Sitting around worrying about your heater breaking down at any moment is not an ideal way to live, and certainly not what we want for you. Of course, if you’ve had your system professionally tuned up within the last year, and you know the signs of a heater that’s in disrepair, you don’t have to worry about this!
But, what if you don’t know the signs of a heating system in disrepair? Well, that’s alright, we’re here to help.
It first warrants mentioning that fending off heavy repair needs requires that professional tune-up we just mentioned. It doesn’t matter if you use a gas-powered or electric furnace, you need professional maintenance to keep it working as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible.
Still though, it’s good to know the signs that a furnace needs repair, because even between maintenance sessions, good ol’ wear and tear can have an impact. Read on as we uncover just a few of the most common signs of a struggling furnace, then give us a call if you notice any of them!
Unfamiliar Sounds Coming from the System
It can sometimes be difficult to detect problems with your heating system if they’re not directly getting in the way of your comfort. What we mean is, you may hear a strange noise, but if you still feel just as warm as you think you should, and your furnace is still running, it can be easy to brush off the noise.
The thing is though, the sound could be a sign of something that might not be a big problem now, but will grow into one. For example, say you hear a buzzing noise. This might be a sign of something wrong with the electrical connections, which can lead to a potential fire hazard. A screeching sound may signal a worn-out fan belt that could break at any moment. Popping or banging could indicate a dangerous problem for your burners.
Higher Than Average Utility Bills
Of course your energy bills are going to rise a bit when you use either your furnace or your air conditioner. After all, these systems account for about half of all your home’s energy use.
Your utility bills should not drastically exceed what they were at this same time last year, or what your neighbors are paying for similar use. If they are too high, then it’s a sign that something in your home is working inefficiently, and your furnace could very well be to blame.
Lack of Heating Comfort
Perhaps it seems like you just can’t get your thermostat high enough to stay comfortable. Something like damaged air ducts or even a system that hasn’t been cleaned during maintenance in a while can prevent the furnace from ever reaching the desired temperature you set on your thermostat.
Short-Cycling
This is when a furnace system cycles on and off rapidly instead of going through regular, 15-minute cycles like it’s supposed to. This is both the symptom of a problem and can cause future problems for the system as it exacerbates wear and tear.
For professional and reliable furnace repair in Roanoke, VA contact W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning today!