Whether we are ready or not, the leaves are falling from the trees and so are the temperatures outside. Before we know it, we’ll be firing up our furnaces to keep us warm on the cold nights Wisconsin brings. Is your home ready?
Sometimes homeowners think that’s a silly question. Why wouldn’t my home be ready? The furnace was fine last winter. Well, as with anything, your furnace ages. There are changes in your home that you may not have noticed.
Here are seven warning signs that something has changed with the heart of your home, your furnace.
1. Your furnace is making unusual noises – banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding can indicate there are mechanical problems within your furnace.
2. Your home isn’t heating evenly – cold rooms or inconsistent temperatures may point to airflow or equipment issues.
3. Your furnace turns on and off frequently – this means your furnace is short cycling, which also increases energy use and puts unnecessary strain on the system.
4. Your energy bills are climbing – a sudden increase in heating costs could signal declining furnace efficiency.
5. The furnace struggles to keep up – if it runs continuously but your home still feels cold, your system may need attention.
6. You notice unusual smells – persistent burning, electrical, or other unusual odors should not be ignored. If you smell rotten eggs coming from your basement, call your HVAC professional immediately.
7. Your furnace is simply just getting old – older systems are generally more likely to experience breakdowns and efficiency problems.
Don’t wait until that first freezing night to discover your furnace will not get you through the winter months. A fall inspection will help identify potential problems before they become an inconvenient – and potentially expensive – winter breakdown.
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