How To Tell if Your Furnace Needs Repairs

Colder days are in the forecast for Wisconsin homeowners, which means you’ll be using your furnace much more often. If you’re wondering if your furnace is going to leave you in the cold this winter, it’s a good idea to know the signs that you may need furnace repair in Waukesha, WI. No matter what type of heating system you have, it’s always better to schedule service at these first signs of trouble than it is to ignore them. 

The Signs Of Heater Repairs

Your heater likely needs repairs when…

The Cost of Your Heating Bill is Increasing

If you’re not in the habit of monitoring your heating bill every month, here’s a good incentive to start doing so. Checking on the costs of your energy bill is a great way to determine how your heater is performing. Slow and steady increases–or sudden spikes–mean your furnace isn’t working as well as it should be. 

The House Takes Forever to Heat Up

If you’ve noticed that it takes longer for your furnace to heat your house, it’s probably working harder than it should be. Scheduling a maintenance appointment is wiser than throwing money at heating bills that are higher than they need to be. 

There are Strange Noises During Operation

The only noises a heater should make are when it turns on and off and the sound of air flowing from the vents. Strange noises such as squeaking, screeching, and popping are indicators that something’s not right. There could be loose parts or dried-out components that will cause more than just noise in the near future. It’s important to have odd sounds checked out by a trained professional. 

Strange Smells

A dusty scent is normal when you turn your heater on for the first time after not using it over the summer. But aside from that, any ongoing smells should be checked out immediately. Acrid smells may indicate worn electrical parts while the smell of sulfur could indicate a gas leak.

Yellow Pilot Light

The furnace’s pilot light should be a bright blue color. A yellow pilot light could mean there’s a carbon monoxide leak that should be checked out immediately.

How To Tell You Need a Replacement Instead

We also want to give you some quick advice on how to differentiate on when those repairs may not cut it anymore.

The Furnace is More Than 15 Years Old

Most furnaces are expected to last about 15-20 years so if yours is within this range, it may mean your money is better spent on a new system instead of repairing your old one.

Needing More Than One Repair Per Year

If you find that your furnace needs heating repairs once a year or more, it could be a sign that the system is on its way out. The thought that you might need a new furnace is one that homeowners don’t want to think about, but consider how much the repairs have been costing. If the expense of maintaining your current furnace is only going up, it might be time to cut your losses and get an estimate for replacement. 

Contact Capital Heating, Cooling & Electric to schedule an appointment. Serving Wisconsin since 2007.