With winter well underway, the last thing your family needs is for your furnace to suddenly stop working, especially during a severe snowstorm when temperatures are well below freezing. As the team at Risch Heating & Air Conditioning in West Salem, WI, notes, many families can spot the need for furnace repairs long before a furnace breaks down entirely.

If you know which signs to look out for, you can repair your furnace before minor issues become a big problem. Here are five warning signs you need to fix your furnace: 

1. High Electric Bills

One of the first signs of furnace troubles is when your utility bills seem to be unusually high. Quite often, a higher-than-expected electricity bill is the result of an inefficient furnace, which needs to use more electricity to heat your home.

2. Strange Noises

It’s normal for your furnace to make some noise during operation, but if it makes loud banging, groaning, or whining, it probably needs the help of a professional. Pay attention to any unusual noises, as these are one of the most common indicators something is starting to go wrong.

3. Trouble Starting

One of the more common types of furnace problems is when the furnace struggles to start or continue running after it has turned on. This could indicate issues with the pilot light, fan motor, or the wiring.

4. Poor Air Quality

If you’ve noticed an unusual uptick in bouts of allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, your furnace could be to blame. A furnace in need of repairs often sends high levels of dust and mold into the air, resulting in poor air quality in your home.

5. Yellow Pilot Light

A yellow flame may look normal, but it’s a warning sign that your furnace’s gas combination is in poor shape. A furnace with properly balanced gas levels should have a blue flame. A yellow light should be inspected right away.

When you need help getting your furnace back into shape, you can trust the team at Risch Heating & Air Conditioning. To learn more about the services provided by these HVAC professionals, visit them online or call (608) 786-2676.