Is furnace repair in your future? Maybe you turned on the heat for the first time since winter to discover some troubling signs. Perhaps you remembered those insanely high utility bills from last winter and want to avoid that budget buster for winter 2015/16. Furnaces, just like any other complex system, need routine maintenance, the occasional repair and annual inspections to remain safe and functional. Fortunately, many times your furnace will let you know if something’s amiss.

Inspecting and repairing furnaces should be left to the professionals. Even if your furnace isn’t complaining, it’s a good idea to get your HVAC inspected at least once per year — and ideally in early autumn before you’re relying on your heating system around the clock. Catching problems early means easier, faster and more affordable fixes. However, if you suspect something is wrong in between inspections, call an HVAC expert pronto.

Here are some of the most common signs you might need furnace repair:

1. You hear a strange noise:

Just like with your car, a strange noise from your furnace could be nothing (a quick fix) or it could be a sign that something’s about to go terribly wrong. This is no time to gamble. Turn off the heat if it’s being used and call an HVAC expert immediately. The faster you move, the better.

2. It’s emitting a strange smell:

Any weird smells coming from a heating system are a red flag. Immediately move everyone, including pets, out of the home and call for an urgent inspection. This is when it’s really critical to have an HVAC expert who’s available around the clock. Again, this doesn’t necessarily mean your health is at risk, but you can never be too safe.

3. Your utility bills are creeping up:

Does it seem like your habits have stayed the same, but your heating bills just keep rising? This might be the sign of a leak or an older system that’s just not as efficient as it used to be. If you’ve taken other steps to reduce your utility bill but nothing seems to work, it’s time to call in the pros. Your utility company can tell you your average bill in the winter months so you can cross-reference with previous years.

4. You can’t recall when your furnace was last inspected:

If it’s been more than two years since your last inspection, you’re overdue. Waiting this long is demanding that a furnace work flawlessly with zero upkeep — that’s unrealistic. Especially compared to some boilers, furnaces rely on regular TLC to provide the best, most affordable heating.

5. Your furnace is over 10 years old:

With proper maintenance, furnaces can last for several years. However, older systems simply aren’t as efficient as newer, greener models. Your furnace may not need repair or replacement just yet, but schedule an inspection with Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to stay on the safe side.

 

You may need furnace repair for a number of reasons, but just like any other appliance with issues, many homeowners wait until the last possible moment to call for help. A better approach is scheduling annual or biannual maintenance checks to catch problems early. Similar to the human body, the furnace’s system is easier and more affordable to repair the earlier an issue is caught. However, emergency situations can still pop up, and it is common for a furnace to need a little TLC over the years.

Consider some of the most common reasons for furnace repair, and ask yourself if your furnace needs attention. The good news is that most of these issues are routine and relatively easy to fix. However, the longer they are put off, the more likely they are to cause serious damage.

1. What maintenance?

If homeowners think maintenance checks are an unnecessary expense, they are wrong — one of the most common causes of required furnace repairs is lack of maintenance. Some furnaces can cost as much as cars, and you wouldn’t skip oil changes, would you? Your furnace is an investment, and neglect will lead to breakdowns, poor performance and high utility bills.

2. Filthy filters

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that a monthly filter swap is the ideal schedule. It is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to care for a furnace. A dirty filter will block air flow, release allergens into the air and ultimately make your furnace work overtime for no good reason. Many homeowners opt to change filters themselves.

3. Basic wear and tear

As a machine, your furnace is going to suffer some mechanically induced wear and tear. This can result in performance issues if a bearing, belt or other part becomes worn out. It also leads to a lack of heating control and issues with air flow. Lots of important parts are found in this system, and repairing or replacing them as they wear out is one of the best ways to keep your furnace in good shape.

4. Ignition/pilot woes

If you notice an issue with the furnace’s ignition, a good technician will check the ignition/pilot light first. Sometimes this part just goes on strike (but not the kind you need), and can be replaced with ease.

5. Thermostat problems

The part in charge of controlling heat definitely needs some pampering. From no heat to no fan to sporadic heating, a thermostat malfunction needs immediate attention.

Only a trained contractor should attempt a diagnostics check and repair on your furnace, save for filter changing if homeowners are up to the task. Give Utah’s Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning a call and schedule that furnace inspection or repair today to avoid a heating disaster tomorrow.