If there’s one thing you don’t want to neglect, it’s your HVAC system. This is especially true for Connecticut homeowners battling frigid temperatures every winter. Book a top-rated heating service in Columbia, CT, when you notice changes in your furnace’s performance.
A furnace failure in the middle of winter can make your home dangerously cold. That’s why it’s important to recognize the top five signs your furnace is going out.
As emergency HVAC technicians, our team at SM Mechanical Services LLC responds to several urgent calls from homeowners with no heat. Learn how to identify the warning signs of a failing furnace so you can avoid dialing our number with your frozen fingers at an inopportune time.
Furnace Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Better for Your Heating System?
Consider replacing your furnace every 15 to 20 years. However, neglecting basic HVAC maintenance can shorten your system’s lifespan. Prioritize the following measures to help your system reach its full lifespan:
- Schedule annual heating inspections and tune-up services.
- Change your air filter every one to three months.
- Fix small heating issues before they become expensive.
Even if you religiously follow these furnace maintenance tips, there comes a point when your old furnace starts costing you money, no matter what. If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a replacement, contact a professional HVAC team like SM Mechanical Services LLC. Experts can diagnose your system and help you choose a comfortable solution for your home.
Five Common Indicators of a Failing Furnace in Columbia, Connecticut
Malfunctioning heating systems can present several challenges for homeowners. Pay attention to how well your furnace operates, and don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician if you experience issues, particularly the following five signs that your furnace is going out.
1. Your Family Is Always Getting Sick
It’s normal for people to get sick during the winter, but there are a few symptoms you should watch out for. Failing furnaces can lead to the following issues that impact your health:
- Carbon monoxide exposure: A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home and cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Blurred vision or fainting may also occur due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Mold growth: Leaks in your furnace can cause excess moisture to build up in places you can’t see but can probably smell. That musty smell is how you can be 100% sure your nasal congestion, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, or skin irritation stems from mold exposure rather than allergies.
- Poor indoor air quality: If you experience the symptoms of mold growth but don’t smell anything strange in your home, you might have an air quality issue. Check your furnace’s filter and schedule a professional HVAC inspection.
2. The Pilot Light Is Changing Colors
If you’re wondering about signs your furnace is going out, search your unit for the pilot light. It usually sits near the bottom of the furnace and is sometimes hidden behind a panel. If you see an on/off switch, you’ve found it.
Now, what color is the pilot light? If it’s bright blue, that’s a good sign. If it’s yellow, there’s something wrong.
When the pilot light is yellow, your furnace is not burning enough fuel. Carbon monoxide leaks can restrict oxygen and prevent complete combustion.
3. You Hear Banging, Clanging, and Other Strange Noises in Your Columbia Home
Ignoring unusual sounds can lead to a system malfunction that disrupts your entire home’s heating. Here are potential noises a bad furnace can make why:
- Banging or popping: The expansion and contraction of the ductwork or delayed ignition in the burners can cause this.
- Squealing or screeching: This usually means that a belt somewhere is loose or broken. It could also mean that your blower motor needs lubrication or repair.
- Rattling: It could be something simple like a loose screen or panel or a more serious issue, such as a cracked heat exchanger.
4. Your Energy Bill Is Higher Despite No Change in Your Heating Habits
High energy bills are common for Columbia households during the winter. If you notice your utility costs significantly rising and you’re not turning your heat on more, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
When your furnace isn’t burning fuel as efficiently as it should, it will run more to keep your house warm. That’s why your energy bill is so high. Your furnace is constantly running but your home isn’t warming up.
5. Some Rooms Are Colder or Hotter Than Others
Uneven heating is so common that almost everybody can tell you about a room in their home that is hotter or colder than the others. There are a few reasons this can happen.
If you place your thermostat too close to a vent or in direct sunlight, your furnace may think it’s hotter than it is.
Another reason you may be experiencing hotter or colder rooms is that your furnace might not be the right size for your house. Many homes in the United States have the incorrect furnace size. A unit that is too small will not keep up, and an oversized one may cycle on and off too quickly.
Contact SM Mechanical Services LLC for Expert Furnace Repair in Columbia, Connecticut
Buying a new furnace is a major investment, so you should be 100% sure that a system replacement is necessary before you open your wallet.
If you begin experiencing any tell-tale signs your furnace is going out, call a local HVAC expert as soon as possible. Diagnosing and fixing problems now can help you get the most out of your system and benefit from the full lifespan of a gas furnace. If your furnace is already nearing the end of its life, you should also reach out to an expert.
When that time comes, call SM Mechanical Services LLC. We’re a family-owned business with over 350 five-star reviews and specialize in solving heating-related issues in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Call today for a consultation!