Don’t Ignore These 5 Furnace Fixes

Is your furnace creaking and squeaking when you turn up the heat? Are your heating bills out of control? It might be time for a heating system replacement.

Many homeowners hang on to old systems in an attempt to save money, making patches and paying for quick fixes along the way. But if your system is over a decade old, it might be costing you more in repairs and energy costs than you think!

1. Your Heating System is 10 Years Old

If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider these heating system saving stats from Energy Star. The efficiency of older furnace and boiler systems ranges from 56% to 70%. Modern heating systems, however, can achieve up to 99%  efficiency. A new, energy efficient system converts nearly all the fuel to useful heat for your home. Home energy efficiency upgrades and a new high-efficiency heating system can even cut your bills in half.

2. Your Furnace is Making Funny Noises

If your furnace is making loud or unusual noises, it’s time for a tuneup — and possibly a replacement. Rumbling, booming, squeaking, and clanking are all sounds that need to be inspected immediately. The issue could be as simple as a pilot light adjustment, ignition issues, friction caused by worn out parts, or parts that have loosened over time. However, a series of broken parts and poor connections could spell the need for a new system.

Don’t get caught in the cold — ask your One Hour Air technician to inspect any suspicious heating system sounds.

3. Your Ducts are Dated

Do some rooms in your home feel too hot, while others are too cold? Duct problems could be the culprit. Efficient and well-designed duct systems distribute air properly throughout your home without leaking to keep all rooms at a comfortable temperature.

Another common duct problem is dust. Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces, and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing ducts may be a solution.

Ask a One Hour Air technician to conduct a duct inspection to see if your ducts simply need to be sealed or replaced altogether.

4. Your Home Has Humidity Problems

Outdated or malfunctioning equipment and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

A new, efficient heating system can help reduce dry winter air that can that irritates sinuses. It can even help preserve the quality of your home’s porous materials like wood, including furniture, woodwork, wood floors, pianos, and other musical instruments

5. Your Thermostat Is Outdated

If you leave home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one when you upgrade your system.

Talk to your One Hour Air technician about modernizing your home’s thermostat. We install programmable and Wi-Fi models. We’ll even assess your current thermostat for compatibility issues if your HVAC system is struggling to regulate your home’s temperature.

If you suspect your heating system needs a tune-up — or even a replacement — contact One Hour Air. Our skilled technicians can help identify potential problems before your heating system breaks down. We’re dedicated to making your winter warmer!