The last thing anyone wants to deal with when its cold outside is an unreliable furnace. Issues with a furnace can lead to costly repairs, and in some cases, can compromise the health and safety of the people in your home. That is why it is important to be able to recognize some of the signs that indicate any problems with your furnace. Although you may not be an HVAC expert, we have a few tips that should help any homeowner determine whether or not their furnace is on the fritz!

Listen for Abnormal Sounds

You may begin to notice that your furnace is making some funny noises as it runs. These sounds can be a strong indicator that something is not right with your furnace. Bangs, pops, and rattles coming from the inside of your furnace often suggests that some component has become loose, or has fallen out of place altogether. Sounds coming from within your vents can also indicate that there is some type of issue with the air supply through the ducts, or with the installation of the ducts themselves. Finally, if you hear any squeals or humming coming from the furnace itself, this is likely caused by an issue with a fan belt or the blower. While some of these issues are more serious than others, it is a good rule to follow that if you hear any strange noise coming from your furnace or inside your ductwork, it is a good idea to call in a heating company for assistance.

Spike in Energy Bills

Like a car or any major appliance, a furnace requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to operate properly and efficiently. If you are starting to notice an increase in your energy bills, it may be a good idea to have your furnace seen to by an HVAC professional. Sometimes issues with furnace efficiency can be solved by simply changing out a clogged air filter, so be sure to regularly change your filer according to the suggested lifespan written on your existing filter.

Humidity Levels 

            There are plenty of ways to determine whether your furnace is keeping the humidity levels in your home at a nominal level. Take a look at the windows in your home on a particularly cold day. If there is a buildup in the level of condensation, it is likely that your furnace humidifier is faulty. Similarly, if you begin to notice things like an increase in the dryness of the air in your home, you should have a professional take a look at the humidifier and the furnace itself.

Uneven Heating

Air circulation throughout your home is maintained by the blower found in your furnace. If you are beginning to notice sections of your home feeling cooler or hotter than usual, this is likely something to do with the performance of your furnace blower. Any furnace that is 10 to 15 years old will likely start to experience issues such as these, and may, therefore, require additional maintenance and upkeep from an HVAC professional to extend the furnace lifespan.