A furnace is a unit that is used in many homes to provide warm comfort during the winter months. A furnace system was created decades ago and has been perfected over the years to provide long lasting heat to the inside of a home when the temperatures outside begin to drop. Furnace systems were created to last for decades, so home owners can trust a new unit is ready to last a lifetime. However, it is important to have the unit serviced and maintained on a regular basis.

Without regular maintenance, a furnace unit can easily have a problem that is ignored and becomes a major issue. With regular maintenance, home owners can trust the furnace is working properly. In the meantime, it is also important that home owners recognize warning signs that a furnace system is on the verge of breaking down or in need of repair. Below are a few such signs to consider.

Bills Going Up

Home owners who see their utility bill continue to rise during the winter months, should see this as a warning sign that furnace has an issue. The unit obviously has to work harder to heat the home and this is causing the unit to use more energy, which is costing you more money. Have the unit checked immediately to keep the unit in check for the winter season.

Thermostat Comfort

The thermostat of a furnace unit is the operating system. With the thermostat, the home owner has the option of controlling the temperature in the home. If you find that you constantly have to check the thermostat and change the temperature, the unit is not working properly. Something needs to be repaired, be it the thermostat or the unit.

Burner Flame Turns From Blue to Yellow

Normally a furnace system will have a pilot light that has a blue flame. The blue color signifies that each component is working well. When the flame turns a yellow color, the home owner needs to know that something is wrong. The flame will turn a yellow color when there is a lack of air or an incomplete combustion which can lead to Carbon Monoxide being produced. The pilot tube tip is most likely dirty and needs to be cleaned. A professional will be able to help you in this matter.

Strange Noises

Like any machine, a furnace is going to make some type of noise. The noise your furnace makes you will instantly become accustomed to. When you hear a noise that you are not familiar with, the unit definitely needs to be inspected. Noises can mean a number of issues and a professional will be able to tell you what the problem is after a thorough inspection. Many situations can be dire and have potential health issues so a professional heating technician will be able to make sure that a major issue is not occurring. Many furnaces use a combustible fuel source so it is vital the issue is looked at quickly.

Produces No Heat

One of the big signs that your furnace is in need of assistance is if no heat is being produced. The furnace is obviously supposed to provide heat the home so when heat is not coming out of the vents, you know there is an issue.

When any of these issues occur, a professional heat technician needs to be consulted. A professional knows the signs to look for with certain issues and how to remedy any problem. One of the main ways to avoid such issues is to have the unit serviced at least once a year. Servicing before the winter season will allow the unit to be ready for the upcoming winter.

About the Author:

Michelle Patterson is a HVAC technician who lives in Lewisburg PA. She love writing blogs on Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning topics.

Image courtesy of Justin Baeder