Heating is one of the most important functions of a home, especially in the cold winter months. That is why it’s a good thing to keep up on heating repairs and to understand the things that can go wrong with your furnace. Whether it comes down to furnace replacement or is just simple maintenance, there are multiple kinds of fixes that might come up. Here are four of the problems that might come up.
1. Dirty and Clogged Filters
One of the more basic kinds of maintenance when it comes to furnaces is either cleaning or replacing filters. A dirty or clogged filter makes it hard for your heating system to push air into your home and can lower the efficiency of your furnace. This is an easier fix and one that should be kept up on regularly. There are a lot of factors that play into how often you should have your filters checked such as having animals or smokers in the home and how often you run your heat.
2. Broken Thermostat
You thermostat is what gives your furnace system the instructions it needs to heat your house properly. It is basically the brain of the whole system. If the thermostat isn’t working right, the whole system won’t work right. A good thermostat can last you for years, so it’s not a piece of equipment that you want to skimp on. In the long run it will cost you less to buy something that lasts rather than replacing the same part year after year.
3. Strange Noises
A common issue with furnaces is hearing unusual noises. These can be a tell tale sign that either something is caught in the system or that something has come loose and needs tightened. If you hear irregular sounds that aren’t coming from the fan or blower, it could be that something along these lines has occurred and you will want to get it checked out.
4. Furnace Replacement
Furnace replacement isn’t something you should have to do often. In fact, furnaces generally last an average of 18 to 20 years. However, if you have an older home or have been in your home for a long time without ever replacing your furnace, it could be time for this kind of fix. If you’re fixing it more than you’re using it or you know it hasn’t been replaced in over 18 years, it might be a good idea to have it looked at and see if it’s time for a full replacement.