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Milford, MA winters can be brutal. Having a working furnace is essential for your health, well-being, and safety. Furnaces usually show signs, such as the ones below, when something is malfunctioning. If your furnace is old or beyond repair, replacing it might be your best or only option for reliable and safe heating.
Considering Furnace Age
Furnaces usually have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Routine maintenance can help you protect your equipment as long as possible. It’s important to note, efficiency usually decreases as a furnace ages. If your furnace is already 15 years old, now is a good time to start planning an upgrade soon. Replacing your furnace early lets you avoid sudden breakdowns, especially during the coldest days of the year.
Scheduling Frequent Repairs
If you’re constantly calling us for repairs, your furnace might be nearing the end of its life. As systems age, parts wear out more quickly. The repair costs may start to pile up. In many cases, it’s not worth repeatedly paying for repairs for a failing system. This is particularly the case if the parts needed are hard to find. Replacing your furnace gives you peace of mind that you’ll have consistent heating. You will also have peace of mind not having to worry about your next repair.
Rising Energy Bills
Older furnaces use more energy to provide the same amount of heat as before. If your energy bills keep climbing when you haven’t increased usage, your aging furnace might be the cause. Even if your furnace seems to be working perfectly, rising energy bills could signify an underlying issue regardless of system age. Investing in a new furnace can help you lower your monthly utility costs and keep your home warm.
Hearing Unusual Noises
A well-maintained furnace makes little noise during standard operation. Abnormal noises are alarming and are not something to ignore. For example, while a soft hum is normal, a persistent loud humming could indicate an issue with your blower motor. Various other noises, such as rattling, banging, and scraping, might also indicate problems. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need unit replacement.
Turn off the furnace at the circuit breaker right away if you notice any unusual noise. If you hear a very loud banging sound, call us immediately and don’t turn the appliance back on. The problem could be a delayed ignition, which could cause a dangerous buildup of gas.
A clogged filter can result in the furnace making several types of noise, such as whistling. Replace the filter while the system is off, then turn the furnace back on. Check to see if abnormal sounds continue. If you don’t hear anything, the clogged filter was likely the cause of the problem. If the noise continues, there’s something else going on with the system. Shut it back down and contact us immediately.
Yellow Burner Flame
The pilot light should constantly be blue. A yellow or orange burner flame is a dangerous sign that there may be a carbon monoxide leak in your system. Open all your windows and leave your home. Don’t wait to schedule a standard appointment. It’s not worth the risk. Contact us immediately for emergency assistance.
Inconsistent Heating Problems
Your furnace should provide consistent heating. If it doesn’t, there may be an issue with your system. However, before assuming the worst, there are a few things to check first.
Replace your filter to see if that fixes the problem. You should also walk around your home and make sure nothing is blocking the return vents and registers. Leave at least a few feet of clearance to ensure heat can flow from them properly. If items like furniture or rugs are blocking them, they could be causing inconsistent heating.
Drafts coming through windows and doors might also be a cause. Use a gap filler or weatherstripping for your windows and doors if the damage is minor. Put doorstoppers under your exterior doors to prevent drafts from coming in. You should also apply insulating window film to all windows and door glass panels to retain heat.
If you’ve done all this and heating is still inconsistent, your furnace may be the issue. Continuous, inconsistent heating could lead to discomfort. It can also be unsafe for seniors, small children, and individuals who have certain health conditions.
Smelling Bad Odors
Bad or unusual odors are a sign of furnace trouble. For instance, if you notice a burning smell, it may be a sign of an electrical issue. Turn off your furnace and replace the filter to see if that helps. If the odors persist, it may be a sign of a serious problem that needs addressing. A unit replacement might be necessary if the issue is too severe.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Many homeowners open windows and clean with natural products to encourage good indoor air quality. If you’re doing everything right and still noticing indoor air quality concerns, the problem may be your furnace.
As furnaces age, they become less effective at helping to maintain good indoor air quality. The problems might persist, even with furnace repairs or new parts. Replacing the unit can help improve your indoor air quality, which is especially beneficial if you have allergies or respiratory conditions.
Furnace Condition at Move-In
If you’re moving into a new house, it might be a good idea to replace the furnace. Even a professional inspection before the sale can’t guarantee long-term reliability. You should especially consider replacing it if it’s approximately 15 years old. You’ll have the certainty that your new furnace will provide reliable heating through winter and for many years. Maintain it well to help increase its lifespan.
Knowing the Difference Between Serious Problems and Normal Operation?
Know how your furnace typically operates. This includes its sounds, smells, and appearance. You’ll easily recognize when something isn’t right. You can call our team for fast assistance, especially in an emergency.
Deciding If I Should Replace or Repair My System?
Contacting our expert team is the best way to know for certain. We start by doing an inspection. When the appointment is over, we’ll explain what’s wrong with your system and the severity of the problems.
Consider replacing your furnace before it reaches 15 to 20 years old. This ensures the unit won’t unexpectedly break down in the middle of a frigid Milford winter. You’ll also reap the benefits of a modern unit, such as improved efficiency.
Should I Try to Fix Problems Myself?
Generally, you shouldn’t try to fix furnace problems yourself. However, you can do small tasks, such as changing filters and unblocking vents. Trying to fix a furnace issue yourself puts you at risk for injury or worse. You also run the risk of permanently damaging your furnace. Our HVAC service team can assess your system and determine what the issue is and whether it’s better to replace or repair your system.
Upgrading your furnace improves your comfort and decreases your stress. Tingley Home Services provides furnace installations that help keep you warm all winter. We also perform emergency repairs and routine maintenance. Schedule an appointment today in Milford.
