As the summer winds down and fall is just around the corner, many homeowners are beginning to think about their home’s furnace. And they are secretly hoping that it will make it through another winter. To be very honest, most homeowners know very little about their furnace other than it heats their house. So they have no idea when it might be time to call in a professional for a little bit of much-needed service and TLC. But there are a few clues that will help you know when to take action to avoid a few cold nights without a functional furnace in your home.
Noise And Odd Sounds
Like most mechanical objects, your furnace makes a humming sound when it is functioning correctly. But as the years wear on, that slight hum can morph into a lot more noise. But sadly, you might not have noticed the added racket because it came about so slowly. So this year, as you turn on your furnace for the first time, pay close attention to the sounds that it is making.
If you are hearing anything rattling or banging, it is time to call in the professionals. These sounds indicate that something is loose or broken inside the unit and needs to be repaired before more damage occurs. Taking fast action could be the difference in a small repair bill, and the much more substantial cost of a replacement after the damage becomes much more extensive or destroys the furnace altogether.
Also, listen to the sounds coming from your ductwork. The air should flow smoothly and be unobstructed. If you hear anything moving around in the ducts or the air is blocked in some way, have a pro inspect the ductwork. This will ensure even heat throughout your home this winter.
Your House Is Cold
It can take a few days to get used to cold weather. But if you continue to feel cold inside your home, there could be a problem with your furnace. Make sure that the unit is turning on when the thermostat drops below the activation temperature. And that any necessary power for the furnace is also turned on. Also, inspect your furnace filters to be sure that they are not clogged by dust and debris. If the filters are clogged replacement to ensure proper airflow into the furnace. But if you still feel that your home is too cold, call in an HVAC professional to evaluate your furnace.
The issue could also be related to a blockage in your ductwork. Over the summer months, it is not uncommon for critters to invade the ducts from your attic or basement and build a nest. When this happens, the warm air from your furnace cannot circulate throughout your home correctly. Your HVAC pro will be able to inspect your ducts as well as your furnace to determine the problem and provide you with options to correct it.
Your Furnace Is Old
In most regions, a furnace will last between 10 and 15 years. Of course, the amount of use it sees will have an impact on that life expectancy, but as a general rule, count on a decade of service or more. Once you have reached the 10-year mark, it is always a good idea to have the unit professionally serviced before winter arrives. This is a good time for small repairs to eliminate the potential for a cold night with no heat in your home.
As you close in on 15 years of service, being proactive is a smart move. Not only does this allow you the luxury of having the unit replaced when it is convenient for you, but it avoids several days of being uncomfortably cold. With a new furnace in place, you will enjoy a warm home and most likely decrease your utility bills as new appliances are always more energy-efficient.
If you are concerned about your furnace’s condition, call 806-583-3558 to schedule an inspection by the pros from Action Air Plumbing and Septic. With over 35 years serving the community, we have become known as the honest and reliable choice you can trust for reliable HVAC service and installations.
