The winter season comes with a variety of challenges, from navigating icy roads to shoveling snow and avoiding the flu. The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night to find that your furnace has stopped working and your house is cold. Fortunately, there are several warning signs to look out for that could indicate the need for repairs – or a total replacement.
Wondering how to know when to replace your furnace or when repairs are necessary? Watch out for the following signs.
Furnace Age
If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s crucial to pay close attention to any indications that it may need repairs. The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years, but regular maintenance can push it to the higher end of the spectrum. For this reason, it is essential to note the importance of furnace maintenance. After 10 years, you may start noticing small issues with your heating system. Having a professional technician service your equipment each year can help you address potential problems before they turn into unexpected breakdowns or require costly repairs.
By working with a top heating company in Middletown CT, you can also determine whether it’s time to invest in a brand-new furnace or heating system. As with many appliances, a good rule of thumb is to replace the item if repairs cost more than 50 percent of a replacement. A new, high-efficiency furnace can also save you a great deal on heating bills, which will benefit you in the long run.
High Heating Bills
If you’ve noticed a marked increase in your heating bills, it may be a sign that your furnace is working harder to keep you warm. This is often related to issues that a service technician can solve or alleviate. A gradual increase in your bills may indicate that the internal parts of your furnace need to be repaired or replaced. Meanwhile, a sharp and sudden increase in costs may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires immediate attention from a professional.
Strange Sounds Coming from Furnace
Unusual noises coming from your furnace are a warning sign you don’t want to ignore. You’re accustomed to the gentle whoosh of warm air coming through your vents, but sounds like clanking, banging, popping, and screeching could indicate issues that need to be addressed right away. For example, there could be deteriorating parts in the motor, the heat exchanger, ductwork, or combustion elements. Without proper attention, the furnace noises that keep you up at night can quickly turn into a total system breakdown.
Strange Smells or Carbon Monoxide Detector Going Off
High Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels are dangerous to you and your family and should be addressed immediately. It is important to have a CO detector in your home, as carbon monoxide is an odorless gas. While your CO detector may alert you of a leak, you should also be on the lookout for physical signs of CO poisoning. These include headaches, nausea, disorientation, burning in the nose or eyes, and flu-like symptoms.
Other smells can also be a sign of a problem with your boiler. If your boiler starts to soot up due to lack of proper maintenance, you may notice a smell like diesel fuel. You should call for your HVAC or oil company immediately, as these fumes are also dangerous.
High Levels of Dust Around Your Furnace
If you’ve been noticing an unusual amount of dust around your furnace or throughout your home, this could be a sign that your system needs some care. In most cases, you can alleviate this problem by changing your filters. A dirty filter doesn’t just create more chores for you, but it can also cause your system to overheat, which may damage critical components. Therefore, it’s recommended to change your filters once per month during the winter season.
Cold Air Coming from Your Furnace or Vents
Cold air coming out of your heating vents in the winter is a sign that you need immediate attention from an HVAC professional. You may notice that even adjusting your thermostat doesn’t provide the heat you expect in certain rooms or areas. This lack of heat distribution may indicate an issue in your heating ducts, a clogged burner, a faulty blower fan, or low fuel. Therefore, it’s best to call in a heating professional to perform a check-up and determine if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.
Look to Cromwell Energy for High-Quality Furnace Installation & Replacement in Middletown and nearby CT
Staying warm is a top priority during the harsh New England winters, and Connecticut residents rely on their furnaces to maintain a safe and comfortable home environment. Therefore, it’s important to schedule yearly maintenance services so you can feel confident throughout the colder months.
However, if you notice any signs that your furnace may be struggling, it is best to call in a professional as soon as possible. There is nothing worse than losing your home’s heating supply on one of the coldest days of the year. Luckily, Cromwell Energy is here to help.
Our team is a leading source for the best furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs in Middlesex County CT. As a top HVAC company serving Middletown, West Hartford, Rocky Hill, Berlin, Cromwell, and nearby areas, we have over 35 years of experience helping local residents stay warm and safe. We work with all of the top furnace brands and can remedy a wide variety of HVAC problems.
For more information about our expert HVAC services for boilers, gas furnaces, oil furnaces & all your heating installation & repair needs, contact Cromwell Energy today!