Notice Any of These? It Might be Time to Replace your Furnace!

The temperature is getting colder, which means our furnaces have been kicking in for a while now! When we start to drop well into the minuses, we depend on our furnaces more. The last thing you want is to find out yours needs a repair after it quits working during a cold snap! While regular maintenance and checkups are the best prevention for furnace failure, watch out for these signs that might indicate your furnace needs a repair.  

Changes in your utility bills 

When it gets colder, and the furnace begins to kick in throughout the day to maintain a comfortable temperature, you expect your utility bill to rise slightly. However, if you see a sudden or gradual and steady unexpected upward trend in your heating bills, this is an indicator that your furnace could use some attention. This is especially true if your furnace is older.  

Pay attention to your energy bills. If basic use doesn’t explain increased costs, you’ll want to call us in to look at your heating unit.  

Strange noises 

As with all your regularly used appliances, you will begin to get used to the noise of your furnace switching on and off and blowing warm air through the vents. Because these operational noises are so regular, you’ll begin to tune them out. However, if you begin to hear noises that are not common for a healthy furnace, like banging, squealing, rattling, whistling, irregular hums, or groans, you need to pay attention. These are often an early sign that something is wrong, and if they persist, you need to call us in to do a maintenance check.  

Flame colour  

You probably don’t spend a lot of time gazing at your furnace’s pilot light, but it’s good practice to notice how it looks from time to time. Depending on your furnace model, you may need to take the front panel off, or there may be a “peephole” that you can see the flame through. Either way, the next time you are in your furnace room, make a point of looking.  

Is the flame blue or yellow? If it’s blue, that’s a good sign that your furnace is operating as it should. If the flame is yellow, however, this is a sign that something is amiss. This could indicate carbon monoxide leaks or ventilation problems, and you need to call us in for service immediately.  

Lackluster heating 

If your furnace isn’t heating your house in an even or consistent way, this indicates a need for service. Different areas of your home might heat differently, depending on how many heating vents you have in that space or their location (and the basement will always heat differently than upper levels). If you suddenly find yourself with patchy heating or cold spots, or are constantly cranking your thermostat, it’s time to investigate.  

Smells 

If you notice strange smells, especially anything that smells like gas, have your furnace serviced immediately. Even if your house smells dusty, or the air quality isn’t what you are used to, this is a good indication that your furnace could use some attention.  

Be sure to check out The Tune-Up Assistance Program (TAP), which helps income qualified homeowners maintain their natural gas furnace free of charge. Until November 30, 2023, Eligible homeowners can apply to receive a free Network Home Heating Tune-Up, carbon monoxide alarm, two furnace filters, and up to $200 in repairs! You can find more information here. 

Don’t wait to get your furnace ready for winter! Be sure to address any issues now, so you don’t have to frantically call us when it’s -30!