If you’re a homeowner, perhaps you’ve experienced feeling like everything in your home is breaking down at once. You may be wondering if the repairs will ever end. Often it can feel like you’re hit with one repair after another and you might be wondering if all of the repairs are worth it and whether you’ll get your money’s worth. When it comes to replacing your home’s heating system, this is one investment you want to make sure you get right. If you delay replacing your furnace, you might be looking at a rushed fix which could be more expensive than planning for a replacement ahead of time.
Above-Average Energy Bills
One of the tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your furnace is that you notice your energy bill has shot way up. It is normal to have some fluctuation in bills over the course of the year, but a drastic change in your energy bill is a likely sign that something is not quite right with your furnace. The furnace itself could still be performing, but a slight mechanical glitch may be preventing warm air from being produced into your home.
Something Doesn’t Sound Quite Right
Another sign that your furnace may be on the way out is if you hear clicking or other noises, aside from the normal whirring a furnace makes. Troublesome noises may sound like:
- Clicking
- Whistling
- Scraping or squealing
- Rattling
- Buzzing
If your furnace has started to make any of these sounds, your best bet is to contact an HVAC provider to determine whether the noise is something you should be concerned about. Noises may be due to issues with the furnace’s blower blades, motor, burner or the blower wheel. No matter the source of the noise, you’ll want to have your furnace checked sooner rather than later.
Furnace Is Too Old Or Outdated
The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15-20 years, but with regular maintenance and diligent cleaning, your furnace could last beyond that. Caring for your furnace will enable its longevity and give you peace of mind that your home will remain well-heated and comfortable in even the chilliest winters.
On the other hand, if your furnace hasn’t been cared for and has succumbed to wear and tear, it may need to be replaced sooner than the 15-20 year mark. If you find yourself having to make repairs to your furnace year after year and the costs are adding up, it might be worthwhile to look into purchasing a new furnace. A new furnace costs anywhere between $3000-$7000 depending on the size of your home and efficiency of the unit. If you have a furnace that is running well after 15 years, it’s probably a good idea to start putting money aside for when the time comes to buy a new one.
The Fan Turns On But The Air Isn’t Hot
If you’re experiencing the frustration of your furnace on but not pushing out any heat, there could be a few explanations for this. The first thing to do is to check your thermostat and make sure it’s on a heat setting and the temp is high enough to kick your furnace on. If that isn’t the issue it’s time to look further.
Often, if you can hear that the fan is running and air is blowing out, but isn’t hot, it’s a sign that your filters may need to be replaced. Dirty air filters prevent airflow which in turn prevents warm air from ever making its way out of the vents. Changing the furnace filter regularly will take some of the guessing away when you’re troubleshooting why hot air doesn’t seem to be coming through.
A possibility that may require you looking a little further is that there could be an issue with your furnace’s fuel supply or ignition system. If your furnace isn’t receiving gas, it won’t be able to produce any heat because there won’t be any fuel to combust. To troubleshoot this you can check to make sure the gas valve on your supply line is open, make sure your natural gas service provider hasn’t had any interruptions in service, or if you use liquid propane or oil, make sure your supply isn’t empty.
HVAC Installation Services In Burleson
As you are working on getting your home ready for the cooler months ahead, make sure to check that your furnace is running well before you find yourself waking up chilly due to a furnace that never kicked on. If this has happened and you’re wondering whether your furnace has had its better days or is just going through a hiccup, call the professional HVAC team at Superior AV & Heat in Burleson, Texas. Our experienced staff is well-trained in all aspects of furnace repair and care and we want to make sure you and your family stay as comfortable as possible this winter season. Give us a call today at 214-679-8725.
