A working heater is a critical component in your Opelika, Alabama, home, as average winter lows can dip into the 30s. Don’t leave your family freezing with a broken furnace. Keep an eye out for common indicators of a pending repair, so you can contact a professional as early as possible. The sooner you schedule service, the better. Neglecting to address a developing problem will only lead to greater repair costs down the road. Watch out for these signs of trouble.
A Rising Heating Bill
If your heating bill has increased, but the outdoor temperatures haven’t decreased dramatically, this is a subtle indicator of a developing problem with your heating system. The more dramatic the increase, the bigger the problem. If your bills experienced a major increase recently, contact a professional for a diagnostic service call.
A very gradual climb in your heating bills might simply indicate that the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan. As a system ages, its efficiency decreases, so your bills will slowly increase. If your system is near or past the 20-year mark, you should start considering a replacement furnace. Thinking about your needs and wants for a new furnace early will give you more time to research different options and build your savings so you’re prepared for this investment when the time comes.
Water Around the Furnace
Is there a pool of water gathering around the base of the furnace? This is typically a sign of a clogged condensate line. This is a relatively simple fix for a professional, but it’s not something you can afford to ignore. Standing water can cause long-term damage to your system if it’s ignored. If the liquid is gas and not water, you have a much more serious problem that you should request an emergency service call for.
Yellow Burner Flame
If your furnace has a yellow flame instead of a blue one, this is an indicator of a carbon monoxide leak. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, it should alert you to the problem, provided the battery is still good. Other indicators of a carbon monoxide leak include:
- Rusted flue pipes and vent pipes
- Soot marks around the furnace
- Moisture gathering on walls, windows, and nearby surfaces
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak for any reason, it’s crucial that you call a professional immediately as this invisible and odorless gas can be deadly.
Frequent Dust Accumulation
Are you finding it nearly impossible to keep up with the dust accumulation in your home? If dust and grime are building up faster than usual, there might be a problem with your HVAC system. Begin by changing your filter. You should do this every three months at a minimum. If you have a lot of dust in your home, increase the frequency to once a month.
If filter changes don’t resolve your issue, contact our HVAC professionals for a more thorough diagnosis of the problem. You might have leaky ducts that are pulling dust in from the attic and spreading it through your house or a filthy furnace that hasn’t been properly maintained in years past. An air cleaner or other indoor air quality installation might also offer an effective solution for your problem.
Unusual Sounds in the System
Any banging, rattling, or thwapping noise is cause for concern when it’s coming from your furnace. You might have a problem with the blower motor, debris in the system, or another faulty part. Our experienced HVAC technicians can help you get to the bottom of the issue quickly and arrange for a fast and convenient repair or replacement. Never let a strange sound go undiagnosed. Something that began as an unbalanced component could turn into a complete system failure if you don’t seek the proper repair services in time.
If you’re mindful of how your furnace is functioning, you can often catch problems early, while you’re still dealing with an affordable heating repair and not a major replacement. If you notice any suspicious signs, contact Sensigreen Heating, Cooling & Insulation at (334) 366-9237. We’ll get your system back in shape in no time.
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