As the leaves change color and begin to fall, a chill sets in over Washington. It’s getting colder, and it’s inching closer and closer towards winter, which means it’s time to check in on the furnace.
After a long, hot summer, the furnaces may feel a bit neglected; and, act out as a result. Just like a car refuses to start after it sits in a driveway, unused during a long family vacation, the furnace may be similarly stubborn. That’s why a fall furnace check-up is always recommended.
Understanding furnace needs
It is better to run into a potential furnace faux pas while the weather is still mild, so one can catch any issues ahead of time! That’s why Bob’s Heating, created a fall furnace guide so one can understand what the furnace needs in case one goes to turn it on and… it just isn’t working as it should.
Make sure the heating control center is working properly by contacting an HVAC specialist here
If one stands in front of the air vents and heat is barely seeping out of it, the furnace fan may need repair. Slow heating may also be the result of a broken thermostat. Make sure the heating control center is working properly by contacting an HVAC specialist here at Bob’s Heating. they will check it out, so the system can crank it out. If the furnace is producing a musty smell that lasts longer than its first run cycle, one probably needs a new air filter. Do not let this problem persist, as dirty air filters cause the system to work harder, increasing the utility costs while decreasing the heating efficiency.
Preventative furnace maintenance
If dust is accumulating throughout the home, it is also a sign that the furnace’s air filter needs replacing. Excessive dust will cause health implications and can harm the interior of the home. Dust creates a dry environment, which will wilt the house plants, affect wood flooring, and can develop allergy-like symptoms to the people. Change the air filters to avoid these conditions. If one has never replaced the furnace’s air filter, dirt can cause permanent damage to the furnace’s internal components. So keep up with preventative furnace maintenance!
Once the furnace hits the 15-year mark, it has lived a full life. Even if it ‘still works,’ it is not running in an energy-efficient manner and is probably the cause of the unusually high utility bills. If one is unclear on the age of the furnace, check the user manual or look for its serial number and check it out online.
Efficient heating system
If some rooms at home are warmed more than others, the furnace is outdated. Insufficient heating is a result of old ductwork, as ducts naturally lose their ability to distribute air evenly as they age. Contact Bob’s Heating for a newer, more efficient heating system.
If some rooms at home are warmed more than others, the furnace is outdated
All furnaces make noise when they are starting up and turning off; however, if unusual sounds persist, or become louder as heating cycles continue, there may be malfunctioning, broken, or leaking parts within the furnace. Contact a professional HVAC technician, here at Bob’s Heating, for furnace assessment and potential replacement.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so how to know if the furnace is releasing carbon monoxide at home? These signs indicate one may have a cracked combustion chamber:
- Condensation on the windows and walls
- Rusting on pipes
- Soot around the furnace
- A yellow flame instead of a blue flame burning
- Abnormal headaches and nausea
- Flu-like symptoms
Professional furnace replacement
If one notices any of the above, immediately evacuate the home, contact emergency services to turn off the gas supply, and contact Bob’s Heating for professional furnace replacement.
If the HVAC repairman comes up as a suggested friend on Facebook, it’s time to think about a replacement. Consistent repairs will cost more in the long run. If the repairs on the current unit cost even one-third of what a new unit would cost, it’s time to throw in the towel and replace the furnace.