8 Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

When the weather gets cold, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable and to prevent seasonal issues like bursting pipes. It is very common for your furnace to need repair when it is working hard for half the year, and even more common if your furnace is old or hasn’t been properly maintained.

To prevent more issues and extend the life of your furnace, it’s important to know what warning signs to look for. Here are 8 common warning signs your furnace needs repair and what they mean.

1. Your furnace is old

If your furnace is older than the average life expectancy of furnaces in homes today—between 16 and 20 years—your furnace likely needs attention. It’s not a bad idea to start shopping for a replacement just in case of an emergency, but it’s important you get an older furnace inspected and cleaned to prolong its life. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, we can help you with this.

2. Water is pooling around the furnace

If water is pooling around your furnace, it’s important to figure out why rather quickly to keep your house warm. Pooling water is usually caused by a clogged condensate drain line. This drain line removes water that is released when the evaporator in the unit converts refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. Fixing the problem is not as simple as just unclogging the drain line, so it’s best to work with a professional who has HVAC and plumbing expertise.

3. You smell gas

If you smell gas, turn off your furnace immediately. Then, look for a gas supply valve on the gas pipe near the furnace and close the valve. Make sure to call a local HVAC contractor as soon as possible to get the gas leak fixed.

4. It’s making persistent and strange noises

No furnace is silent, but loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Pay attention to the sounds you hear and, if possible, describe them to your HVAC contractor. Squealing and whistling noises may come from belt or fan issues while banging or groaning can result from broken and loose internal components. All these noises are signs that your furnace needs to be repaired.

5. Air blows weakly

From a minor problem with fans to a major problem with belts and motors, weak air flow can be caused by several things and can cause other problems if not fixed. Because the cause can be difficult to identify, it’s important to call a professional.

6. The thermostat is not working

If you have to turn your thermostat higher and higher to get heat, it’s definitely a sign your furnace needs repair. This malfunction is likely caused by an electrical issue like blown fuses, loose wiring, or tripped circuit breakers. Because it is likely an electrical issue, it can be dangerous to fix if you haven’t had any formal training. Call a trained HVAC professional you trust.

7. Your bill rises

As furnaces age, it is very common for them to lose their efficiency, especially if they have not been consistently maintained. As a result, your furnace will have to work harder and longer to provide the same amount of heat causing your gas & electric bills to go up. If you get your furnace repaired or replaced, you will likely save a lot of money in the long run.

8. The pilot light is discolored

A healthy pilot light usually appears blue. A pilot light of a different color, especially yellow, can indicate a ventilation problem like the carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should. This is not only a health hazard for you and your family, but it can make your unit more combustible if not addressed.

If you notice any of the above warning signs or your furnace is not working as it should, give us a call. We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout the Denver Metro Area and have a lot of experience inspecting, repairing and installing furnaces.