When the brisk air of fall and winter start to set in, a functioning furnace is essential for keeping your home warm. If yours isn’t working properly, it can lead to a variety of uncomfortable problems, from a cold home to a costly repair bill.
Knowing when to have your system repaired and when it’s time to consider replacement will save you both energy and money. This article will help you understand the best time to schedule maintenance, troubleshooting and major repairs and when to replace your furnace based on its current condition.
A heating specialist can perform a wide range of major repairs Furnace Repair, from replacing the thermostat to re-lighting the pilot light. However, if you are having your furnace repaired frequently, it may be a sign that your system is reaching the end of its expected life expectancy and will need to be replaced.
If your system is making strange noises, it’s important to note where the sounds are coming from so that you can describe them to a repair professional. Oftentimes, unusual sounds are caused by loose ductwork or an overheated blower. However, they could also indicate a more serious problem, such as a faulty heat exchanger or blower motor.
In some cases, your system’s problem can be caused by the pilot light or ignitor. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, it’s a sign that you need to clean it. A dirty ignitor can cause the system to produce too much or too little heat, which will result in an excessive utility bill.
Another common issue is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. These can be easily fixed by a certified technician. Having your system checked for these issues can prevent further damage to your furnace, and ensure that it’s ready for the cold winter ahead.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and there are many maintenance tasks that you can complete yourself to keep your system in top shape this winter. For example, if your home has belt-driven blowers, it’s a good idea to lubricate the bearings once per year. This can be done by flipping the power switch to “Off,” removing the blower access panel, and unscrewing the bearing caps. Adding a few drops of lightweight machine oil will help your blower run more smoothly and efficiently.
A final common problem that can be avoided with routine maintenance is a malfunctioning thermostat. When the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can pick up the wrong temperature, which will cause the furnace to either over or under-produce heat. It can even trigger safety features to shut down the system when it’s trying to produce too much heat. To prevent this, be sure to check your thermostat on a regular basis and have it replaced when necessary. It’s important to understand that a malfunctioning thermostat isn’t necessarily an indication of a dying furnace, but rather a poor design. If you’re still concerned, consider contacting another heating specialist for a second opinion before performing any repairs.