Your furnace is one of the most vital appliances in your home. It heats your residence during the chilly winter months, allowing you to stay warm and comfortable all season long. That’s why it’s crucial to know when to replace your furnace before you get stuck in the cold.
The furnace repair experts in Janesville from Rock Valley Services put together a brief guide to teach you when to replace your furnace before it gives out entirely.
Rock Valley Services has been Janesville, WI’s number one choice for furnace repair, replacement, and installation services for nearly 20 years. Our team has extensive experience with all the leading furnace makes and models, qualifying us for even the toughest repair and replacement projects. We’ve helped countless Janesville, WI residents replace their furnaces, and we can do the same for you at a price that you can afford.
9 Warning Signs of a Failing or Faulty Furnace
1. Your Furnace is 15 Years Old or Older
Most furnaces last around 15 years on average. Although routine maintenance can extend your furnace’s longevity, it’s best to start looking for a replacement before your unit reaches the 15-year mark.
Older furnaces aren’t as reliable as newer models and tend to break down more often, costing you hundreds of dollars to fix. Frequent furnace repairs can take a toll on your finances and typically cost more than a replacement unit. We recommend replacing your furnace every 15 years or so to ensure that you don’t waste money on unnecessary repairs.
2. Skyrocketing Electric or Gas Bills
A sudden increase in your gas or energy bills is one of the most evident indications of a failing or malfunctioning furnace. Faulty furnaces require more energy and gas to run efficiently, skyrocketing your electric or gas bills rather quickly. Failing to keep up with your furnace’s routine maintenance schedule puts even more strain on your heating system, further increasing your monthly payments.
A new and improved electric or gas furnace can significantly lower your bills while keeping your home comfortable all winter long. Frequent maintenance will also keep your payments affordable and ensure your heating system runs at optimal efficiency year-round. If you notice a sudden increase in your monthly electric or gas bills, consider a replacement.
3. Your Furnace Starts Making Strange or Unfamiliar Sounds
Although it’s normal for your furnace to make a slight humming sound while in use, loud rattling or screeching noises usually indicate a substantial problem. Rattling sounds typically signify a cracked or damaged heat exchanger, while screeching noises are a sign of a blower belt issue.
Other problematic furnace sounds include:
- Unusually loud humming
- Shrieking
- Booming
- Exploding
If you notice any of the signs listed above, contact Rock Valley Services. Our team will repair or replace your furnace swiftly so you and your family can maximize your indoor comfort.
4. Uneven Room Temperatures
A fully functional furnace should heat your home evenly regardless of the outside weather. It pushes warm air through the air ducts and equally distributes it throughout your home. However, when your furnace starts to break down, it has trouble distributing warm air evenly, leading to fluctuating room temperatures that decrease your overall comfort.
Before you rush out and buy a replacement, clean your vents to increase airflow. Sometimes dust and debris accumulate within your air ducts, resulting in decreased air distribution over time. Removing potential clogs and blockages sometimes resolves the problem and can improve your home’s comfortability.
However, if you still experience uneven room temperatures after cleaning your vents, you may need to replace your furnace before it gives out entirely.
5. Frequent Repairs
A high-quality furnace shouldn’t require significant repairs until it’s at least ten years old. Although your heating system requires minimal tweaks and fixes before hitting the ten-year mark, major repairs often indicate a faulty unit.
If your unit is over ten years old and breaks down somewhat frequently, it’s best to replace your system. Periodic repairs eventually cost more than a replacement unit and only mask the problem temporarily. It’s best to purchase a new furnace once your system starts breaking down habitually.
6. The Furnace’s Pilot Light Turns Yellow
Your furnace’s pilot light color can help you determine your heat system’s health. A blue pilot light flame usually indicates a well-functioning furnace, while a yellow flare suggests an underlying issue.
Blue flames burn hotter than yellow ones, allowing your furnace to heat your home with ease. However, yellow flairs signify that your furnace is on its last leg. Since yellow flames aren’t as hot, your furnace can’t distribute hot air throughout your home effectively, making it hard to keep your indoor temperature regulated.
Yellow pilot lights can also alert you of a gas problem that requires immediate professional attention. Always contact a furnace repair company like Rock Valley Services if your furnace’s pilot light turns yellow.
7. Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Your home’s indoor air quality can significantly affect your health and well-being. Optimal indoor air quality allows you to live comfortably while helping you avoid specific ailments. However, poor indoor air quality can leave you prone to several illnesses.
Furnaces produce dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide when they aren’t functioning correctly. Carbon monoxide is highly toxic and can put you and your family at risk. Common carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Stomach aches
- Breathing problems
Furnaces usually release carbon monoxide into your home when the heat exchanger becomes cracked or damaged. Contact a furnace repair expert immediately if you believe your furnace might be producing carbon monoxide.
8. Excessive Exterior Damage
Sometimes figuring out when to replace your furnace is as easy as examining your heating system’s exterior. Excessive rust, cracks, and other exterior defects can alert you when it’s time to replace your unit. If your furnace’s exterior starts deteriorating, it’s not a stretch to assume that the interior is as well.
If your heat system starts chipping or exterior parts become loose, try to replace the unit as soon as possible.
9. Excessive Dust Accumulating around the Furnace
Although dust tends to form around furnaces when you don’t properly maintain them, excessive dust or soot can signify carbon monoxide within the air. Rust, soot, and dust accumulate quicker when your furnace releases carbon monoxide or your indoor air doesn’t have enough moisture. If your home becomes stuffy or dustier than usual, have your furnace served as soon as possible or contact Rock Valley Services for a replacement unit.
Contact Rock Valley Services for First-Class Furnace Repair and Replacement Services in Janesville, WI
Rock Valley Services is your source for high-quality furnace repair and replacement in Janesville, WI. Our team can handle any repair or replacement project you throw our way swiftly without sacrificing quality. We prioritize your needs and do everything in our power to provide excellent furnace servicing while offering unmatched customer service every step of the way.
Nothing is more important to the Rock Valley team than our customers’ satisfaction. We strive to surpass your high expectations, not just with our dedication to first-class furnace replacement services but with our commitment to outstanding customer care. Whether you need to know when to replace your furnace or just want routine professional maintenance, Rock Valley Services is here for you.
Contact Rock Valle Services at (608) 247–4949 and schedule your appointment today!
