When you live somewhere that needs heating systems as much as our homes do, you don’t want to sit around worried that yours could break down at any moment. Of course, unless you’ve never had professional maintenance done before and don’t know the signs that your heater is struggling, this probably won’t happen… but what if you don’t know the signs to look for that indicate your furnace is struggling?
That’s what we are here for!
First, the best way to defend against heavy repair needs is with regular professional maintenance. It doesn’t matter whether you have a gas furnace or an electric-powered one, professional tune-ups should be done once a year to help your heater work as effectively and efficiently as possible, for as long as possible. Additionally, maintenance helps prevent up to 85% of the repairs your furnace might ever need in that lifespan.
Now, that doesn’t mean your furnace will never need repairs. Some repairs are inevitable since just like any other large appliance your furnace does suffer from wear and tear. Here is how to spot the signs that your furnace may need repair, even if you’re in between maintenance sessions.
Loud, Unsettling Noises
At times, it can be difficult to detect heater problems if they don’t actually get in the way of your comfort. For instance, a rattling sound coming from the cabinet of your furnace might not be too concerning if you still feel warm, powerful air coming through the vents. This doesn’t mean the noise shouldn’t be addressed, though!
Any sound you hear outside of the normal operation of your furnace can be an indicator of something that could grow into a much larger repair need if it is ignored. For example, if you hear a buzzing noise, it might mean something is wrong with the electrical connections, and this can lead to a potential fire hazard. A screeching sound may signal a worn-out fan belt that could break at any moment. Popping or banging noises could be a sign of a dangerous problem with your burners.
Higher Than Average Energy Bills
Hey, we understand, many homeowners think their energy bills could be less. This is a pretty subjective concept. However, what we want you to get curious about is what your energy bills look like compared to this same time of year last year.
If you’ve used your furnace similarly and your energy bills are a lot higher than they were last year, or even higher than what your neighbors are paying for similar heating system use, it could be a sign that something is impacting how efficiently your heater is doing its job, and it’s worth getting checked out.
A Lack of Hot Air
Does it seem like you’re unable to get your thermostat up high enough to stay comfortable? Things like damaged ductwork or even a dirty furnace could prevent it from reaching the desired temperature on your thermostat.
These are just a few of the signs that something is amiss with your furnace. If you ever suspect a problem, even if we didn’t name its symptom here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
For professional and reliable Plainfield, IL HVAC services, contact Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc.