Well, whether we like it or not, winter is here. For most of us, that means flipping the switch or pushing the dreaded button: starting up and, consequently, paying the utility expenses of our heaters. What’s worse than that smell of burning lint buildup that a long-unused heater never fails to deliver? Suffering through the stench only to find out that your heating unit needs to be repaired. If you haven’t had to crank the heater yet, but want to make sure it won’t fail you—or you'v already started it and have noticed some problems—read more to learn the signs that you’ve got a faulty furnace. Regardless of the type of furnace you have (gas, electric, or even oil), it might be time for a heating unit repair or a replacement if you’re experiencing one or more of these issues.
Things Breakdown with Age
Age alone can be a good initial indicator. Modern furnaces can be expected to function effectively for 20 to 30 years, but it’s likely that your heating system was in place when you moved in to your residence. If this is the case, you may not know the age of your particular unit. If you can find the original owner’s manual, you can easily find the year that your furnace was produced and installed. If not, you can contact the manufacturer and tell them your unit’s model number.
Use Your Eyes and Ears
Aside from age, another simple indicator is if you’ve had to have the heating unit repaired frequently in the past. Rattles or other strange noises, as well as irregular or increased cycling on and off, are clear signs that your furnace is failing. An easy to spot indicator is rust around the frame or the inside of your furnace. This can mean it’s time to install a replacement. Corrosion, cracks, and any other signs of damage are also good indicators that it's time to repair your heating unit.
Follow Your Nose
Pretty much all furnaces give off the nasty, aforementioned odor when they activate after not being used for any significant period. However, if you’re unlucky, your unit might produce this smell continually or in spurts long after it has been initially reactivated. If this is happening, or you are able to see any visible soot or dust particles coming from your furnace, it might be time to contact a contractor to discuss heating unit repair. Talk to a professional before attempting to solve the problem yourself.
Watch the Usage
A less obvious symptom of future furnace failure can be increased energy costs, even if your usage is remaining more or less the same. Like most machines, furnaces begin to operate less efficiently as they get closer to the end of their usable lives. Also, furnaces that need to be replaced will often cause your home to be heated unevenly, or cause unwanted levels of humidity.
Repair Wisely
Fixes for these problems vary, especially given the multitude of different models. If the fix is something simple, such as installing a new thermostat or getting new air filters, you can likely make the repairs yourself. If not, contact an HVAC specialist to have the model inspected so that you can learn what needs to be done next, and a qualified professional can perform any complicated heating unit repairs.
Stay warm, friends!
