Your furnace is a complex unit with numerous moving parts. This means that it will rarely stop working out of the blue. There are usually warning signs and multiple indicators that your unit is failing. Of course, homeowners in Clackamas, OR must be able to recognize these signs if they wish to promptly diagnose and repair the problem quickly. Here are the top 10 signs that a furnace may fail soon and how to handle each scenario.
1. Sudden Spike in Energy Costs
When your energy bills go up for seemingly no reason, it could be a sign your furnace is losing efficiency. Check for obvious signs of damage or wear on the surface of the unit. Clogged filters and damaged components may also be the culprit. Filters are easy to replace on your own, but other components typically require professional experience.
2. The Furnace Is 12 to 20 Years Old
The average lifespan of a furnace is 12 to 20 years. Once your unit reaches 15 years of age, you should plan for a replacement soon. The goal is to replace your furnace before it breaks down and leaves your family in a cold and unsafe environment. It can be tempting to leave your old unit running for as long as possible to save money. However, an old, inefficient unit can cause undue strain on other parts of your HVAC system.
3. Inconsistent Heating in Various Rooms
Uneven heat is a sign that your furnace is no longer functioning as it did when it was new. This may be a direct issue with your heater, or it could be due to blocked air vents or poor insulation in that room. Check for issues, such as worn-out blower fans or dirty burners, and address them systematically until the temperature stabilizes.
4. Strange Sounds During Operation
It’s normal for a furnace to make subtle sounds when it’s operating. As you walk past your unit, make sure you don’t hear noises such as banging, clicking, rattling, or screeching. These abnormal sounds should never be ignored. We recommend scheduling service with Midway Heating Company right away. Rattling and banging are often caused by loose panels or damaged internal parts. Screeches point to dry motor bearings or a weakened blower belt. Scraping sounds indicate that metal components may be rubbing together within the unit.
5. A Constant Need for Repairs
No matter how well you maintain your furnace, some wear and tear is expected as your equipment ages. A few minor repairs here and there are inevitable. However, any furnace that constantly gives you trouble should be replaced as soon as possible. If you prefer a solid metric to go by, you should replace your furnace if annual repair costs total half the cost of a brand-new system.
6. Incessant Short Cycling
Short cycling occurs when a furnace rapidly turns on and off without running a full cycle. Not only does this disrupt your comfort, but it’s also highly damaging to your HVAC equipment. Short cycles are a major sign that something is wrong with your furnace. Possibilities include overheating, clogged filters, a broken flame sensor, a thermostat malfunction, or a failing motor blower. Anyone can reset the thermostat or replace an air filter, but you will likely need professional assistance to safely handle mechanical and electrical issues. Short cycles indicate your unit may fail very soon, especially if a particularly strong cold front passes through and your furnace is strained.
7. Dirty Air Coming Through Vents
A reduction in indoor air quality is a signal that your furnace may be struggling. You may even find dust or other debris near your vent covers. Common indoor air quality issues include dirty burners, clogged airpaths, a cracked heat exchanger, or general blower problems. A trained technician is your best bet for safely handling electrical concerns, but you can improve the situation with a professional deep cleaning of your air vents and furnace unit. In addition to saving your furnace from further damage, you will want to handle indoor air quality issues quickly for your own health and safety.
8. Flickering or Yellow Flames
Your furnace should always sport a steady blue flame during operation. An off-color or flickering flame is a sign that you need to act immediately. The main concern here is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. If a CO leak is the issue, you need to evacuate and call a professional for assistance. Other possible causes of yellow flames include poor combustion, a cracked heat exchanger, or burner issues.
9. Unpleasant or Burning Odors
There are abnormal smells to take note of that can indicate the need for furnace maintenance and repairs. The first is a burning electrical smell that points to a motor or wiring problem. The second odor is burning dust that doesn’t go away after a few minutes. This indicates that your system is likely clogged with debris somewhere. Thirdly, a metallic smell implies overheating concerns. Finally, chemical odors are usually a sign that the heat exchanger has a crack.
10. You Spot Rust or Corrosion
Your furnace should always be kept dry. Instances of rust or corrosion along the surface are a sign that moisture has been present inside the unit. It’s also wise to check the burner, the joints, and the heat exchanger for signs of water damage. The exchanger may be cracked, or the moisture may be caused by a ventilation issue. In either scenario, rust is a sign that you need to call a heating expert right away. We can determine the extent of the corrosion and determine if your unit is failing.
Regular Maintenance Benefits
The importance of regular furnace maintenance cannot be understated. All the problems listed above can be the result of not maintaining your HVAC system. A regular maintenance schedule includes at least two inspections per year, ideally in the spring and fall. Proper coverage catches problems early so you can utilize the full lifespan of your furnace. Also, the service ensures peak efficiency when you need it most and safe comfort with your family. Our professional inspections involve cleaning and adjusting each component of your system to improve efficiency as much as possible.
Midway Heating Company has proudly served the Clackamas area since 1959. Our extensive experience in the field ensures we have the expertise and tools to provide comfort in your home. Whether you need help with heating installation, maintenance, furnace conversions, ductless mini-split systems, humidity control, or general heating services, our friendly technicians are ready to help. We emphasize relationships over transactions, so you can feel confident you’re receiving honest advice from a family-owned business. Expect upfront pricing and reliable service every time. For straightforward heating services in Clackamas, contact Midway Heating Company today.
