What Are Common Signs That My Furnace Needs Repair?
A well-maintained furnace should keep on trucking for years, pumping out reliable heat. But like any hardworking appliance, parts can start wearing down over time. Catching those early warning signs is key to avoiding an untimely (and expensive!) breakdown.
Here are some common red flags that it’s time to call in the furnace repair pros:
Insufficient Heating
If certain rooms just won’t seem to warm up properly or you’re constantly cranking up the thermostat, it could be a sign of anything from a faulty blower to clogged air filters restricting airflow.
Strange Noises
Be alert for any new or worsening furnace noises like banging, squealing, or whirring sounds. Those could indicate an issue with the blower motor, failing components, or even a cracked heat exchanger.
Rising Energy Bills
As furnace parts start deteriorating, it has to work harder and harder to produce the same amount of heat. You’ll know it’s losing efficiency if you notice a steady increase in heating costs despite no change in usage.
Erratic Cycling
A furnace that keeps turning on and off repeatedly could have anything from an overheating issue to an electrical fault triggering those cycles. It’s putting lots of unnecessary strain on components.
The bottom line is, any change in your furnace’s normal heating performance or new operational quirks shouldn’t be ignored. Calling in a professional repair tech at the first sign of trouble can help nip those small issues in the bud before they snowball into a full system failure.
What Should I Do If My Furnace Stops Working in the Middle of Winter?
There’s no worse feeling than going to turn up the thermostat and realizing your furnace has decided to take a winter vacation of its own. Before you start piling on every blanket you own, try these basic troubleshooting steps first:
Give Your Thermostat a Once-Over
Double check that you have it set to “Heat” mode and the temperature is where you want it. While you’re at it, swap out those batteries just in case they’re the culprit.
Find the Furnace Power Switch
Most furnaces have a switch located right on the unit itself or nearby on a wall. Try flipping it off and then back on to reset the system.
Check Those Furnace Filters
A severely clogged air filter can sometimes trigger an automatic shutdown to prevent overheating. Pull it out and give it a look – it may just need a quick cleaning or replacement.
Check Your Circuit Breakers
Head to your home’s electrical panel and ensure the breaker for the furnace hasn’t tripped. If it has, you’ll want to fully reset it by flipping it all the way off and then back on.
If you’ve tried all those basic resets and your furnace still isn’t cooperating, don’t wait around shivering. That’s when it’s time to call in the experts at Henco Plumbing Heating & Cooling before a simple heating hiccup becomes a full-blown frozen nightmare.
Our team is here for you 24/7, 365 days a year with prompt emergency furnace repair service. We’ll have a truck rolled and one of our top-notch techs working to restore that cozy heat flow again in no time flat.
How Can I Extend the Life of My Furnace?
With the harsh winters we experience here in Dallas, your home’s furnace has to work overtime to keep things toasty. All that heavy usage inevitably leads to more wear-and-tear on components over time.
But there are some simple steps you can take to help maximize your furnace’s lifespan:
Stay On Top of Maintenance
This one’s a no-brainer, but it can’t be overstated. Having an HVAC pro give your furnace an annual preseason tune-up allows them to thoroughly inspect, clean, and calibrate every nook and cranny for peak operating condition.
Catching small issues early prevents them from snowballing into costly repairs down the road.
Don’t Neglect Those Air Filters
A clogged air filter forces your furnace to work harder to move air through, putting unnecessary strain on components like the blower motor. Make sure to check and change those filters regularly based on manufacturer recommendations.
Give It an Occasional Break
If possible, try not to run your furnace non-stop 24/7 during moderately cold snaps. Giving it a break here and there reduces that constant heavy workload. Throw on a sweater and let it cycle off for a bit!
At HENCO, we offer comprehensive furnace maintenance packages to help Dallas homeowners get the most out of their heating systems. Our skilled techs follow a multi-point inspection process to optimize every facet of your furnace’s performance. We’ll handle all filter replacements, safety checks, thermostat calibrations – you name it.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace My Furnace?
You might be wondering whether it makes more sense to keep repairing your furnace or to just bite the bullet on a full system replacement. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for this. It depends on a few key factors:
Your Furnace’s Age
Most furnaces have an expected lifespan of 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is creeping up on that 15-year mark, you may want to start mentally preparing for replacement rather than sinking more money into major repairs.
Repair Costs
Generally speaking, if the cumulative cost of needed repairs approaches 50% of a new system’s price tag, replacement starts looking more appealing from a cost-benefit perspective.
Energy Efficiency
Older furnace models can be real energy hogs compared to new high-efficiency units. If your heating bills keep climbing despite repairs, the monthly savings on a new system could help offset replacement costs.
Your Heating Needs
Maybe your home’s heating demands have changed as your family has grown. If that old furnace just isn’t cutting it anymore capacity-wise, a properly sized replacement may be the answer.
The last thing we want is for you to sink money into repairs only to have that furnace quit on you a year or two down the road. With our team’s expertise, you can make a confident decision that delivers true heating peace of mind.
