Your heater has one simple job – to keep your home warm in the winter. But that job is complicated by a lot of factors, especially as your heating unit ages. Over time you may notice that your heater doesn’t work as well, or maybe it begins to make unusual sounds. You don’t have to write these things off as normal.
Instead, invest in heater repair to keep your heating system in tip-top condition for its entire life. Unsure of what the signs are that your heater is struggling? Just keep reading to learn more. If you notice one or more of the signs below, it’s time to schedule a heater repair appointment so that you can stay ahead of problems and avoid surprises.
Turning On and Off – A Lot
Your heater has a cycle of blowing warm air into your home and then turning off again until the temperature drops past a certain threshold. If you hear your heater turning on and off constantly, that’s a problem.
Typical heating cycles last around 15 minutes and happen a few times per hour on average. If your heater turns on and runs for five minutes and then turns back off again, repeating this cycle over and over, that’s a problem. Your heater is using more energy to heat your home and it’s taking on more wear and tear.
Burner Flame
If you have a furnace that is powered by natural gas, you have a burner flame. This flame should be blue when it is lit. Seeing a yellow burner flame can indicate that your burner is dirty and may not be burning the gas off completely. This can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home, which poses health and safety risks. If you don’t already have one, install a CO2 sensor that will alert you if there is carbon monoxide in your home.
Rust or Corrosion
It’s easy to think that your heater components wear down over time and so rust is natural. While this is true, that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. Any rusted or corroded parts need to be replaced immediately to prevent additional damage to your heater.
When you ignore heat and corrosion, it can spread within your heating system and impact other components, too. Plus, parts that are worn down can also impact your heater’s efficiency and lead to higher energy bills and a shorter life span for your heater.
Increasing Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills, your heater may be to blame. Sure, your energy bills can fluctuate over time, but there should still be a general average. If your energy bill has a sudden, unexpected spike, that’s a red flag. Seeing energy bills increase month after month without ceasing is also a red flag that something is wrong with your heater.
Furnace Age
Furnaces don’t usually last much longer than 20 years. While this is a fantastic lifespan for a home appliance, it can be stressful the closer you get to that 20-year mark. If your heater is older than 15 and repairs are stacking up, it may be time to think about a furnace replacement.
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