Here in Maryland, But if you’ve been a resident long enough, you know that come December, the temperatures drop down low and a functioning heater is essential for staying warm.
Old age
The average lifespan of a furnace ranges from 15 to 20 years. We highly recommend finding out the age of your unit, mainly because older systems are safety hazards. You can find the exact age on the manual or by checking its serial number. Many homeowners move in with a furnace already installed, so figuring this out will add some context to why your furnace may be acting up.
Higher than normal energy bills
As furnaces age, they become less energy efficient and have to work extra hard to produce the same amount of heat, which directly affects your bottom line.
Take a look at your heating bills from previous years. Has it steadily risen? If the rates haven’t changed and you’ve seen an increase, then it may be a problem with your furnace. You may want to consider installing a more energy-efficient system.
Excess amount of dust
Does it feel like no matter how much you wipe away dust and dander, the problem persists? Don’t worry— you’re not going crazy! A fully-functioning furnace should be filtering these particles, but if this becomes a noticeable issue, then it should be inspected ASAP. Do you recall the last time you cleaned or replaced its filter? Remember that this is supposed to be done every three months for your furnace to work efficiently and to disperse clean air. You should be able to see a noticeable difference once you do this. If you have never done it, there may be irreversible damage to the system, in which case you need a replacement.
Unevenly heated rooms
A malfunctioning system may lose the ability to distribute heat rooms evenly or even warm up at all. A broken thermostat or leak can be to blame, but if you rule those out, it could very well be your furnace. If you notice individual rooms are significantly colder than others, we recommend getting advice from an expert HVAC technician.
Frequent repairs
If you have your HVAC technician on speed dial and you speak to them more than your mother-in-law, then it may be time to face the reality that your furnace is beyond repair. Spending money on an older furnace may not be worth it in the long run when you can have a new energy-efficient system.
Strange noises
While it’s true furnaces are inherently noisy, you should inspect any extra noise that you are recently noticing. Rattling, popping, humming, or screeching is not usual and could indicate some major issues. These are complex systems, so for your safety and the safety of your system, we don’t recommend any DIY repairs.
Contact JV Mechanical Contractor INC.
For HVAC services you can rely on, contact JV Mechanical Contractor INC. We understand how important it is to have a furnace that runs smoothly for as long as possible. If you notice any of these problems, schedule an appointment with us today to ensure you and your family stay comfortable when the weather turns cold. We will do everything we can to repair it before recommending a new system. Fill out our contact form online or give us a call at (240) 614-6058 if you’re interested in our heating services.
