You rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter. If it’s poorly maintained, however, it may struggle to reach cozy temperatures or even last until spring. Here are some common issues that might require heating repair services before the cold sets in.

What Kinds of Issues Affect Furnaces?

1. Strange Noises

It’s normal to hear a gentle humming tone when the furnace cycles on and off. But if you hear unusual sounds, it could be a sign that it needs heating repairs. A banging noise is among the most concerning, as it may suggest gas buildup inside the system, which could cause damage to the heat exchanger.

A rattling noise, by contrast, might tell you there’s a loose part somewhere inside. If you hear rumbling sounds and the furnace flame burns yellow instead of blue, it could mean that the gas burner is clogged with dirt.

2. Failure to Warm Properly

When your furnace isn’t warming the house at all, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermostat. Verify that the thermostat is set to heat.

Next, check the circuit breaker to make sure the fuse associated with the furnace isn’t blown. You can reset it if it tripped, but if that doesn’t work, the problem could be due to a damaged motor housing. An HVAC contractor will need to resolve this problem. 

3. Increased Energy Bills

Heating bills are more expensive in the winter than in the fall. However, if yours seems too high in the early weeks of cold weather, it could be due to an aging or poorly maintained furnace.

Modern, high-efficiency furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of 90% to 98.5%. This means that a greater percentage of the furnace’s energy transforms into heat. The older the unit, the lower the AFUE and the more energy needed to warm the home, which can drive up costs. 

Are you seeking a reliable contractor in Baldwin County, AL, for heating repairs? Turn to the team at Service Air Eastern Shore. Based in Fairhope, these qualified professionals specialize in heating and air conditioning services, including system replacements and air duct cleaning. They’ll also assist with HVAC troubleshooting. Visit them online for information about their services or call them at (251) 990-8060 to schedule an appointment.