The weather in New Jersey can be downright chilly in the wintertime. This is why an HVAC contractor such as DB Heating & Cooling can find itself pretty busy this time of year! Whether it’s a maintenance call or emergency repair needs, we’re there for the job.
And right now is the best time to schedule maintenance. Maintenance helps your heater work as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible. Well-maintained furnaces can last about 10-15 years, but without those regular tune-ups they can experience countless repair needs that will increase wear and tear and decrease system lifespan significantly.
Even with maintenance though, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of the various signs of a furnace in disrepair. Read on to learn what they are!
When Should You Schedule Furnace Repair?
Furnace problems often become more noticeable as the system works harder during cold weather. You may need professional furnace repair if you notice:
- Banging, buzzing, grinding, or other unusual noises
- Uneven temperatures from room to room
- Frequent short-cycling
- Utility bills that are unusually high compared with normal usage
Scheduling furnace repair service when these symptoms appear can help restore efficient operation and prevent added wear on the system.
Strange Furnace Noises That Signal Trouble
Whether you have a furnace or a heat pump, these are the most common types of heaters, and both use a very important component to function–ductwork. This ductwork can make some noise as the temperature fluctuates and causes the air ducts to expand and contract. But we’re not necessarily talking about ductwork noises here.
Strange noises can be classified as anything that goes beyond the natural sounds you hear as a furnace operates. A strange buzzing noise, banging or clanging, or grinding, are all signs that something is amiss and that you should call a professional right away.
Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home
Have you ever walked through your home and noticed that some rooms are warmer or cooler than others, even as the heater operates? This is a sign that something is affecting your furnace. It may be that you have ductwork damage–ducts can be damaged over the years due to heavy temperature fluctuations, poor initial installation, or even damage from rodents.
Uneven heating can also be the result of blockages to the vents or even inside your air ducts. If you notice it, definitely give us a call!
Furnace Short-Cycling and What It Means
Most furnaces and heating systems run on a cycle of about 15 minutes to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat before cycling back off. If you hear it kicking on and off rapidly instead of going through those 15-minute cycles, it’s going through a process called short-cycling.
Short-cycling is both the symptom of a problem and the cause of more problems with your furnace, so it’s something you want to contact the experts about right away.
Higher Utility Bills Can Indicate Furnace Problems
We don’t want to say “high utility bills” because that’s a bit subjective. But if your utility bills are much higher than they were this same time last year, or significantly higher than what your neighbors are paying for similar use, then it’s a sign that something is causing your furnace to work inefficiently. There are a number of potential causes for this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the most common signs of furnace trouble?
Answer: Common signs of furnace trouble include unusual banging, buzzing, clanging, or grinding noises, uneven heating throughout the home, frequent short cycling, and unexpectedly high utility bills. These symptoms can indicate problems with the furnace itself, airflow, ductwork, or other components that should be inspected by an HVAC professional.
Question: Why is my furnace making strange noises?
Answer: A furnace may make some normal operating sounds, but persistent buzzing, banging, clanging, or grinding can signal that something is wrong with the system. Because these noises may be connected to mechanical or electrical issues, scheduling professional furnace service can help identify the cause before the problem becomes more serious.
Question: Why is my furnace heating some rooms more than others?
Answer: Uneven heating can happen when damaged ductwork, blocked vents, or obstructions inside the air ducts interfere with proper airflow throughout your home. If certain rooms regularly feel warmer or cooler while the furnace is running, a professional inspection can help determine whether the problem comes from the furnace or duct system.
Question: Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?
Answer: A furnace that repeatedly turns on and off in short intervals may be experiencing short cycling instead of completing a normal heating cycle. Short cycling can indicate an underlying system problem and may also increase wear on the furnace, so it is best to have the issue diagnosed promptly.
Question: Can higher energy bills be a sign of furnace problems?
Answer: A noticeable increase in heating costs compared with the same period in previous years can indicate that your furnace is operating less efficiently than it should. Several problems can cause a furnace to work harder and consume more energy, making unusually high utility bills a useful warning sign that service may be needed.
DB Heating & Cooling, Inc serves the heating and cooling needs of customers throughout Rockland County, NY as well as Bergen County, NJ and surrounding communities. You can count on us for expert Bergen County, NJ heating repair and more. Contact us today!