What Is A Furnace?
A furnace is a type of heating system that heats air and distributes it throughout a home via ducts and vents. Furnaces are one of the most common methods for heating homes, particularly in areas with harsh winters.
In Colorado, where temperatures can drop significantly during the winter, having a furnace is common and often necessary for comfort and safety. However, not every house may require a furnace. Some households might use alternative heating methods such as heat pumps, wood stoves, or radiant floor heating depending on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowners.
Types of Furnaces
There are three types of furnaces. Each type of furnace has distinct benefits that make them suitable for different situations depending on the location of the home, availability of fuel types, and heating needs.
- Gas Furnaces: These are widely used because they are efficient and have lower fuel costs compared to oil. Gas furnaces heat the home quickly and are preferred in colder climates.
- Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces are known for their longevity, safety, and simplicity of maintenance. They are generally cheaper to install than gas furnaces and are effective in areas with milder climates.
- Oil Furnaces: Typically, only used where natural gas is not available, oil furnaces are capable of producing more heat than other furnace types. Keep in mind that operating costs can be higher due to the price of oil.
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Signs Your Furnace Isn't Working Properly
Here are some common signs that your furnace might not be working correctly:
- Strange Noises: Unusual banging, whining, or grinding sounds can indicate mechanical problems.
- Frequent Cycling: If the furnace turns on and off more frequently than normal, it could be a sign of a malfunction.
- Higher Heating Bills: An unexpected increase in your heating bills could suggest that your furnace is decreasing in efficiency.
- Inadequate Heat: If some rooms are colder than others, or the furnace isn't producing enough heat, it’s time to call your local HVAC technicians.
- Yellow Pilot Light: For gas furnaces, a pilot light that is yellow instead of blue could indicate a ventilation problem.
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Why Isn't My Furnace Working?
Here are four common reasons why your furnace might not be working:
- Thermostat Issues: Incorrect settings or a malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your furnace from turning on or functioning correctly.
- Dirty Filters: Clogged air filters restrict airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution.
- Ignition or Pilot Light Failures: Problems with the ignition system or pilot light can prevent the furnace from firing up and producing heat.
- Mechanical Wear and Tear: Components such as belts and bearings can wear out over time, leading to operational failures.
Regular checks and maintenance can address these issues early, preventing furnace downtime and ensuring a warm home during cold weather.
Furnace Maintenance Plans
Engaging in a preventative maintenance plan for your home's furnace crucial for ensuring its longevity and efficiency. Regular maintenance helps identify and resolve minor issues before they can escalate into costly repairs. It also keeps the furnace running at optimal efficiency, which can ultimately reduce your energy bills. Moreover, such a plan ensures that your heating system remains reliable, especially during the colder months when you need it most. In the long run, preventative maintenance plans can help extend the life of your furnace and provide peace of mind knowing that your home’s heating system is in good condition.
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Signs It's Time For A New Furnace
Noticing any of the below symptoms could mean it's time for a professional inspection. Still not sure if it’s time? Give us a call and we will walk you through your options!
- Lack of Heat: The most obvious sign is if your furnace isn't heating or is providing insufficient levels of warmth than usual.
- Strange Noises: Odd sounds such as banging, whistling, or grinding are not normal and can indicate mechanical issues.
- Frequent Cycling: If the furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual, it may be a sign of a malfunction.
- Higher Energy Bills: An unexpected increase in energy bills can suggest your furnace isn’t running at peak performance.
Furnace Safety Inspections
Ensuring your furnace is working properly means you remain safe and comfortable in your home all year long. A furnace safety check consists of the following:
- Monitor a complete heat cycle to ensure proper operation.
- Safety controls tests.
- Perform gas leak detection and carbon monoxide testing with the unit running.
- Visual inspection of the heat exchanger for hot spots and cracks.
- Inspect the burner assembly.
- Check the ignition system including the flame sensor and igniter.
- Check gas pressures.
- Check the furnace filter for debris and dirt.
- Check the fan belt on older furnaces.
- Check the thermocouple and pilot and older furnaces.
- Airflow performance check.
- Check venting.
- Check the wiring.
- Check the thermostat for proper operation.
FURNACE FAQs
- WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A FURNACE?
- The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 to 20 years. This number will vary depending on the model, maintenance frequency, and usage patterns.
- HOW OFTEN SHOULD FURNACE FILTERS BE CHANGED?
- You should change your furnace filters every 90 days when regularly using your furnace. Homes with pets or high dust levels might need filter changes every 30-60 days.
- WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT MY FURNACE NEEDS REPAIR?
- Signs that your furnace needs repairing include unusual noises, frequent cycling, higher energy bills, and uneven heating in the home.
- HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY FURNACE’S EFFICIENCY?
- To improve your furnace’s efficiency, we suggest things like regular maintenance, sealing leaks in ductwork, upgrading insulation, and installing a programmable thermostat.
- SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE AN OLD FURNACE?
- Read our helpful blog on how to decide when to repair or replace your HVAC systems.[]
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VARIOUS TYPES OF FURNACES?
- Gas furnaces are efficient and common in colder areas, electric furnaces are simpler and usually cheaper to install, and oil furnaces are typical for areas without natural gas service.
- WHY IS MY FURNACE BLOWING COLD AIR?
- Possible reasons include a temporary lockout, problems with the pilot light (gas furnaces), or issues with the thermostat settings.
- HOW MUCH DOES A NEW FURNACE COST?
- Costs vary widely based on type and size but typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 with installation. Check out our coupons page.
- HOW OFTEN DOES A FURNACE NEED PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE?
- It's recommended to have professional maintenance at least once a year, ideally before the cold Colorado Winter season begins.
- CAN I INSTALL A FURNACE MYSELF?
- Due to the complexity and safety concerns, we don’t generally recommend furnace installation as a DIY project. Professional installation ensures peak performance and compliance with safety codes.
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