Preventative maintenance is the simplest way to avoid a broken furnace in the middle of winter. Luckily, it is generally easy to decide when to replace your furnace, since most units have tell-tale signs that indicate an imminent failure. Whether your furnace needs annual maintenance or you are looking for a replacement furnace, Arctic Air Heating and Cooling can assist you in maintaining a cozy, warm home this winter.
Increased Heating Costs
Over time, your furnace loses the ability to operate efficiently, resulting in higher heating costs. Typically, furnaces last for 15 to 20 years, and breaks down most frequently during the last two years of use. Another sign that the furnace isn’t working efficiently is the constant need to adjust the thermostat.
You may feel too cold when the thermostat is set at the usual temperature, or find yourself layering your clothes more frequently. To maximize efficiency, replace furnaces that are over 15 years old with a new, energy-efficient model. Regular maintenance also extends your furnace’s lifespan.
Yellow Flames
If the furnace has a yellow, rather than blue, flame, the furnace may be producing carbon monoxide. Go outside and have the gas turned off by your utility company until the unit is professionally inspected. Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless gas that can be fatal when inhaled. Carbon monoxide leaks are more common on older furnaces, but are also occasionally present on newer models.
Signs of a carbon monoxide leak include general feelings of un-wellness, such as feeling forgetful, dizzy or lightheaded. Rust spots on the furnace pipes and streaks of soot on the furnace also indicate the presence of a carbon monoxide leak. A carbon monoxide leak usually requires replacing, rather than repairing, the furnace to ensure your family’s safety. After shutting the gas off, contact Arctic Air Heating and Cooling for emergency furnace replacement in Gladstone, MO for fast, reliable service.
Caution: Please do not attempt to take furnace a part to view flame. Refer to a professional if your furnace does not have a safety viewing window.
Noisy Operation
Bangs or other noises are an obvious, and often annoying, sign that your furnace needs some TLC. You may also hear the blower turning off and on frequently, or the unit may blow cool air. Have the furnace inspected as soon as you notice the sounds to prevent a complete furnace failure in the middle of winter. In some cases, a simple repair is all that you need to remedy the problem.
Dry, Dusty Air
If the air inside your home seems stagnant, dusty or stale, a furnace inspection is a must. You may notice that you need to dust your home more frequently and family members with asthma or allergies may have worsened symptoms as a result of the pollutants in the air. Have the filters cleaned or changed, and see if the air clears up. Persistently dusty, stale air requires replacing the unit.
Whether you need annual maintenance, such as new filters, furnace repairs, or a complete furnace replacement, Arctic Air Heating and Cooling can help you find a solution to keep your home comfortably warm this winter. Our fast, reliable team also provides inspections throughout the year, ensuring your preventative measures help you avoid major furnace problems after the temperatures drop.
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Concerned about your Furnace??? Call us today: 816-436-1000