Some furnace failures occur due to age or wear and tear, and others show up in newer models due to a lack of preventative maintenance. You can never plan for a failing furnace. However, you can prepare for it by learning the warning signs.
1. Little to No Heat
An obvious sign of a furnace failure is not feeling any heat emitting from your vents. Reduced heat is another sign that your furnace is on the verge of failing.
2. Thermostat Alarms and Warnings
In some cases, your thermostat will tell you that the furnace is failing. Get to know your thermostat and understand its alarms and warnings so you can prepare to address them when they occur.
3. Frequent Shut-Offs
A furnace stays on until it heats the home to the desired temperature. If the unit turns off before the cycle ends, it strains the furnace and causes uneven heating. This can happen due to anything from a clogged filter to a failing component.
4. Uneven Heating
If some rooms in the house are cold, the furnace might not have enough power to reach those areas. You can try to adjust the thermostat to see if that fixes the problem, however, you are likely on a path to furnace failure.
5. Unusual Noises
If your furnace makes unusual noises, one of its components might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Listen for grinding, banging, knocking, or rattling sounds, and report them to your HVAC technician.
6. Leaks
Gas or water leaks are hazardous and require immediate attention. Carbon monoxide is a type of gas leak, and the odorless gas is dangerous to inhale. Water leaks create a puddle of standing water around the unit.
7. Furnace Repair Overkill
If you need to call your HVAC technician several times a year to repair your furnace, a new unit may be a better deal. This is especially true if repair costs are more than half the cost of a new furnace.
8. Skyrocketing Utility Bills
Review your average gas or electric bill amount during autumn and winter. If your bill spikes suddenly, a failing furnace may be the culprit.
Let Us Diagnose Furnace Failure
If your furnace fails, lean on Dog House to replace it. Our technicians are also great at keeping your furnace operating smoothly. In addition, we offer air conditioning, plumbing, duct cleaning, and indoor air quality services. Contact Dog House for more information and to schedule a maintenance appointment.
