Even with the mild winters in Houma, do not let a broken furnace catch you off-guard. Avoid winter break-downs this season with this guide from Trahan’s Heating & Cooling to help you prepare. Pay attention to the warning signs so you can avoid common pitfalls and maintain the longevity of your furnace.
Rising Utility Costs
As your furnace ages, wear and tear can cause it to perform less efficiently. Worn or damaged parts, debris build-up and poor airflow can all contribute to low efficiency and higher utility bills. If it’s costing more and more each passing year to heat your home, your heater may be about to go out for good.
Frequent Household Illness
On one extreme, a damaged gas furnace can leak carbon monoxide into your home, which in large quantities is deadly. Soot and dust around your vents are another warning sign that your heater isn’t running optimally and can cause household allergies. Finally, an old or inefficient heater can lower the humidity in your house, causing coughs and discomfort.
Consider scheduling an indoor air quality test to alleviate household illness.
Loud, Sudden or Abnormal Noises
It is normal for a heater to make sounds when it first turns on and settles into a heating cycle. Though, odd noises like banging, screeching or grinding are signs of a broken part, or there is something wrong with the burners or control panel. Check for the source of these abnormal noises as a part of your regular preventative maintenance.
Contact a professional to schedule a repair before the damage becomes irreversible.
Pilot Light Color Change
A well-maintained, functioning gas heater has a pilot light that glows blue. If your pilot light is orange or yellow, that is a sign that the flame is not receiving enough oxygen. Contact a professional to properly locate and clean the air intake valve. If this valve stays blocked, carbon monoxide can build up and leak into your home.
Unreliable Thermostat
Cold spots in your home are another sign that your heater is nearing the end of its lifespan. Readjusting your thermostat throughout the day or running it at the same high-temperature causes wear on your furnace.
Consider upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart model. This way, your furnace can be set to run when you are home and will warm the space to a sustainable temperature.
Frequent Repairs
Even if you practice regular furnace maintenance, normal wear and tear happens to your heater. Repairs will be necessary sometime during your furnace’s lifespan. However, one day you may find yourself spending more money fixing your old heater than it would cost to invest in a new one. When this happens, contact Trahan’s Heating & Cooling to learn about your new furnace replacement options.
Age of Furnace
Lastly, most gas furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, while electric heaters can last up to 30 years. Even a well-maintained furnace will begin to run inefficiently after a couple of decades. Be aware of the age of your heater and understand that eventually, you will have to invest in a new furnace installation.
Time for a Furnace Replacement
With all this in mind, when your home’s heater is due for an upgrade, trust the professionals at Trahan’s with your new furnace installation. We are ready to answer your heating questions, and we offer flexible financing to help you with the process.
Take comfort in knowing you’re in good hands with Trahan’s. Contact us today!
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