“It was a Sunday and we found out we had no AC! I thought for sure we’d be waiting a week with the temperatures rising to get some help. One call and Scott was here in just a few hours. He was friendly, fast, and affordable! Don’t hesitate just CALL!”
– Toni W.
Before our ability to heat our homes with electricity or gas powered machines, we would simply light a fire in the winter and hope for a breeze in the summer. Today, we expect our homes to be heated to a comfortable temperature during the cold months of a Salem, IN winter and cooled down in the hot heat of the summer.
When we notice the temperature fluctuates even a few degrees, we immediately know something is wrong. Luckily, your furnace will tell you when it’s not feeling too well. Here are the telltale signs that your furnace needs repair or is going to fail soon.
Signs Your Furnace Needs A Repair
- Abnormal Smells: The smell of gas or any other odd odors can sometimes be helped simply by changing the filters. If the problem persists, call for a thorough cleaning and inspection of your unit.
- Trouble Starting The Unit: If your furnace won’t even turn on, it’s a pretty clear sign there’s a problem. It could be a simple thermostat issue, but you’ll want to call for a furnace repair to be sure.
- Discolored Pilot Light: The pilot light should always be blue. If it is yellow, orange, or another color it’s time to call for a furnace repair contractor immediately. This usually means your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
- Low Levels of Heat: If your system can’t keep up with demand, there are several possible reasons. The best way to know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it is to call a furnace repair technician.
- Unusual Noises: A furnace should be relatively quiet during its life, but it will start to cry, wail, bang or pop when things are starting to wear down. This is usually a sign that it’s near the end of its life.
- Poor Air Quality: Your HVAC system is also in charge of keeping the air clean and clear inside your home. If you notice your air feels stagnant, humid, or muggy, it’s time to schedule a visit from a furnace repair specialist to keep things fresh.
- Carbon-Monoxide Detector Goes Off: If your detectors are going off, it’s time to have the furnace checked. This is the major source of carbon monoxide poisoning, so it’s not worth assuming that it’s nothing.
- High Utility Bills: If you’re still using your system as you usually have, but your utility bills are significantly higher, this is your furnace telling you something is wrong. High heating bills mean it’s time to call for a technician to inspect and repair any issues with your system.
- Pooling Water: If you see water around the furnace, it is usually due to a clog somewhere in the system and can be remedied by a furnace repair contractor.
- You Smell Gas: Anytime you smell natural gas, you should turn off the gas and call an HVAC technician as soon as possible.
- Weak Air Blowing: When you notice the air going from full blown to barely there, it’s time to call for repairs. It could be anything from a minor fan issue to a broken belt or motor.
- Frequent/Constant Cycling: You can often hear when the system kicks on, but it shouldn’t turn on and off frequently throughout the day. This over-cycling means it’s running and working harder than it should, and there’s likely an internal problem that should be looked at by a furnace repair expert.
Signs It’s Time for a Furnace Replacement
Your furnace is more than 15 years old: Furnaces will usually last about 15-20 years. If you’re reaching this milestone, it’s probably better to replace your unit than pay for multiple furnace repairs.
Your heating bill has increased: If you haven’t been turning up the heat, but the bills keep getting bigger, this is a sign your unit is working harder than necessary. Your best option might be an upgrade to increase efficiency.
Your furnace has been repaired frequently in the past two years: Other than annual maintenance visit, you shouldn’t have to repair your unit more than once a year. If you are constantly paying for repairs, it’s time for a new furnace installation.
Rooms are Heating Unevenly: Sometimes even when you crank up the thermostat, the unit doesn’t seem to be getting the home warm. This could be something simply, like an electrical issue – but also may indicate the system is getting tired and it’s time for a furnace replacement.
Furnace Has Visible Signs of Rust or Cracks in or Around the System: Anytime you see these serious signs of wear, it’s not worth the risk to keep using the system. This is a sure sign it’s time for an upgrade.
Yellow Flames: This is a dangerous sign of carbon monoxide. Replacing your system is recommended, but it’s important to get out of the home and call for a furnace repair specialist immediately.
Benefits of A New Furnace Installation
When you take care of your furnace, or install a new one, your furnace works as it should so everyone in your home stays comfortable. Keeping your furnace in proper working condition or installing a new system also means reaping the benefits!
- Better Comfort: Nobody wants to be miserable in their own home, enjoy the comfort of climate control with a reliable HVAC system.
- Better Air Flow: When the air in your home flows easily, it is circulated, cleaned, and fresh in every room in your home.
- Reduced noise: A properly working HVAC system means no excess noise or sounds. They are designed to be the powerhouses of your home, working hard and staying silent.
- Environmentally friendly: A new system is going to be more environmentally friendly than the system that was installed 10-15 years ago. Today’s units use up to 30 percent less fuel than older models.
- More options: If you’re looking for a more technologically advanced HVAC system, you’ll be amazed at the options available. From programmable thermostats you can control from a smartphone to climate control, geothermal technology and even complete smart-home panels, today’s HVAC system has more options than ever before.
- Tax credit: Taxpayers who upgrade their Salem, IN homes to make use of renewable energy may be eligible for a tax credit to offset some of the costs. In some states, you can claim a credit that is equal to 30% of the cost, including installation.
- Energy efficient = Save Money: When you use less energy, you pay less energy bills. It really is that simple. Upgrading to a more energy efficient model will pay you back every single month.
Furnace FAQs
Often, as expert HVAC contractors, it’s our job to answer your questions about furnace repair and installation. Most commonly, homeowners around Salem ask us the following questions:
- How long does a typical furnace last?
- Typically most HVAC systems in Salem, IN have a lifespan of 15-25 years, but this depends on the quality of the system and the maintenance it is given.
- What things can I do at home to help maintain my furnace? And how often?
- The best thing you can do in Salem, IN is to replace your air filter at least once every 90 days and to keep your system maintained with professional HVAC services every year.
- Is there anything I can do to improve the efficiency of my current furnace?
- Sometimes a thorough cleaning of your system can increase efficiency significantly. This is part of annual furnace repair and maintenance.
- How do I know if I have a carbon monoxide problem?
- Having working carbon monoxide detectors is the best way to ensure you are safe from carbon monoxide. You can also check the pilot light on the furnace to ensure it is blue and not yellow.
- How often do I need a furnace tune-up?
- We recommend annual maintenance on your furnace to inspection of all of the components and give your system a thorough cleaning.
- What type of filter should I use for my furnace?
- Every system is a little bit different. Look carefully at the filter that came with your system to ensure you’re using the right size. A nice pleated filter is recommended over the cheaper fiberglass options. These filters last longer and do a better job of filtering out particles in the air.
- How often should I replace my furnace filter?
- We recommend changing your filter in Salem, IN at least once every 90 days, but it depends on the type of filter you buy. Less expensive filters should be changed every month while some filters can last up to 6 months.
Cozy Up and Love Your Furnace
Your home’s HVAC system is one of its greatest assets. It keeps you comfortable through frigid winters. In Salem, IN the typical HVAC system also accounts for almost half of your utility bills, so making sure it’s running properly is an important aspect of home ownership. Any time your HVAC unit isn’t working, it creates a huge pain, endless worry, and major inconvenience.
We are proud to serve New Pekin, Salem, Sellersburg, Palmyra, Jeffersonville, New Albany, Floyds Knobs, Clarksville, Charlestown, and surrounding areas in Indiana.
If your system is acting up, and you’re wondering whether it’s time for a simple furnace repair or a complete replacement system, we’re here to help. Give us a call today!