What You Need To Know About Furnace Repairs And Replacements This Winter |
Posted: December 1, 2020 |
If your furnace is beginning to struggle with the demands of maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout your home, it is best to monitor the situation closely. The vast majority of small problems can be corrected quickly and inexpensively before they become serious problems. In many cases, you may be able to save yourself the problem of replacing the entire furnace. Below are just a few of the early warning signs to keep an eye out on: Visit: Mosartic HVAC Pros Consistent Starting And Stopping Of The Furnace If the furnace seems to be shutting on and off, there is something within the system that is not allowing it to complete an entire cycle. There are a wide variety of reasons for this type of system failure including a dirty heat sensor or eventually dying fan motor. Color Of Burner Flame When the furnace kicks on, always try to take a moment and examine the color of the flame. There are some models that have included easy access to check the flame status and color without the need to open the service door. If you notice a yellow flame, this is usually due to the burner being dirty and the gases not burning completely. Not only is this burning your gas inefficiently it is dangerous and the fact that the carbon monoxide may not be properly ventilated. Rusted Flue Another surefire sign back carbon monoxide is not being properly vented is a rusted flue. If the roof or plumbing around the flue lines is leaking this can lead to corrosion and rust which is a dangerous combination. Furnaces that are powered by gas generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and they are in desperate need of venting it out through a proper flue system. If the flue line corrodes to a dangerous level, carbon monoxide can vent directly into the home. Moisture Buildup As you walk for your home always be on the lookout for moisture buildup throughout the walls, windows or ceilings as this may be an indication of inferior airflow throughout the home. Damper stagnant air typically denotes that there is an issue with the venting system found in the home or a problem with the furnace itself. Larger Utility Bills There are several issues that can lead to higher than average utility bills. Extreme temperatures can lead your furnace to work harder than usual, but if your furnace seems to be struggling during moderate temperatures there may be another issue at hand. In this situation you should check the furnace filter, if the filter is dirty it may obstruct the furnaces airflow and create a situation in which it is working harder than it should. Water Leaks A puddle of water surrounding the furnace is something that should be immediately evaluated. The first step in the process is to determine where the water is coming from. If the leak or puddle only is noticeable when an air conditioner is running, it is typically due to the condensation line which may have a leak or clog. If the water is coming directly from the furnace or during a heat and cycle, there is typically a more serious problem that needs to be identified and solved. Animal Activity Small animals such as birds, mice, squirrels and rats can lead to severe destruction and potentially dangerous issues regarding your homes furnace. If you notice animal droppings or nesting material in or around the furnace, take the time to fully examine the system and look for any signs of chewed wires or clogs within the vents. In addition, always be sure to check any vent hoods that can be found on your roof, as these are prime spots for animal activity. Old Age The vast majority of furnaces on the model have a lifespan of 20 years. The newer furnaces that are on the market today offer significantly more energy efficiency. Always keep in mind it is much better to replace a furnace on your own timetable than that during a cold winter months in an emergency. Thermostat Adjustments If you find yourself constantly fighting and adjusting your home thermostat, it is imperative to have a technician come to your home and inspect both the thermostat and furnace. In some cases it may be the situation that the thermostat has gone bad or your furnace may simply not be able to keep up with heating your home. Consistent Service Calls Every furnace that is on the market needs to be serviced and maintained at some point in its lifetime. However, recurring problems and service calls should be looked upon as a serious problem and may result in a bigger underlying issue. If you have had to call a technician out your home multiple times over the last couple of years, there more than likely is a larger issue at play. Cold Spots Throughout The Home Have you ever walked into a room in your home and found it to be considerably colder than the rest of the house? If you notice this on a regular basis and more than likely means that your furnace is unable to warm the entire home or the vents can simply not push air into that particular room. Various Noises There is not one furnace on the market that is completely silent. However, if you have a furnace that makes consistent and rattling noises, and more than likely means that there is a component that is coming loose. In this case, you should contact the technician to arrive at the home for furnace tuneup.
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