11 Signs Your Furnace Requires a Service Call

When a furnace starts to make all kinds of noises and sounds out of the ordinary, you could almost classify it as a temper tantrum of sorts. Different sounds can indicate different issues. Refer to When Your Furnace Talks for a list of some of the sounds your furnace may make to get your attention.

You’ve tried adjusting the thermostat a few degrees at first, then ten, and still no response. Apparently, your furnace has you on a time-out for your neglect. In this case, your thermostat may be faulty, you may have leaking ducts, a problem with your pilot light or a furnace that has just said, “no”.

Inefficient furnace performance can show up in your gas and electric bills. Someone told the furnace that money talks and it listened. Squeezing your wallet to obtain some kind of attention to its ailments usually gets a quick response.

Burning yellow indicates that the gas combination of your furnace is not good. A blue flame is ideal because it indicates an ideal balance of gases and burns more cleanly. Yellow can indicate problem gases such as Carbon Monoxide.

Your furnace appears to be staging a revolt by having trouble turning on and then staying on once finally started. This may be indicate the need to replace a thermostat, faulty wiring, repair a pilot light, or fix a fan motor.

Your furnace may be pushing dust, mould, and other irritants into the air as it performs its role of circulation. If your family experiences more frequent respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies or other signs of illness, a poorly functioning system could be to blame. You may also need to have your ducts cleaned.

Pockets of cold or drafts in the house are likely an indication that your furnace is not up to the job any more. Proper assessment to determine the furnace size required to heat your home safely should be requested

If condensation is collecting on the insides of your windows, you should call in a professional to assess your system. This could be an early warning sign of problems to come.

If you have needed furnace repairs more than once in the past two years, it may be time to consider replacing it. Furnaces are like cars in that they tend to break down more as they age. The average lifespan for a furnace is approximately 12-15 years.

Does your furnace cycle on more frequently than it used to? This can indicate a problem with the furnace ignitor. It may be worn and in need of replacement.