similar temperatures in your house, which leads to longer run times and increased energy consumption.

2. Strange Noises

Most furnaces will make a mild noise while in operation, which is typical for any system. However, humming, popping, and squeaking noises can highlight mechanical issues, most likely due to worn-out parts, loose components, or a buildup of dirt and debris.

3. Unusual Smells

An extended period of dormancy can cause your furnace to release the smell of the fuel you use when it operates during the first few moments. For example, more households will use their furnace this winter and might experience slight gaseous scents during the first few days. However, this scent dissipates as the furnace continues its operation. If this scent persists for a long time, you might have a gas leak.

4. Frequent Cycling

Thermostats help furnaces pump more heat when the room temperature falls below a certain threshold. However, frequent cycling that does not follow this framework indicates that a component has interfered with your furnaces' heating cycles. A deteriorated fan motor and dirty heat sensors can cause this issue.

5. Weak Airflow and Cold Air

A furnace performs two functions: it produces heat and uses air to circulate the heat throughout your house. Thus, your furnace must be able to circulate heat through the ducts and vents to the assigned rooms.

Weak airflow can condense moisture on your walls or windows. The condensed air can point to issues with either your vents or the furnace. Also, weak airflow can cause cold spots in the room, since the heated air does not circulate properly in the house. Air circulation and cold spot problems in the furnace result from dirty filters, issues with the blower motor, and clogged ducts.

Finally, the lack of hot air in the house indicates the furnace cannot heat the air adequately or at all. Cold air results from issues with the pilot light or heat exchanger.

6. Pilot Light Problems

Gas furnaces use a flame to heat the air that it will circulate. This flame is blue, indicating that the pilot light receives adequate air to keep the flame going. A yellow flame indicates an issue with airflow to the pilot light. A dirty burner can cause the carbon monoxide the flame produces to choke airflow and constrict the pilot light.

7. Age

As a furnace ages, its operational efficiency reduces. For example, you might face problems with its activation. The furnace might require too much effort to light, or you might need to turn it on repeatedly to maintain constant operation. You can replace deteriorated components with new ones to sustain the furnace's operation.

However, replace your furnace if it is more than 20 years old, as most of the components will have faced significant wear and tear at this point for a proper replacement.

Contact us at STA SO COOL HVAC for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance, repairs, and other services.