Your furnace is a durable and reliable appliance that keeps your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. However, like any other appliance, it can malfunction from time to time. If you wish to avoid the hassle and cost of emergency furnace repairs, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that indicate your furnace may be malfunctioning.
Baylor Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offers emergency furnace repair services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our mission is to prevent furnace problems before they start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of signs indicating your furnace may be malfunctioning. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Signs Your Furnace is Going Out
While we had gas furnaces in mind while preparing this list, most of the signs are relevant regardless of your type of furnace. They also apply to other heating systems like heat pumps, mini splits, and geothermal systems. Some common signs of a furnace in need of repair or replacement include:
- The furnace is making strange or loud noises
- The furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than usual
- Increasing illnesses
- Your furnace is aging
- High energy bills
- Pilot flame color
- Soot
- Dry air
- Frequent repairs
- Poor temperature control
The Furnace is Making Strange or Loud Noises
It is normal for your furnace to make some noise while it is running. However, if the noise is strange or has suddenly become much louder, it could signify a problem. Some common noises that indicate a problem with your furnace include:
- Rumbling
- Popping
- Squeaking
- Screaming
If you hear any of these noises coming from your furnace, it’s essential to call a professional for help. Ignoring the problem could cause further damage to your furnace or even put your family at risk.
The Furnace is Cycling on and Off More Frequently Than Usual
If you notice your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than it used to, it could be a sign that something is wrong. This problem is usually caused by a dirty air filter, an oversized furnace, or a faulty thermostat. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious issue.
A furnace that turns on and off too frequently can overwork the system and cause it to break down. If you notice your furnace is cycling more frequently than usual, call Baylor Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for help.
Increasing Illnesses
If you or your family members start to experience more illnesses, it could be a sign that your furnace is not functioning properly. Poor indoor air quality is one of the leading causes of respiratory illnesses. If your furnace is not working properly, it could be circulating dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home.
Your Furnace is Aging
Is your furnace more than 15 years old? If yes, it’s essential to be aware that it could start to malfunction at any time. As furnaces age, they become less efficient and more likely to break down. With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your furnace. However, at some point, it will need to be replaced.
If your furnace is getting older, we recommend having it inspected by a professional at least once a year. This will help you catch any potential problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
High Energy Bills
If your monthly energy bills have been gradually increasing, it could be a sign that your furnace is not operating as efficiently as it used to. As your furnace ages, it will become less efficient. This means it will have to work harder to heat your home, which will use more energy and cost you more money.
If you’ve noticed your energy bills going up, we recommend having your furnace inspected by a professional. They can clean the system and make any necessary repairs to help improve its efficiency. They can also help you make the right decision if it’s time to replace your furnace.
Pilot Flame Color
If you have a gas furnace, it’s important to check the color of the pilot light regularly. The pilot light should be bright blue. If it’s anything other than blue, it could be a sign that there is too much or too little gas flowing to the furnace. It can also be a sign that carbon monoxide is not being burned off properly. A yellow flame indicates that gas is not burning appropriately, while a wavy and weak flame means that gas is not being fully burned.
If you notice any problems with the color of your pilot light, call a professional for help. They can inspect your furnace and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it’s safe to use.
Soot
Soot around a new furnace could be a sign of faulty installation. However, if you start to see soot around an older furnace, it could be a sign that it’s time to replace the system.
Dry Air
An undersized furnace that is running too frequently can cause the air in your home to become dry. This problem can also be caused by an oversized unit that isn’t running long enough. Humidity control problems can also cause the air in your home to become too dry.
If you notice the air in your home becoming dry, you may have to replace your unit with one that is the right size for your home.
Frequent Repairs
More frequent repairs could be a sign that it’s time to replace your furnace. After a certain point, it’s not worth repairing an old furnace because you’ll just end up spending more money on repairs than you would on a new unit.
Poor Temperature Control
Cold spots in your home could be a sign that your furnace isn’t circulating air properly. If you notice that some rooms are warmer or cooler than others, it’s a sign that your furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it should. Thermostat problems can also cause temperature control issues.
If you’re having trouble controlling the temperature in your home, we recommend calling a professional for help. They can inspect your furnace and make any necessary repairs to improve its efficiency.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call Baylor Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. We’re always here to help, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Contact Us For All Your HVAC Needs
Baylor Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is the number one name for all your HVAC needs. Whether you need a new furnace installed or your current one repaired, we’re here to help. We have a team of experienced professionals who are ready to help you with all your HVAC needs. Contact us today at 812.425.8435 to schedule a consultation!
