10 Warning Signs Your Heater Needs to be Replaced
Have you ever experienced being cold throughout the day even with your heater on? When a furnace is failing, some of the signs are subtle at first until it completely fails and doesn’t provide heat to warm your home on a cold winter day. While some heater issues are small and can be fixed rather quickly, other problems, if leftover time, can become costly and result in your heater failing.
Here are some indicators that your heater is failing.
1. On and Off
If your heater turns on and off before it finishes a full cycle, then you may need to get it looked at by a professional. When a heater turns on and off, it could mean the motor is dying, or a few other reasons. The best way to know for sure is by getting your heater inspected.
2. Problems With the Thermostat
When your home begins to feel a little chilly, you may naturally want to turn up the heat to get rid of drafts and remove cold spots. However, if you turn up the heat on your thermostat and it doesn’t help, then your heater may have a problem. Another reason your home may not be heating is that the thermostat may be broken, and an HVAC technician can inspect your thermostat and replace it or inspect your heater and fix or replace it as well.
3. Age
They get old so fast! Once your heater reaches around the 15-20 year mark, it is usually time for a replacement. Heaters have a lifespan between those years depending on care and upkeep. If you haven’t had your heater serviced regularly over the years, then it may be time for an upgrade.
4. Burner Flame Color
If your heater is having problems, you can easily check the flame in the burner. You can look through the service door without opening it to take a look and check the status of the flame. If the flame is yellow, this means the gas isn’t completely burning, and your burner may need to be cleaned.
A yellow flame also indicates your heater isn’t heating correctly and could be producing carbon monoxide. Your HVAC technician can check the flame for you and make necessary adjustments.
5. Moisture Buildup
If you begin to notice moisture around your windows, or on your walls and ceilings, this could be a sign that there’s not enough airflow throughout your home. Moisture in the air could mean there’s a problem with your heating system.
6. Hot and Cold Spots
Your heater should be able to provide enough heat for your entire home. If you notice that some rooms are drafty and colder than others, then your heater isn’t providing enough for your whole house. A tune-up could help solve this problem, but if your heater is older, then it may be time for a replacement.
7. Strange Smells
When a heater hasn’t been turned on in a while, sometimes, when you turn it on for the first time, you may smell a faint hint of gas or oil. However, if the smell lingers for a long period of time, you should immediately contact your HVAC technician to inspect your heater. Odors of gas can be an indication that your heater has a problem and can be a potential fire hazard.
8. Spike In Utility Bills
There are different reasons you can see an increase in your utility bills. For example, when it’s extremely cold outside, your heater has to work harder to keep your home warm. However, if your heater struggles to provide enough heat for your home in moderate temperatures, then there may be a bigger issue that needs your attention.
9. Rusted Flue
A rusted flue can be a sign that you have a leak around your heater that is causing your flue lines to rust and corrode. If your furnace is a gas furnace, then it depends on the flue to vent the gas outdoors, otherwise, it can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If your flue is rusted, that gas could be going back into your home.
10. Repeat Service
If you find yourself calling your HVAC technician more often than not, then it may mean it’s time to completely replace your furnace. Service calls and repairs can add up and end up costing you about the same or more than just replacing your heater. Usually, if repairs are more than 50% of the cost to replace a heater, then we suggest you just replace your heater.
Service You Can Count On!
At Moody Heating & Air Conditioning, we know how hard it is to come to terms with a failing heater and need a replacement. But, if your heater has problems, our team of HVAC experts will inspect and suggest the best option to fix or replace your heater. We’re here to provide you with excellent service and quality work.
Give us a call at (316) 444-1019 to schedule an appointment and speak with someone from our team about your heater service needs today!