Blog

Your furnace is an essential part of your home, providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months. However, like any other appliance, furnaces can develop problems over time. If you're not sure whether your furnace is in need of service or repair, there are a few signs you can look for.

Those signs, which we’ll go over in this blog, include odd sounds, strange smells, cold air, age, and higher utility bills. We'll also provide some tips on how to keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.

Does your furnace need a tune-up? The experienced HVAC pros at Comfortec Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can get your furnace running at its best. Simply request a service call.

Furnace making odd sounds

Furnaces can make a variety of sounds when operating normally. However, some sounds can indicate that your furnace is in need of service or repair. Here are a few of the most common furnace noises and what they could mean:

• Rattling or banging: This could be a sign that something is loose inside your furnace, such as a blower fan or heat exchanger.
• Screeching or squealing: This could be a sign that your furnace's belt is slipping or that a bearing is worn out.
• Hissing or popping: This could be a sign that there is a gas leak in your furnace. If you hear this sound, turn off your furnace immediately and call a qualified technician.
• Humming or buzzing: This could be a sign that your furnace's blower motor is failing.

Strange furnace smells

Smells that seem off can also indicate that your furnace is in need of service or repair. Here are a few of the most common furnace smells and what they could mean:

• Burning dust: This could be a sign that your furnace's filteris dirty and needs to be replaced.
• Burning plastic: This could be a sign that something electrical is overheating inside your furnace.
• Rotten eggs: This could be a sign that there is a gas leak in your furnace. If you smell this odor, turn off your furnace immediately and call a qualified technician.
• Gas or fuel oil: This could be a sign that your furnace's burner is not working properly.
• Chemical odors: This could be a sign that your furnace's heat exchanger is cracked. If you smell this odor, turn off your furnace immediately and call a qualified technician.

If you notice any of these strange smells coming from your furnace, it is important to have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Ignoring these smells could lead to serious damage to your furnace or even a house fire.

Your furnace is blowing cold air

If you turn on your furnace and cold air is coming out of your vents instead of warm air, there could be a few reasons why this is happening.

One possibility is that your air filter is clogged. A clogged air filter can block the flow of air through your furnace, which can cause it to overheat and shut down. Check your air filter and replace it if it is dirty.

Another possibility is that there is a problem with your air ducts. Air ducts can become blocked or damaged, which can also restrict the flow of air through your furnace. Have your air ducts inspected by a qualified technician if you suspect that they may be the problem.

A third possibility is that your blower motor is not working properly. The blower motor is responsible for circulating the air through your furnace and into your home. If the blower motor is not working properly, it can cause your furnace to blow cold air. Have your blower motor checked by a qualified technician if you suspect that it may be the problem.

A fourth possibility is that your thermostat is not working properly. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of your home. If the thermostat is not working properly, it could cause your furnace to blow cold air. Have your thermostat checked by a qualified technician if you suspect that it may be the problem.

A fifth and final possibility is that your pilot light is out. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas in your furnace. If the pilot light is out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat. Relight the pilot light according to your furnace's owner's manual if you suspect that it may be the problem.

Furnace age

The age of your furnace is an important factor to consider when determining if your furnace needs to be serviced or replaced. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, so if your furnace is approaching or has exceeded this age, it's a good idea to start thinking about replacement. Older furnaces are less efficient than newer models and are more likely to break down, so replacing an old furnace can save you money on your energy bills and give you peace of mind knowing that you're less likely to be without heat in the middle of winter.

Here are some signs that your furnace may be getting old and needs to be replaced:

• Your furnace is making strange noises, such as rattling, banging, screeching, squealing, hissing, popping, humming, or buzzing.
• Your furnace is blowing cold air.
• Your furnace is not heating your home evenly.
• Your furnace is cycling on and off frequently.
• Your furnace is leaking water.
• Your furnace is producing strange smells, such as burning dust, burning plastic, rotten eggs, gas or fuel oil, or chemical odors.
• Your furnace is more than 15-20 years old.

If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician to determine if it needs to be serviced or replaced.

Higher utility bills

can be a sign that your furnace is in need of service or repair. This is because your furnace may be working harder than it should to keep your home warm, which can lead to increased energy consumption. If your furnace is not operating efficiently, it may also be wasting energy. In some cases, higher utility bills can be a sign that your furnace is old and needs to be replaced.

One way to tell if your furnace is the cause of your high utility bills is to check your energy usage during the months when your furnace is running the most. If you see a significant increase in your energy usage during these months, it is likely that your furnace is the culprit. You can also check your furnace's filter to see if it is dirty. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher utility bills.

If you think your furnace may be the cause of your high utility bills, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified technician. The technician can determine if your furnace is operating efficiently and make any necessary repairs. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your furnace with a new, more efficient model.

Here are some tips for reducing your furnace's energy consumption and saving money on your utility bills:

• Keep your furnace's filter clean.
• Make sure your furnace is properly sized for your home.
• Use a programmable thermostat to set your furnace to a lower temperature when you are away from home.
• Seal any cracks or gaps around your windows and doors.
• Insulate your attic and basement.
• Consider replacing your old furnace with a new, more efficient model.

By following these tips, you can reduce your furnace's energy consumption and save money on your utility bills.