Common Furnace Problems and When It’s Time for a Replacement

There are several reasons the furnace in your Elkhart home may shut down on a cold night. The air filters may be clogged, or the igniters may malfunction. There could also be a problem with the flame sensors. These issues can all be fairly quickly identified and fixed.

However, repairs are no longer enough when a furnace displays more serious symptoms of packing up or malfunctioning. A furnace that does not work properly is inconvenient and can become a safety hazard in your Elkhart home.

It is important to know the most common furnace problems that could indicate you need to replace your furnace. A replacement will keep your family safe and your house warm and save you money in the long run.

Do you suspect your furnace has become a health hazard in your Elkhart home? Call Summers PHC for a professional assessment. When you pay for a repair, you get a FREE service call. (Limited time offer).

Frequent Furnace Problems Faced By Elkhart Homeowners

If you spot furnace issues early on, you can have the system replaced before it fails. The following are the critical signs you need to look out for:

• Insufficient heating. Sometimes, the earlier sign that your furnace is not working properly is a lack of heat in your home. There are several reasons your furnace may not be distributing heat. As mentioned, dirty or clogged air filters could restrict the airflow. Other problems could include a broken thermostat, issues with the pilot light, or a leak in the ductwork.
• Cycling on and off too many times. If your furnace cycles on and off frequently, it could also be attributed to a clogged filter. Sometimes, an oversized furnace also shuts off too quickly because it heats up too fast.
• Strange noises. Some noises are normal, but if your furnace makes ongoing loud sounds, it indicates a problem. For instance, if you hear banging or booming, it could mean the furnace ignition is delayed. Worn belts or bearings could cause squealing. Rattling could come from loose internal components. There may be a problem with the ignition system if there are clicking noises.
• Rising energy bills. If there is a sudden spike in your energy costs, it means your furnace is losing efficiency. Potential causes include an aging furnace, dirty burners, and leaking ducts.
• Pilot light issues. If you have an older gas furnace, you may find the pilot light malfunctioning at some point. Sometimes, the light will be weak or flicker because of a faulty thermocouple. Newer models may experience electronic ignition failures because of a malfunctioning control board.
• Declining air quality. Your furnace is meant to keep your indoor air clean. If there is more dust in your home than usual, you may have clogged filters. If you smell an unusual odor, you could be dealing with mold or a gas leak. A gas leak is serious, and you should get yourself, your family, and your pets out of the house until the leak is repaired.

Knowing When to Replace Your Furnace

Even without the above signs, you will know when to replace your furnace. For instance, if your furnace exceeds the 15-year mark, replacing it will most likely be cheaper than repairing ongoing issues.

If the cost of repairs is more than 50% of the cost of a new furnace, replacement is the better option.

As soon as you notice uneven heating, especially in rooms that are too cold or too hot, your system should be replaced. Trying to fix inefficiency is going to cost you a lot more in the long run than just a once-off replacement.

If your current furnace has an efficiency rating below 80%, upgrading is also a good idea. Ideally, you want your new furnace to have a rating above 90% so you can save more on your energy bills.

Most importantly, if you notice any signs of a cracked heat exchanger, you must replace your furnace as soon as possible. Cracks in a heat exchanger can result in a carbon monoxide leak.

You must also shut off your furnace immediately and seek professional assistance if you see any of the following:

• Black streaks on or near the furnace
• Moisture on nearby windows
• Headaches or flu-like symptoms

Choosing a Furnace for Your Elkhart Home

You can choose from several types of furnaces for your Elkhart home. These include natural gas, electric oil, and propane. The most common type of furnace you will find is natural gas. It is also the most cost-effective.

If your house does not have gas access, an electric furnace should work well for you. However, they are more expensive to run compared to gas furnaces. Oil or propane furnaces may be better options if you live in a rural setting.

You should have your new furnace properly installed by a licensed and insured HVAC technician. The technician will calculate the load to ensure you get the right size furnace for your home.

A technician can also advise you on the different modern features of the furnace you choose. Some offer variable-speed blowers for improved comfort. Others offer the option of zoned heating so you can customize the comfort in different rooms.

Discover Your Furnace Options With Summers PHC

Knowing what furnace problems to look out for and recognizing when your system is failing will help you keep your Elkhart home warm every winter. Do not wait to replace your furnace if you already pay a lot for repairs and frequent breakdowns.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you determine when you need a furnace replacement. We offer expert assessments, maintenance, services, and installations.

Call 574-203-9147 for more information or book the service you need online. Remember to check out our local specials, too.