Warning Signs You Need a New Furnace

Nothing will keep your house warmer than a well-functioning furnace in winter, especially when it gets bitterly cold in Bloomington-Normal. But what happens if your furnace breaks down in the dead of winter and you have to scramble to get it replaced?

You can avoid this unpleasant problem by examining your furnace now. If you notice anything strange about it, including weird sounds and smells, you will know that it is due for a replacement.

There are several other warning signs to look out for as well. Keep reading to discover what they are and why you should not ignore them.

If you have not had your furnace inspected in a long time, now is the perfect time to book an inspection with Summers PHC. A paid repair gets you a FREE service call.  Get this limited-time offer!

You Are Cold Even Though the Furnace Is On

It does not always mean something is wrong with your thermostat if you never feel warm enough during the cold. It could indicate an air leak in your furnace. If certain spots in your home are colder than others, you should contact a professional HVAC technician for an inspection.

If the temperature in your home fluctuates dramatically throughout the day, your furnace is struggling to keep up the heat level. In addition to an air duct leak, it could also be the result of a blown motor, blocked duct, or imbalanced furnace. A furnace can become imbalanced because of cracks or other aging issues.

Instead of continuously adjusting the thermostat or adding space heating to rooms, it is best to inspect your furnace. The technician will advise you on whether you need a repair or replacement.

You Have Your Furnace for Decades

If you have lived in your Bloomington-Normal home for 20 years and never replaced the furnace, it’s time for a new one. Furnaces last between 15 and 20 years, but this ultimately depends on maintenance and usage.

Using your furnace round the clock every winter for months on end can wear out the unit faster. The unit will also fail faster if it is not regularly maintained or repaired when necessary.

The Pilot Light Is Yellow

Changes in the color of your furnace’s pilot light can indicate a dangerous problem. A properly functioning furnace should have a blue flame in the pilot light. If you switch on your furnace and the light flickers or is yellow, it may indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide buildup, shut off the furnace and get yourself and your family out of the house. Call a professional for assistance.

Other issues that cause a yellow or flickering pilot light include clogged burners and gas supply problems. There may also be an incomplete combustion issue, which means the furnace should be serviced.

Either way, do not stay inside trying to figure out the problem on your own. The safe thing to do is evacuate the house and wait for help. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, get one installed.

The Furnace Rattles or Pops

The pilot light is not the only component that could signal problems with your furnace. Sometimes, a malfunctioning or failing furnace makes loud noises. These are usually caused by mechanical issues that could potentially be fixed. If not, the furnace should be replaced.

If your furnace squeals or whistles, the airflow may be restricted. This usually happens when the blower is broken, or the ducts are clogged. If you hear bangs or pops, the heat exchanger may be failing.

Never ignore weird sounds from your furnace, especially if they do not go away. Ask an HVAC technician to inspect the furnace and provide you with options.

The Furnace Keeps Short Cycling

A short cycling furnace can also mean that it is reaching the end of its lifespan. Short cycling (frequently turning on and off) could mean a problem with the air filter, thermostat, or internal components.

Ignoring short cycling will wear out your furnace’s components, causing it to fail faster.

You Keep Paying More for Heating

If your utility bills keep increasing for no apparent reason, it could mean your furnace is starting to fail. The older your furnace gets, the less efficient it becomes. This means the unit has to work harder to keep your house warm, resulting in higher energy consumption and higher bills.

If your bills have risen consistently over the past few winter seasons, consider a replacement furnace. You can choose from many energy-efficient models available on the market that will save you money throughout the winters to come.

The Air Quality in Your Home Is Deteriorating

A malfunctioning furnace will affect the air quality in your house. You may notice an increase in dust or a rise in humidity. You may also smell stale air throughout your home.

Furnaces are supposed to circulate air through your home. But when they don’t work properly, they can contribute to low air quality.

In most cases, deteriorating air quality can be attributed to dirty filters or ducts. There may be a leak in your ducts, which causes air to escape and dust to accumulate. Issues with the blower motor can also result in poor airflow and stale air.

Replacing the Furnace in Your Bloomington-Normal Home

Your furnace is one of the most essential appliances in your Bloomington-Normal home. Do not wait until it breaks before replacing it. Ignoring the warning signs of a malfunctioning furnace can lead to complete failure or expensive repairs at the most inconvenient time.

Summers PHC Caters to All Furnace Maintenance and Replacement Needs

Instead of putting it off for another winter, let Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling inspect, maintain, or replace your furnace. This will allow you and your family to enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures no matter how cold it gets outside.

If you book your inspection today, you can make the most of our local specials. To find out more, call 309-319-9009 or book a service online.