At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we know how essential a well-functioning furnace is for your comfort and safety, especially during Central Texas winters. While some issues—like a furnace not blowing hot air—are obvious, others can be harder to spot. As temperatures drop, it’s important to recognize the signs of a struggling furnace before it leaves you out in the cold.
Most furnaces only have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, and that is with proper maintenance. In order to avoid furnace failure, you’ll need to know the signs of a struggling heating system and know these five key signs that it’s time to schedule a furnace repair.
Why Get Furnace Repair?
As we all know, a broken furnace won’t heat your home. Winters in Austin and San Antonio can get pretty cold and sometimes snowy, and you definitely don’t want to come home after work to freezing cold rooms or a broken thermostat. Plus, broken furnaces have to work a lot harder to reach desired temperatures, so if you have a furnace in disrepair you’ll see your heating bills go up every month. But what’s more important than saving money or even having heat is being safe, and having an old or broken down furnace can be a serious safety risk. Why? Because furnaces produce heat by burning fuel, and the byproduct gasses of that combustion can be dangerous: in fact, old furnaces are known to create carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless gas that is known as the “silent killer.”
5 Major Signs You Need Furnace Repair
Luckily, there are ways to tell if you need furnace repair These are some simple checks and warning signs to look for in order to tell if you need to call for furnace repair.
1. Inconsistent Heating Throughout Your Home
Does it feel like you’re walking through different seasons in your own house? Some rooms may feel like a sauna while others leave you reaching for a blanket. Uneven heating can make your home uncomfortable and difficult to enjoy.
This common issue often points to:
- Blocked or damaged ductwork: Air can’t flow freely to all areas.
- A malfunctioning thermostat: Incorrect readings throw off temperature regulation.
- A struggling furnace: Your system may be unable to push heat effectively.
Aside from the discomfort, uneven heating forces your furnace to work harder, which can spike your energy bills. Don’t let this problem linger—calling in a professional to assess your system can save you money and keep your home cozy all winter long.
2. Unusual Noises Coming from the Furnace
Is your furnace making strange sounds that have you wondering what’s going on behind the scenes? Whistling, rattling, or banging noises are more than just an annoyance—they’re a cry for help from your system.
Here’s what those sounds might mean:
- Whistling: Often caused by restricted airflow, such as from a clogged filter or duct issue.
- Rattling: Loose components or failing internal parts may need tightening or replacement.
- Banging: This could indicate delayed ignition or expanding and contracting ductwork, both of which need immediate attention.
Ignoring unusual noises could lead to more costly repairs down the road. If your furnace is getting loud, it’s time to have it checked before the problem gets worse.
3. Rising Energy Bills Without Increased Usage
Have your heating bills suddenly spiked, even though your usage hasn’t changed? This is a common sign your furnace isn’t running as efficiently as it should.
Potential culprits include:
- Dirty or clogged filters: These force your furnace to work harder to push air through.
- Failing components: Worn-out parts can reduce your system’s overall efficiency.
- General wear and tear: Over time, furnaces lose efficiency without regular maintenance.
Addressing these issues promptly not only restores efficiency but also saves you money in the long run. If your energy costs seem suspiciously high, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection.
4. Frequent Cycling On and Off
Does your furnace keep turning on and off in quick cycles? Known as “short cycling,” this issue prevents your system from completing a full heating cycle, leading to inefficiency and unnecessary wear.
What might be causing this?
- Thermostat problems: Incorrect temperature readings can lead to constant cycling.
- Airflow restrictions: Clogged filters or blocked vents can overheat the furnace.
- Overheating: A safety mechanism may be shutting the furnace down prematurely.
Frequent cycling not only increases wear on your system but can also leave your home uncomfortably cold. Resolving this problem quickly helps extend the life of your furnace and keeps your home consistently warm.
5. Unpleasant Smells or Poor Air Quality
Have you noticed odd smells when your furnace kicks on? A little dust burn-off at the start of the season is normal, but persistent odors or worsening air quality are red flags.
Here’s what those smells could mean:
- Dusty or burning smells: Lingering odors might indicate a dirty furnace that needs a professional cleaning.
- Moldy or musty smells: This could signal mold growth in your ducts or around the furnace.
- Gas smells: Any hint of gas requires immediate attention due to potential leaks.
In addition to smells, poor air quality can result from an inefficient or failing furnace, circulating dust, allergens, or pollutants through your home. Protect your family’s health by addressing these issues promptly.
Don’t Wait—Call Radiant Today!
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait until your furnace breaks down on the coldest night of the year. At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
Our expert technicians are highly trained to diagnose and repair all furnace issues, from inconsistent heating to strange noises. We don’t just fix the problem—we ensure your system operates efficiently and reliably for the long haul. And because emergencies don’t wait, neither do we. With our 24/7 service, you can count on us to be there whenever you need us, no matter the time or day.
Want to stay ahead of future repairs? Join the Radiant Care Club, where you’ll receive regular tune-ups, priority service, and exclusive discounts on repairs and replacements. It’s the easiest way to ensure your furnace stays in top shape and your home stays warm all winter long.
Don’t let a faulty furnace disrupt your peace of mind. Contact Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning today at (833) 656-4056 or email us at [email protected] to schedule your furnace repair. Serving homes from Austin to San Antonio, we’re here to keep your home cozy, safe, and ready for whatever winter brings.
