You may experience a multitude of issues if your furnace or your heating system is in need of repairs. Some of the signs that you may need a furnace repair include loud or strange noises, your furnace not heating up your home, your furnace running for longer periods of time, or your energy or gas bill increasing substantially during the winter months. According to Bob Villa, your furnace can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years when properly cared for. Read on to learn more about five of the most common furnace repairs, along with signs that that repair may be needed.

1. Having Ductwork Cleaned and Repaired

One of the most common types of furnace repair that may be needed involves ductwork. After a furnace heats the air, that air is then pushed into ductwork by a fan. The heated air travels through the ductwork until it reaches the vents in your home, helping to ensure this warmer air reaches every corner of your living space. Unfortunately, over time, your ducts can start to fall apart, develop holes, split at the seams, or get dirty. If you notice your home is not heating up as quickly as it has in the past, and/or you notice more dust in your home, your ducts may need to be cleaned or inspected to see if repairs may be needed.

2. Replacing Air Filters

The most common type of repair that a furnace may need is actually the simplest repair. This type of repair involves replacing the air filters. Air filters help to filter out dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, and other impurities from the air. However, as the filter traps these items, the filter gets full. If the filter is not replaced, it becomes unable to trap these impurities, and it becomes harder for air to pass through the filter. If you notice weak airflow coming from your vents when the furnace is on, or it is taking longer to heat your home than normal, you may need to replace your air filters.

3. Fixing the Starter Mechanism

The starting mechanism is an important component of your furnace. The mechanism you have can vary depending on whether you have a gas or electric furnace. If you have an electric furnace, your furnace may not be able to turn on if the starting mechanism needs to be replaced. As such, you will notice no air is blowing into your home. On the other hand, if you have a gas furnace, the unit may kick on, but may not heat up. When this happens, you will feel cold air blowing into your home or your home will not heat up.

4. Repairing or Replacing the Heat Exchanger

Another common furnace repair that you may experience is a damaged or cracked heat exchanger. Depending on the age of your furnace and the overall condition of the heat exchanger, it may be able to be repaired or it may need to be replaced. There are a few key indicators that are indicative of issues with a heat exchanger. If you notice a soot-like or formaldehyde scent when running your furnace, these are key indicators your heat exchanger has a crack. A heat exchanger can also create loud banging noises if it is damaged. Lastly, your home may not heat up. It is important to note that a damaged heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide build-up in your home, so you should always turn off your furnace if you suspect you are experiencing this issue.

5. Replacing the Thermostat

The final repair to your furnace system that you may need is the replacement of your thermostat. If your home is not heating up to your desired temperature, the problem may not lie in the furnace, but in the thermostat. According to our technicians, if your thermostat is 20 years or older, it should be replaced. Opt for an energy-efficient one to help you save money and energy.

A furnace is an important appliance for your home. It helps to heat your home during the cold winter nights. However, a furnace is made up of many parts and the furnace system features many different components. Over time, these parts or components can wear down, become dirty, or develop other issues that cause the part of the unit to need repairs. If you find yourself in need of a furnace repair, our team can assist you. Reach out to NorthStar Services today to schedule an appointment to have your unit inspected and repaired.