A malfunctioning furnace doesn’t just raise your monthly energy bills. It can even be dangerous to you and your family’s health.

According to the NFPA, faulty home heating devices are the most common cause of dangerous house fires during the winter months. This equipment led to over 500 deaths each year between 2014 and 2018.

Don’t let your home become a statistic. Read on for insider information on diagnosing three common furnace problems affecting Jasper, TX, and the Lakes Area homeowners.

1. Your Furnace Filters Need Cleaning

Dirty filters are one of the most common electric furnace problems–it often affects gas furnaces, too. If your filter needs a clean, your furnace will have to work a lot harder, leading to higher energy bills and, potentially, a damaged limit switch.

Maybe it’s been freezing Jasper, TX, and the Lakes Area, and you’ve been using your furnace a lot. Perhaps the fan is set to “on” instead of “auto,” or your service provider installed your furnace air intake in a dusty area. These are just some situations leading to dirty filters.

2. Your Furnace Is Cycling On and Off

If your furnace is turning on and off frequently, the heating in your home will be frustratingly unpredictable. Some rooms might be warm, while others left out in the cold. Or the temperature might fluctuate through the course of the day.

One of the most common furnace problems in cold weather, this issue is most often the consequence of faulty furnace parts. You likely have a defective thermostat or flame sensor that a professional needs to review. Blocked vents or a dirty blower wheel might be causing low airflow or, in rare cases, you may have installed a furnace that is too big for your needs.

3. Your Furnace Is Too Old

Our furnaces are large machines with a lot of moving parts. They work hard to heat our homes. So it’s reasonable to expect that they won’t last forever.

Whether you’re dealing with electric or gas furnace blower problems, many signs show your furnace needs replacement.

These include:

• Your furnace is over 15 years old
• You see dust coming out of the ducts
• The pilot flame looks yellow instead of blue
• Cold air is coming out of your furnace
• Your heating bills are suddenly astronomical

If your furnace meets any of the criteria above, it might be time to consult with your local heating specialist about getting a new heating system installed.

Replacing a furnace is a significant investment. Thankfully, most heating companies offer financing options, making purchasing a new furnace a stress-free experience even for low-income households.

Maintenance Prevents Common Furnace Problems

One of the best ways to avoid common furnace problems, and as a result, avoid expensive repairs to your furnace, is to keep your heating system well maintained. Check and cleanse the furnace filter and blower motor. Unblock household air vents, and make sure the flue is clear.

To ensure you don’t get caught out in the cold this winter, schedule a service with A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. We’ve been looking out for Jasper, TX, and the Lakes Area homeowners since 1981!