When your furnace stops working, it usually doesn’t come out of nowhere. In most cases, even though we may be caught off guard, there were warning signs that we may have missed, or not known how to recognize. As an essential part of what helps keep your home comfortable and safe all year round, your furnace deserves all the TLC it can get to stay working as efficiently as possible.
At Weiss-Johnson, we’ve been helping Edmontonians install and maintain the HVAC equipment they deserve for a happy, healthy life at home since 1977. We know that it can be easy to miss the early signs of furnace problems, but with a little help, you can learn what to look (and listen!) for to avoid more serious problems down the line.
Discover some of the early signs you may need a furnace repair below!
1. Your Furnace Sounds Different Lately
When your furnace is at peak efficiency and operating healthily, it should run quietly. If you’ve recently begun to notice banging, clanking, humming, or high-pitched squealing, however, something likely needs to be addressed. A loud furnace is your unit’s way of asking for help, and the sooner you give it the attention it needs, the lower your chance of having to spend more after the problem progresses to a more serious state.
2. Uneven Temperatures Around Your Home
Do some rooms in your home feel toasty and warm, while others seem to maintain a constant chill no matter how you set the thermostat? Uneven heat distribution is a common sign that something is off and can be caused by airflow problems, damaged ducts, or a struggling blower motor. It’s important to note that this isn’t just a winter issue – your HVAC system helps with air circulation all year round. When your furnace isn’t working optimally, the overall comfort and efficiency of your home will also suffer.
3. It Keeps Turning On and Off Too Often
Frequent cycling, better known as short cycling, is a common issue that can wear out your furnace faster and contribute to increasing energy bills. It’s often caused by a dirty filter, a faulty thermostat, or airflow restriction. No matter what the cause is, it’s important to be proactive. If you notice your furnace is running in short bursts, book an appointment to get it looked at ASAP.
4. You Notice Unusual Odours
It’s not unusual to have a brief dusty smell in the air when you fire up your furnace for the first time each season, but if you notice that the scent tends to linger, or you smell other odours like burning, mustiness or anything chemical-like, it’s time to take a closer look. Unusual smells come from various sources, ranging from clogged filters to debris in your ducts or component failure, which can have long-term repercussions.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Suddenly Higher
Remember what we said about short cycling contributing to higher energy bills? Furnace issues often contribute to higher utility costs regardless of the time of year. If you’ve been keeping your home at a steady temperature but notice you’re consistently paying more, your system likely has a hidden issue, such as a dirty burner, blocked vents, or parts that have met the end of their natural lifespan.
6. Your Pilot Light or Flame Isn’t Steady Blue
A steady blue flame is a key indicator of proper function for gas furnaces. A yellow, or flickering flame, however, can point to ventilation issues or even a carbon monoxide risk. Never leave this kind of issue unattended. Get help immediately to keep your household safe.
7. Age Isn’t Just a Number
It’s important to remember that when it comes to protecting your home’s HVAC systems, the age of core components, like your furnace, matters. Whether you’ve recently bought a new home with an outdated furnace or haven’t updated your current unit in quite some time, if your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s likely coming to the end of its natural lifecycle. That means you’ll want to take extra care with annual inspections and staying on top of repairs, even if you haven’t had to deal with significant issues. If your unit is older and you’ve noticed any of the above problems, it’s probably time for a replacement.
8. You’re Feeling Drier, Dustier Air Indoors
Because furnaces help circulate and condition air, they also play a huge role in improving indoor air quality. If your air feels dry and dusty or you’re experiencing more allergy symptoms than usual, your furnace could be circulating unfiltered or poorly filtered air. If that’s the case, your filter may need replacing, or your whole system may require cleaning or repair.
When to Call Weiss-Johnson
You don’t need to be an HVAC expert to spot something’s wrong with your furnace, but getting the right solution means knowing who to call! At Weiss-Johnson, we’re here to make sure you have the help you need when it matters most! We believe in putting you and your family first and will always take the time to help walk you through every issue, potential solution, and explain how you can avoid future problems to keep your system running better for longer.
We’ve been serving Edmonton homeowners for over 40 years, with 250+ employees and over 35,000 HVAC systems installed. Your trust is the most important part of our business, and we’re always here to help!
Is Your Furnace Giving You Warning Signs?
Contact Weiss-Johnson today for honest advice, expert repairs, and trusted service that keeps Edmonton homes comfortable all year long!
