Is My California, MD Furnace Inefficient?
Your California, MD furnace can become less efficient over time. This can happen for many reasons, including normal wear and tear. We’ll take a look at six signs that can mean your furnace is inefficient.
1. Your Power Bills Are Skyrocketing
A sudden spike in your energy bills is a common sign that your furnace is inefficient. This usually happens when your heating costs increase significantly although there hasn’t been a drop in temperature.
This is a warning sign that your heating system might be working harder than necessary. Maybe it is wearing out, the filter is dirty, there’s a broken part or something else is wrong. Keeping an eye on your bills can help you catch these changes early.
2. The Furnace Isn’t Providing Consistent Heat
Uneven heating often means the furnace is struggling to do its job. Are some rooms warm while others remain cold? If so, it’s likely it can no longer distribute heat evenly.
There are some exceptions to this issue. For instance, there’s possibly a problem because of dirty ductwork or ductwork that has cracks. Or, perhaps you’re blocking a vent, or the thermostat is faulty.
If there’s no good explanation for the uneven heating, then an inefficient furnace is possibly the cause. Contact an HVAC technician to inspect and tune up your system.
3. The Furnace Constantly Turns On and Off Too Quickly
An optimally working heating system should run just long enough to reach the correct temperature. If it constantly turns off and back on before getting the correct temperature, then something is wrong. An inefficient heating system might behave this way, but other possibilities can cause it to be inefficient.
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause frequent cycling. This can also happen if the filter is too dirty, or the system is too large for your space. If none of these are causing the problem, it’s time to look at your furnace.
4. The Furnace Starts Making Weird Noises
Weird sounds coming from your heating system deserve your immediate attention. Examples of these sounds include banging, rattling or squeaking. These sounds can mean that it has loose parts, or some parts are no longer good.
5. The Furnace Is Old
A heating system becomes less efficient the older it gets. A typical furnace will last 15 to 20 years, depending on how well you care for it. With regular HVAC maintenance, it could last longer.
If your furnace is approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s likely less efficient than a newer model. Modern heating systems use less energy while providing the same level of comfort, so you can benefit from upgrading your old system.
You might not know the age of your furnace. This is probably the case if it was already there when you bought the house. To determine the age of it, you can check its label or the serial number.
6. The Furnace Takes Forever to Heat Your Home
A heating system needs time to produce heat. Your home won’t instantly warm up when it starts, but the house should get warm in a reasonable amount of time.
An inefficient furnace can struggle to warm your home. If it runs for an hour or more before heating your home, it needs attention. Keep in mind that dirty air filters, dirty vents or vents that have something blocking them can also cause this problem.
You have options if you have an inefficient furnace. It’s possible that you need a simple repair or maintenance visit. Another possibility is that it’s time for a new system.
If your furnace is showing any of the signs on the list above, decide the best course of action. An inefficient system can lead to higher energy bills and less comfort, so the sooner you act, the better. Contact Hancock Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning when you need help with your furnace.
Image provided by iStock