How Can I Know If My Furnace Needs Repairs?
If you’ve started to wonder if your furnace is still working the way it should, you should start looking for some more specific signs. Not sure what to watch for? Take a look at these signs that you can start watching out for. If you notice these, and other, signs, be sure to give us a call soon.
Age of Unit
As a general rule of thumb, if your furnace is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, you likely want to have the unit inspected for damage yearly. Not only can this help ensure the unit is prepared for the coming drop in temperatures, but it can also help the furnace survive through another season. Forcing a furnace to work hard while damaged can shorten the length of time the unit will last, meaning running an older unit while it is damaged might spell disaster for your aging furnace.
Odd Smells
If you’ve ever been around for the first time a furnace is turned on after it has rested for most of the summer, you know that an odd, burning smell might last for a few minutes before airing out. While this smell still needs to be monitored, this isn’t necessarily a huge cause for concern. However, if the initial smell lingers, or you notice an odd smell every time you turn your furnace on, you need furnace repair immediately. When dealing with appliances that can cause fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, you never want to risk leaving an odd smell alone.
Loud Sounds
Similarly, whenever the furnace is running, have you started hearing loud clangs, groaning, or whirring? These, and other, sounds might indicate that your furnace has some hidden damage that needs to be addressed. Give Hurlburt a call if you notice these noises and others whenever the furnace is running—especially as the unit turns on or off.
Higher Electric Bill
After living through a month or two of winter in Hudson, WI, you should be able to estimate what your monthly heating bill should be. While temperatures might vary slightly from day to day, your electric bill will likely stay relatively steady during the winter months. But, if you notice an unexpected hike in your bill one month without recalling a dramatic increase in your electrical consumption, this might be pointing to an issue with your furnace. If your furnace has damage, it is likely to have to work twice as hard to make sure your home is kept warm. With the extra work comes an extra consumption of energy, which translates to a higher electric bill. Get your furnace inspected if you see a spike in your electric bill today!
Frequent Cycling
About the previous point, before receiving your electric bill, you might notice that you hear your furnace on for longer periods, or that it is coming on more and more each day. If you notice this trend, then it is likely that your furnace is having to work overtime to keep your home warm. Any changes in your furnaces’ normal cycling should be noted and reported. The sooner you notice the change, the faster the furnace can be repaired and your energy consumption can go back down to its normal levels!
