Furnaces are sort of similar to cars in that you’ll always be better off replacing your furnace while it still has value, but the tough truth is that countless homeowners dread the idea of replacing valuable HVAC appliances like furnaces and heating systems.
This makes sense, which is why it’s absolutely critical for homeowners to recognize the red flags that indicate a need for a professional furnace repair appointment. By being proactive with your furnace’s maintenance and upkeep, you can prolong its operational lifetime and ensure comfort at your property each winter.
We’ve teamed up with the furnace repair denver co specialists at Apex Clean Air to provide you with a detailed list of the most common warning signs associated with furnace repairs, so be sure to check your home’s furnace for the following red flags this winter!
Red Flag #1: You’ve Neglected Your Furnace Maintenance For Over A Year
It’s important for people living in cold cities like Denver to get professional furnace maintenance on a yearly basis, so you should ask yourself just how long it’s been since a technician has inspected your property.
If it’s been over a year, then this is an easy red flag to spot. Annual maintenance is something that can’t be ignored, and 2024 could be your year to re-establish better maintenance habits with your HVAC system!
Red Flag #2: Pooling Water Around Your Furnace Unit
The two main substances that might leak out of your furnace include gas and water, and although water leaks are less danger than gas leaks, they still need to be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure your unit’s functionality.
One of the easiest ways to recognize furnace water leaks is when water is pooling up around your unit, and condensate line clogs usually cause this issue.
Red Flag #3: You Smell Gas Near Your Furnace
Furnace gas leaks are most likely to be recognized by the general smell of gas around your HVAC system, and this is an incredibly dangerous situation that requires you to immediately shut down your furnace.
You’ll then need to immediately find your furnace’s gas supply valve and turn it off, even before your technician arrives. You’ll likely need to leave your property for safety purposes, until your technician tells you that it’s safe to return.
Red Flag #4: Banging, Scraping & Thumping Furnace Sounds
Although furnaces typically make certain operational sounds, weird noises like thumping, scraping and banging are obvious red flags that you need a furnace repair.
These sounds indicate that something is wrong with your HVAC system, and that you’ll need an experienced industry specialist to determine what exactly is causing the noises to occur.
Red Flag #5: Weak Warm Airflow
It’s also common for furnaces to suddenly lose their airflow efficiency, which usually leads to warm air barely coming out of your vents. This can be the result of many different furnace issues, including both minor fan problems and major dilemmas associated with your motors and belts.
The bottom line in this scenario is that you’re undoubtedly going to need a professional HVAC technician to inspect your unit and figure out what needs to be repaired.
Red Flag #6: HVAC Thermostat Malfunctioning
When your HVAC system’s thermostat begins to malfunction, you’ll likely need to turn your indoor temperature higher and higher just to stay warm.
This is a clear warning sign that you need a furnace repair appointment, because your thermostat is a vital component that communicates crucial data throughout the rest of your system.
These types of malfunctions can sometimes be due to electrical issues, so it’s very dangerous to attempt a DIY thermostat repair!
Red Flag #7: Unexpected Energy Bill Rises
Abnormal energy bill prices are one of the most common ways that homeowners initially recognize that something is wrong with their furnace, because this is yet another strong indication that your unit needs professional attention.
It’s possible that a few things could be leading to your energy bill increases, including ductwork clogs; however, it’s usually pretty difficult to pinpoint what exactly is holding back your system’s efficiency.
The good news is that trained HVAC experts can ultimately diagnose your problem, and then advise you on what your best options are going forward.
Red Flag #8: Your Furnace Blows Out Cold Air
It’s never a good sign when your heating system is blowing out cold air, and the most common cause of this furnace repair is a pilot light or thermocouple malfunction.
These complex components always require specialized evaluations and equipment, so this is never a DIY furnace repair situation!
Red Flag #9: Frequent Or Constant System Cycling
If your furnace is repeatedly kicking itself on and off, then this is known as over cycling.
This essentially means that your furnace is running much more than it’s actually supposed to, and this could be due to issues like improper air circulation, clogged filters or thermostat complications.
Red Flag #10: Your HVAC System Is Getting Old
If your furnace unit is old enough to be in high school, then it’s possible that you could experience repairs—even when you’ve taken good care of it throughout the years.
Furnace lifetimes are around 15 years, but many can last 20+ years with good upkeep.
Contact Apex Clean Air When You Need A Furnace Repair In Denver CO!
There’s a lot that homeowners throughout the Denver CO area need to keep in mind when it comes to HVAC system maintenance, and this is especially the case when it comes to furnace repairs during Colorado’s harsh winter seasons.
One of the top-rated HVAC companies in the Denver metro area is Apex Clean Air, and you can speak directly with their experts when you go to the link at the top of this article!
