Weird noises tend to be an indication there is something wrong with your furnace, so if you begin to hear a popping or squeaking coming from your furnace, you can pretty much bet that you need to contact a professional for repair. However, in some instances, there are signs that may not necessarily be as obvious, and if you are not familiar with them, you may find yourself putting out more money for repairs or even a full replacement later on. If you want to ensure that your furnace lasts you throughout the winter season, here are a few signs that you should watch out for as they indicate that your furnace needs help.
A Spike in Your Energy Bill
If there has not been a significant change in the winter weather from last year to this year but your utility bill has increased significantly, then there may be a problem with the air duct seals or the furnace may need to undergo cleaning. If you have an older furnace, you may need to consider upgrading to a more efficient model.
The Flames Are Not Blue
Take a look at the flames the next time you are close to your gas furnace. If you notice that the flames are orange or yellow, this is a sign that the burner is dirty. If the furnace is working properly, the flames should be blue in color. If the flames are any color other than blue, this is a sign that there is an imbalance between the oxygen and gas. If this type of problem is not taken care of immediately, the furnace may end putting off carbon monoxide, which is incredibly dangerous to those in the home.
Constant Tweaking of the Thermostat
If one room in the house is too warm while another is too cold, the thermostat may be defective. However, more than likely, the furnace needs to be repaired to ensure that the heat is being distributed properly throughout the space. If the furnace is blowing cold air out, the furnace is failing.
If you seem to notice any of the aforementioned issues with your furnace or your furnace is over 15 years old, you should contact a furnace repair company to perform an inspection of your system and identify the problem and perform the necessary repairs. In addition, you may want to set up a routine maintenance schedule, which can help catch minor problems early on and prevent your furnace from failing.
