The last thing your household needs this winter is for your furnace to die unexpectedly, leaving you in need of emergency furnace repairs. Even though you may not be familiar with your furnace’s interior workings, an average homeowner can tell if their furnace is about to fail if they know the signs. Use this guide to identify furnace problems so you can have them repaired without having to go without heat.

4 Signs You’ll Need Furnace Repair Soon

1. Abnormal Sounds

When you start up your furnace for the first time, expect to hear a few sounds, but odd noises should go away shortly. If the banging persists and is accompanied by popping noises, however, your system may require furnace repairs. There may be a problem with your burners, which could cause a furnace to fail to operate.

2. Excessive Dust

If window sills, floors, and vents are coated with dust or you smell something burning, consult an HVAC services technician as soon as possible. Your filter likely needs to be changed, but you may have a more serious problem as well. A furnace’s filtration system should be cleaning the air that it draws in from outside before heating it. Lack of filtration could indicate larger mechanical problems.

3. Higher Utility Bills 

You can also tell there’s a problem with your furnace by studying your energy bills. If you’re regularly paying more each month than in the past, your furnace is using more energy to provide the same level of comfort. A furnace that’s consuming more energy may have some faulty components.

4. It’s an Older Unit

Every appliance has a limited life span. At some point, you’ll have to replace your furnace. On average, a furnace may last 15 to 20 years. If yours is reaching that age, start planning to replace it, especially if it’s noisy and malodorous.

If you need a service technician to look over your heating system and give it a checkup, the technicians at Floodwood Gas & Electric help residents and business throughout Saint Louis County, MN, get their systems in excellent shape for the winter. They’ll identify problems and fix them promptly. To schedule service, call (218) 476-2249, or visit them online to learn more about their commitment to your comfort.