Strange noises are often a sign that something is amiss, so if your furnace starts squeaking or popping, it’s a pretty good indication you need a furnace repair. However, other signs aren’t as obvious, and if you aren’t aware of them, you could be in for even more costly repairs or a complete replacement down the road.

If you want to guarantee your furnace lasts through winter, here are three common warning signs often seen when a furnace is in trouble:

You See a Spike in Your Heating Bill

If the weather this winter was the same as last year but your heating bill is noticeably higher, it might be a sign something is wrong with the seal on the air ducts, or your heating system may need cleaning. If your furnace is an older model, it also might be a sign you should upgrade to a more fuel-efficient model.

The Furnace Flames Aren’t Blue

Next time you’re near your gas furnace, peak at the flames. If they are yellow or orange, you probably have a dirty burner. A properly working furnace should have blue flames. Any other color indicates the gas and oxygen mix is off balance, and if the problem is not addressed immediately, your furnace could produce carbon monoxide.

You Are Constantly Tweaking the Thermostat

If one room is too warm and another is too cold, you might have a faulty thermostat, but it’s more likely an indication of a necessary furnace repair to make sure the heat is properly distributed throughout your house or building. If it’s blowing out cold air, your furnace is failing.

If you notice any of these problems, or if your furnace is more than 15 years old, you should schedule an inspection with a reputable company. Another way to make sure your furnace lasts a long time is to schedule regular maintenance checkups, which pay off in the long run because HVAC technicians catch small problems before they escalate. 

At Duncklee Cooling & Heating Inc., the best HVAC company in Stonington, Connecticut, the technicians have more than 40 years of experience helping homeowners and business owners troubleshoot problems and provide timely, reliable repairs. For more information about the services provided, visit Duncklee Cooling & Heating online or call (860) 535-2552.