Winter is quickly approaching which means it’s time for your yearly furnace tune-up. Nothing is worse than returning home from work to find the inside temperature a bone-chilling 50 degrees or less. Not to mention, having your heater stop working in the middle of the holiday season can put a damper on your day. If you haven’t had your heater checked in recent years, maybe now is a good time to get a furnace tune-up.
Some homeowners tend to overlook their annual furnace maintenance and inspections because they simply have never had problems with their central heating systems. But that can quickly change with a simple part malfunction. Losing a working furnace when outdoor temperatures drop is simply something you shouldn’t have to experience.
So how do you know when it’s time for a furnace tune-up? Here are some signs you should be on the lookout for that indicate your central heating system needs maintenance.
7 Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up
1. There Is No Heat Being Generated
This is an obvious one. If you have turned your heater on and no hot air is coming from your central air vents or flowing through your ducts, it is absolutely time to call a professional. Contact your local HVAC company and a technician should be able to come to your home within a day to perform a top-to-bottom diagnostic and repair your furnace.
2. Your Energy Bills Have Increased
Since your utility bills are something you pay added attention to on a daily or monthly basis, this is likely the second indication that it’s time for furnace maintenance. An increase in your energy bills during the Fall and Winter months may be due to your furnace not operating at peak performance and is in need of a tune-up. Don’t wait for your furnace to give you the cold shoulder. Keep your home warm and cozy this holiday season, call your local heating and cooling experts to have your furnace checked out as soon as possible.
3. Strange Smell Coming From Your Furnace
If it is the first time turning on your furnace this year, it is not abnormal to experience a faint smell. This is especially the case with gas furnaces. But, and this is a huge “but”, if a foul smell persists and gets stronger, it is recommended that you schedule a furnace tune-up immediately. They will check for gas leaks and more serious anomalies that could put your home and family in serious danger. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
4. Cranking the Thermostat Doesn’t Raise the Temperature
Have you tried turning up the heat in your home, but it’s still chilly inside? This is a telltale sign that there may be something wrong with your thermostat or furnace and it needs to be inspected. Don’t go without heat when it gets cold outside. Call your HVAC professional before appointments fill up.
5. Pilot Light Is Orange or Yellow
This is a rather easy way to visually inspect your furnace and tell that there is something wrong. If you have noticed the aforementioned problems occuring, check the pilot light on your furnace. Your pilot light should burn blue, not orange or yellow. If you see anything but a blue flame, call a heating specialist immediately.
6. Frequent Repairs Are Needed
Not all HVAC companies are created equal. Some technicians will simply repair your heating unit without suggesting you replace your furnace. If you have had your furnace repaired multiple times and it still isn’t working, it is time to replace your furnace before it shuts down completely. Make sure you hire a reputable and reliable HVAC company for furnace tune-ups, repairs and replacements.
7. Your Furnace Is Old
The typical lifespan of a furnace is 10-15 years, with some being able to last a full 20 years with regular furnace maintenance. If you have had your furnace for over a decade and haven’t been scheduling yearly tune-ups, it is highly recommended that you schedule a furnace inspection as soon as possible.
What if I Just Bought a New Furnace, Do I Still Need a Furnace Tune-up?
This is a question that gets asked pretty frequently. The short answer is, yes! If you just purchased a home with a new furnace and heating system, or you just replaced your old furnace with a new one, you’ll want to get the most out of it. That means taking good care of your new furnace. Annual furnace tune-ups also cut down on repair costs as time goes by.
Scheduling routine HVAC maintenance will have your unit running in tip-top shape for years to come.
Contact Sky Heating
We can address any cause of your furnace leaking water to protect your appliance and home. Our technicians are fully trained and equipped to quickly determine the source of the problem and correct it. In addition to repairs and furnace replacement, we provide ductwork, air quality, and plumbing services in Portland, Gresham, The Dalles, and elsewhere across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Call us at 541-275-2918 or reach out online to schedule HVAC service.