Is there a problem with my furnace?

Autumn is a good time to get ahead of furnace issues. Be prepared before Mother Nature shows her icy fangs. Brush the dust off your HVAC, and let’s sort out what to look for in a healthy furnace.

Look for these clear indicators of furnace trouble:

• Age: Your furnace is a complex machine with moving, stationary, and electronic parts. Over time, moving parts wear out. Expansion and contraction due to heat cause stationary parts to develop cracks. Corrosion occurs on electrical components. Age is just a number but a very important number when discussing furnaces. On average, a gas furnace should last anywhere from 20-25 years. The serial number on your machine should tell you its age. If it’s older than the usual lifespan, it could be time to consider purchasing a new furnace. Even if it’s only 12 to 15 years old, it isn’t equipped with the latest technology, so you may want to ask us about a more efficient replacement.

• Abnormal or Incomplete Startup: Every furnace has a sequence it goes through in order to start, run, and heat your home properly. Sequences vary slightly from furnace to furnace, but in general, a typical heating sequence follows similar steps. Regardless of the type of ignition you may have: Standing Pilot, Hot Surface, or Spark Ignition, all furnaces have some form of safeties that monitor the equipment during the startup. Preventative maintenance by having your equipment cleaned prior to the start of the heating season will help you avoid the emergency call when the weather turns cold. You can test it today: turn up the heat on your thermostat and check to see if your system is starting properly.

• Weird Noises: HVAC systems are not silent! Some level of hammering noises is normal. But if you hear exceptionally loud clunky or banging noises coming from your furnace, there may be a loose component to replace or repair. In forced-air furnaces, a blower motor is usually the clamoring culprit. Even the most skilled DIYers have trouble fixing their way out of this one, so it’s best to call our pros for an effective fix.

• Cold Air: A furnace’s one job is to heat your home. If it is not doing this but delivering cold air instead, you know something’s up. Sometimes it is a simple circuit breaker issue, but it isn’t for a rookie to diagnose. A furnace using power but not producing heat is an issue only a certified SMART technician should solve.

• Higher Cost of Heating: If your energy bills are higher than you’ve averaged previously, it could indicate your furnace is running too often or not heating properly. Contact us for an inspection to clear up what’s going on… before inefficiency busts your budget!