10 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair Before Winter Hits

Before Bandon’s cold, wet winters arrive, it’s essential to make sure your home is ready. High-quality furnace repair in Bandon can help you diagnose major issues before a total HVAC failure occurs. At Alpha Heating & Air, we can inspect your furnace and ensure your family stays comfortable in chilly weather.

10 Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention

If you notice the following signs that a furnace needs repair, give us a call. We offer 24/7 emergency repairs and same-day services, so your family doesn’t have to shiver in the cold.

1. Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

A dirty flame sensor, a gas supply issue, or a pilot light issue can cause your furnace to blow cold air. During our inspection, we’ll inspect the pilot light. If your furnace has a reset switch, it can help troubleshoot pilot light issues. Additionally, our technicians can clean the flame sensor and inspect the gas supply lines to ensure your system is functioning properly.

2. Uneven Heating or Cold Spots Around the House

If your furnace is not heating properly or distributing the airflow throughout your home, you may notice uneven heating performance. Often, airflow issues cause uneven heating performance. For example, closed vents or damaged ductwork can keep air from getting to rooms. Alternatively, poorly insulated rooms, attics, and crawlspaces can allow heat to get out before it reaches your rooms.

3. Unusual Noises 

Any time you notice your furnace making noise, you should schedule professional furnace repairs right away. The following are some of the most common furnace noises and what they mean.

• Banging or Popping: While some popping can occur when ductwork expands, frequent popping often means that there is a dirty burner.
• Squealing: This type of noise can happen due to restricted airflow, such as dirty ducts or closed vents. A high-pitched squealing noise may also mean the blower motor has faulty bearings.
• Rattling: If you hear a rattling noise, there is likely a loose component inside your furnace.

4. Unexplained Increase in Energy Bills

When your furnace isn’t functioning properly, it has to work longer and harder to reach the same temperature. As a result, you may experience higher-than-normal energy bills. 

5. Frequent Cycling 

Frequent cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently. An oversized furnace can do this because it reaches the right temperature too fast and turns off instead of staying on longer. Additionally, dirty air filters, faulty thermostats, clogged flues, and flame sensor malfunctions can also trigger this problem.

6. Weak or Low Airflow from Vents

If weak airflow is coming out of your air vents, it is likely due to a blower motor issue or problems in the ductwork. You can also troubleshoot this problem by cleaning and replacing your filter. Clogged filters can restrict airflow. Ideally, your air filter should be replaced every 30 to 90 days.

7. Burning or Musty Odors When the Furnace Runs

Another common sign you need furnace repairs is if there is a burning or musty odor. Musty smells often indicate mold or mildew growth, which can negatively impact your loved ones’ respiratory health. Meanwhile, burning smells stem from overheated wiring and damaged components. To avoid an electrical fire, it’s essential to get the underlying problem repaired right away.

8. Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light 

If you have a gas furnace, the pilot light should burn with a steady, blue color. A yellow or flickering pilot light can indicate an improper gas mixture, which may lead to incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide risks. This is a potential safety hazard, so it should be assessed right away. A yellow or flickering pilot light can indicate an improper gas mixture, which may lead to incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide risks.

9. Thermostat Isn’t Responding Properly

When your thermostat isn’t responding, start by checking its batteries. You can also try resetting the thermostat. If this doesn’t work, call for professional heater repair in Bandon.

10. Your Furnace Is More Than 10–15 Years Old

Typical furnaces last for just 10 to 15 years. Once your furnace is 10 years old, pay attention to how many repairs you need. As your furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, it will require more frequent repairs. Eventually, the most cost-effective option is to simply replace the entire furnace.

Why Ignoring These Signs Can Cost You More Later

If you notice any of the previous issues, it’s essential to schedule a furnace repair in Bandon. Delaying necessary repairs can lead to major risks. 

• Unexpected Breakdowns: Furnaces often exhibit unusual noises or other symptoms before they break down completely. If you ignore minor signs of a problem, you may end up experiencing a total HVAC failure at an inconvenient time.
• Higher Energy Bills: When your furnace isn’t repaired properly, it has to work harder. As a result, your home will have higher energy bills.  
• More Extensive Repair Costs: If minor repairs aren’t repaired in a timely way, these issues can escalate into larger, more expensive repairs.
• Voided Warranties: Many manufacturer warranties explicitly say that you need to maintain the furnace properly. Skipping your furnace maintenance before winter can end up voiding your warranty.
• Major Safety Hazards: A malfunctioning furnace can cause carbon monoxide leaks or fires.

When To Call a Professional Heating Technician

Your furnace repairs and maintenance can ensure your family is comfortable all winter long. Besides avoiding inconvenient breakdowns, furnace repairs and maintenance can help you avoid higher repair costs and expensive energy bills. 

As a homeowner, there are a few tasks you can handle on your own. You should change the filter every 30 to 90 days. Periodically, check to make sure your supply and return vents are open and unobstructed. 

You can also troubleshoot temperature issues by checking your thermostat. When you increase the temperature, you should automatically hear the furnace kick on. 

Knowing when to call for furnace repair is important for keeping your family comfortable this winter. If you experience any of the 10 signs included on our list, you should reach out for professional repairs right away.

Schedule Furnace Repair in Bandon Before Winter

When it comes to furnace repairs, it pays to be proactive. By booking your repairs early, you can avoid emergency rates and inconvenient delays. 

As soon as you call, our team can quickly schedule furnace repair in Bandon. We are local experts, so we understand the type of HVAC services Bandon homeowners need. From a money-back guarantee to same-day furnace repairs, our expert HVAC technicians can help you achieve fast, high-quality results.

Schedule your pre-winter inspection today!