You may not give your home’s heating unit much thought until it needs repairing. While the average lifespan of most furnaces is anywhere from fifteen to 25 years, the decision to replace a furnace is one that is typically made in haste after the existing furnace breaks down. However, not all malfunctions mean you need to replace your furnace, and many issues can be fixed with a same-day repair. If you are vigilant and pay close attention to your home’s heating unit, you may even be able to catch breakdowns before they occur by learning the signs of an imminent malfunction.
1. Weak Air Flow
When your furnace kicks on, the air flow from the vents should be noticeable. When the flow is weak, this could be a sign that the unit’s belts or fan is giving out and might need replacing. If the air flow weakens generally over time, this is usually a sign of a faulty fan, especially if the lack of flow comes with strange noises you have never heard your furnace make in the past. Note where the air flow seems weakest, and then notify your furnace repairperson upon his or her arrival.
2. Furnace Turns Off and On Constantly
During a normal heating cycle, a furnace will turn on, ignite, and then the blowers will push warm air into your home until the internal temperature you have set is reached. Once that occurs, the unit should shut off until the temperature falls below the setting on your thermostat. However, if your unit starts to turn off and on almost constantly, this could be a sign that something is not working as it should.
When a furnace turns off before it heats the room to a pre-set temperature, this is known as short cycling and can sometimes be an issue when a furnace is the wrong size for a home. It may also be the result of a faulty flame sensor, which can be repaired by a qualified heating repair company. Try to gauge how often your unit is turning off and on so you can let the tech know exactly what is happening.
3. You Notice Odd Sounds
When a furnace operates normally, it makes a variety of noises that you are probably familiar with, such as the sound of ignition or the end of a heat cycle. However, if you notice new, strange noises during a cycle that includes banging, buzzing, or twanging, this could be a sign of broken ductwork or an issue with the fan. If a foreign object becomes lodged in the fan, this could cause the motor to burn out. As such, you may want to shut the unit down until a repair person can come inspect it.
4. Increased Heating Bills
When you have an energy-efficient furnace, your heating bills may be predictable from one month to the next. However, if you notice a large jump in what it costs to heat your home, a malfunctioning furnace may be to blame. When your heater does not heat your home with efficiency, it could cause your energy bills to rise. Since this can also be a sign that you are wasting fuel and heat, it is wise to call a company that specializes in furnace repairs as soon as possible.
5. Uneven Heating
When a heater slows down in such a way that you do not notice it, it may cause the rooms in your home to heat unevenly. Some rooms may be much colder than others, while others might be receiving more heat than usual. If you notice a difference in heat from room to room, this may be a malfunctioning fan or a failing fan motor, and you may want to have it replaced quickly.
With proper maintenance and tune-ups, your furnace can last for years. However, when problems do occur, having them repaired by a certified heating technician can extend the life of the unit and give you extra years of problem-free heating.
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