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5 Signs You Need Furnace Repair

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.

Unique HVAC Factors in Utah

In Utah, your HVAC is a real workhorse. It keeps you warm and cozy during bone-chilling winters, cool during those hot summers and handles extreme temperature changes like a pro. Every region has unique weather, seasons and storm threats that cause HVAC systems to work overtime. However, the climate in Utah is different than — for example — the climate in Hawaii. In the tropics, homeowners likely use their A/C year-round and may not even have a heating component. In Utah, your HVAC needs may change on a daily basis.

Moving through each season, it’s easy to see why routine inspections and maintenance for your HVAC system are critical. In the winter, snowfall and freezing temperatures have you setting your thermostat to toasty. Whether you have a furnace or boiler, ensuring your heating system is maintained and energy-efficient is critical. Some Utah homeowners upgrade to radiant heat, trapping heat closer to the floor (where you need it) and avoiding the sometimes dry heat that forced air provides.

Heating Things Up

Spring in Utah can vary quite a bit. One day could mimic winter, the next summer, and those kinds of temperature shifts can wreak havoc on your utility bill. To maximize your HVAC’s efficiency, choose a moderate temperature everyone in the household can enjoy and adjust other aspects accordingly. Slip on fuzzy socks when it’s colder and shorts when it’s warmer. Make use of natural sun and cross breezes when you can, and schedule your baking for cooler days.

Utah summers can be a force to be reckoned with, especially since so many residents take advantage of the stunning outdoors. Of course, after an epic hike or cycling session, nothing is as delectable as coming home to a cool house. Marry your HVAC system with smart-home technology so you can keep temperatures moderate while you’re away and turn up the A/C when you’re on your way home. Getting the A/C component of your HVAC system checked in the spring is the best way to ensure longevity and efficiency.

Back-to-School Rules

Finally, autumn in Utah can mean Indian summers or Jack Frost rolling into town early. Now is the perfect time for a full HVAC inspection. Make sure your A/C is ready to go for next year, but also that your heating system is up for another chilly winter. Small repairs, parts replacements and maybe even considering a furnace/boiler upgrade can make the colder months a little more bearable. Plus, autumn is prime time to check your ventilation system, swap out filters and make sure no allergens or debris are in the mix.

Taking care of your HVAC system is a year-round task, but you can kick back and leave it to the professionals. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your autumn HVAC inspection and to get ready for cooler weather in comfort.

Is it Too Late for Air Conditioner Installation?

It’s never too early or too late for air conditioner installation. It may be August, but there’s no telling if this will be an Indian summer or not. Maybe you powered through a dreadfully hot summer, committed to not upping your utility bills — but now you just can’t take the heat another day. Maybe your old air conditioner gave up for good a few days ago, and you tried to finish the summer without replacing it, but that’s proving impossible. Heatstroke kills many Americans every year, and it doesn’t have to be a heat wave that does the job. Air conditioners are critical not just for comfort, but for health.

Installing an A/C system in August has many upsides, starting with price. Most businesses make their big air conditioner-based bucks in May, June and even July. However, by August most people who are going to buy air conditioners this year have done so. Stores are in back-to-school/getting-ready-for-winter mode and you might be able to score a great deal on an HVAC system or window unit. Shop around, and ask your local HVAC professional about any unbelievable deals.

Timing Is Everything

August is surprisingly a month in which HVAC contractors have a more flexible schedule. They’ve already taken care of the A/C installation seasonal rush, most homeowners don’t plan so far ahead that the month is filled with furnace or boiler installations, and the big service calls are usually urgent A/C repairs. In other words, you can probably get installation quickly this time of year.

However, while you’re getting your new A/C installed, double up your appointment and have your entire HVAC system inspected. You might be relying heavily on your A/C right now, but soon enough you’ll be heating things up. Going into cooler months with a well-maintained furnace or boiler – and ventilation system – ensures you’ll be comfortable with reasonable utility bills in the winter months.

A Cool End to Summer

There’s no glory to be had in sweating out a summer in the alleged comforts of your own home. Air conditioning isn’t a luxury in many parts of the country, including Utah, it’s a necessity. Go with an Energy Stara model, and you may even get a tax credit come April. Check with your CPA for the IRS’ latest regulations on energy-efficient appliances.

Now that it’s come down to the wire, it’s tempting to grab the first A/C deal you see. However, still do your research and choose a model that fits your needs, budget and home. Call Sandy Heating & Air Conditioning to get an expert opinion, and air conditioner installation that’s fast, professional and will ensure you enjoy a cool end to your summer.