An old, unreliable furnace won’t just drive up your heating costs. It can also make it harder to stay warm inside your home and could even present a safety risk. Because of this, understanding when to seek furnace repair is essential for families. Here’s a closer look at common factors that indicate when repairs or even a new furnace installation are needed.

Persistent Performance Problems

You’ll likely notice several seemingly minor symptoms when you need furnace repair. The unit may make loud squealing or banging noises during operation if internal parts are damaged. The furnace may “short cycle,” in which it turns on and off at short intervals because of an overheating heat exchanger. Or, you might find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat due to uneven heating throughout the home.

Such repair issues tend to become more persistent as a furnace ages. Failure to address these repair issues early on can also result in additional system malfunctions. A fast response will result in lower energy and repair costs.

Dangerous Concerns

An old, cracked furnace could leak several harmful materials into the air — most notably, carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks can be identified by unusual odors around the unit, a pilot light that is yellow instead of blue, or unexplained flu-like symptoms that could be indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Too much exposure to carbon monoxide can even lead to death. As such, homeowners with a gas furnace should have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout the home. If a leak occurs, turn off the furnace, get out of the home, and call a heating company for emergency repairs.

If you find yourself in need of furnace repair, contact Ogeechee Heating & Air in Evans County, GA. With over 40 years of industry experience, this NATE- and EPA-certified heating contractor will provide reliable work within 24 hours of your call. To learn more about how they can help with your home heating needs, visit them online or call (912) 764-8173.