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The average temperature in Alaska is below 60 degrees. Your furnace is responsible for keeping your home comfortable and healthy for most of the year. Regular inspections are necessary to detect early signs of failure and ensure the appliance can withstand the severe cold weather of The Last Frontier. 

How to Determine the Health of Your Furnace

1. Look

At least once a month, take a few minutes to inspect the state of the furnace. If it’s showing new signs of wear or has developed a concerning amount of soot or dirt, call a contractor to determine if you have a carbon monoxide leak.

You should also check the burner flame. Under normal conditions, it should appear blue and steady. However, if not enough oxygen is getting through and carbon monoxide is being created, the flame might flicker or have a yellow tint.

Finally, inspect the air filter and change it if it’s dirty. This will ensure proper airflow through the ductwork so that all rooms maintain a consistent temperature.

2.  Listen

furnaceHealthy furnaces typically don’t make a lot of noise. You might hear it turn on, but there shouldn’t be any rattling, banging, popping, or rumbling. If the blower runs for an incessantly long time or if you hear it kicking on and off multiple times in a short period, schedule a checkup to avoid wasting energy.

As the appliance ages, it’s bound to moan and groan more often. If yours is approaching the end of its lifespan and repairs are becoming more frequent, start thinking about upgrading. 

3. Smell

An unpleasant dusty or dirty smell is normal when turning on the appliance at the start of a season. However, if it doesn’t clear up, the system is no longer capable of moisturizing or adequately ventilating the home. This can leave the interior smelling and feeling a bit musty, and it could decrease the indoor air quality, leading to an increase in allergies and asthma symptoms. 

Also, a burning smell is never a good sign. If you detect this or a gas odor, turn the appliance off immediately and call for professional assistance.


Ensure your furnace can handle the long winter season by having the HVAC specialists at Extreme Heating and Air Inc. inspect and maintain it. This full-service HVAC company provides a wide range of heating and cooling services to home and business owners in Eagle River, AK. Call (907) 726-1805 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about their services.

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