You want your furnace to heat your home for as long as possible, but like any appliance, it will reach the end of its service life at some point. Sometimes, it can be difficult for homeowners to know as the symptoms aren’t always easy to spot. If you’re not sure, here are some signs that it is time to call in the professionals at Doc Dancer Heating & Air for furnace repair. Keep an eye out for these warning signs, and you’ll be able to avoid a costly repair bill down the road.
Warning Signs of a Furnace Going Out
A furnace going out can be hard to spot, but it’s a problem you can’t ignore. A failing heating system not only poses a problem for your comfort, but it could also put your family’s health and safety at risk. Gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even accidental fires could stem from a faulty furnace unit.
As such, you want to address a furnace going out as soon as possible. A furnace problem doesn’t go away on its own, and often if they are ignored it can lead to worse issues. Sometimes the issues can mean more expensive repair bills or needing to replace your furnace sooner. Watch for the following signs in your home and give us a call as soon as you notice one or more to start your furnace upgrade.
1. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Exposure
If you start to experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, it may be a sign that your furnace is going out. Carbon monoxide leaks can form in failing furnaces due to a cracked heat exchanger or a problem with the venting system. You should have a carbon monoxide detector located near your furnace. If you have a carbon monoxide leak and your detector goes off, then you’ll need to have your furnace replaced quickly to avoid health issues.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, open some windows and get yourself and your family outside for fresh air immediately. Call a technician to come to check out your furnace. Don’t take any chances with carbon monoxide poisoning – it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
2. Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old
Like any other appliance, a gas furnace has a limited lifespan. After years of use, they can begin to experience wear and tear, which can lead to a host of problems. One common sign that a furnace is reaching the end of its life is frequent repairs and breakdowns. As your furnace ages, it can also work less efficiently, leading to higher heating costs. In addition, older furnaces are more likely to emit harmful fumes, which can affect your home’s indoor air quality and can be a risk to the health of the occupants of the home.
As a result, it is important to be aware of the signs that your heating system is reaching the end of its life. The average lifespan of a furnace is typically 15 to 20 years. Throughout the furnace’s lifespan, make sure to have proper maintenance done annually by a qualified technician and stay on top of your own furnace maintenance tasks, such as changing the furnace filter. Doing so will help to ensure that your heating system continues to work safely and efficiently for years to come.
3. Surprise Heating Expenses
If you’ve noticed your heating bill has suddenly skyrocketed for no explainable reason, it’s one of the top warning signs that your furnace is going out. There are a few reasons for these unexplained costs. First, heating systems start to fail, they have to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. This means that it’s using more energy, and that cost is passed on to you in the form of higher bills. Second, a failing furnace is often less efficient than a new one, so it’s not converting as much of the energy it uses into actual heat. That means more of the heat is escaping up the chimney or out through cracks in the walls, and you have to compensate by cranking up the thermostat. If you notice inconsistent temperatures and hot and cold spots throughout the home, but your bills are higher than normal, your home’s heating system is experiencing serious issues. As a result, your furnace is working overtime – and driving up your bills in the process.
To reduce heating costs, call a professional HVAC company like Doc Dancer to inspect your furnace and see if you need furnace repairs or a new heating system.
Professional Furnace Replacement Services From Doc Dancer in Fort Wayne
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs of a furnace going out, it’s time to call in the professionals. Contact Doc Dancer Heating & Air today for a quote on a new furnace. Our team will set you up with a new furnace that satisfies your comfort and energy efficiency expectations.