A furnace is a necessity in every home during the cold winter months, and nothing might be as troublesome and frustrating as owning one that isn't performing efficiently when you need it the most. But how exactly can you tell if your furnace is in need of attention and repair?

HVAC experts at Wild West Plumbing in Flathead, MT, offers the following things to look out for to determine if your furnace needs repair or replacement:

• Strange, Loud Noises: No furnace is ever completely silent while running, but it shouldn't be making loud noises either. If you hear clanging, banging or whining noises, those could be a sign of a loose component in your furnace that needs replacing.

• Raising The Thermostat Doesn't Work: When you want to be warmer but cranking up the thermostat doesn't change the temperature, it could be because the thermostat itself is broken, or you may have leaking ducts or a pilot light problem.

• A Higher Than Usual Bill: If you've used a heater before, you would have a general idea of how much your energy consumption is. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than the usual, your furnace may not be performing efficiently. Have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace to figure out the problem.

• Air Quality Is Causing Problems: If you notice that the air inside your home is dry and that you and your family have been experiencing problems such as frequent allergy attacks, asthma, and other breathing-related illnesses, it may be because of a malfunctioning furnace. Dust, mold, and other contaminants may be circulating throughout your home, so it is imperative that you contact a technician to check your air filters immediately.

When you encounter any of these signs, get help from professionals like Wild West Plumbing who specialize in HVAC and plumbing service. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Contact them at (406) 752-1244 or visit their website to learn more about their services.