Furnaces, just like any machine, will need more repairing and/or replacing the older it gets. Replacing a furnace that is 15 years old or more is usually your cheapest option instead of piling on repair bills if the cost of the repairs are 15% or more of the cost of a new furnace. A good rule of thumb is that no matter what the age of the furnace, if the cost of repairs is 50% or more of what it would cost for a new furnace, replace it. As a furnace ages, the harder it works, which also means a higher utility cost. Both are to be expected with aging of a furnace, but when the repairs become routine, its time to replace it. The amount of money you will save between repair cost and higher utility cost would be worth the the investment of a new furnace.
Lets get into some common furnace problems:
If there is ever soot or rust around the furnace or registers that shows there is too much CO2, it will also cause excessive dryness that would/could affect walls, wood flooring, furniture, and plants. Once considered a benign indoor air pollutant, CO2 can, as it turns out, significantly impair peoples’ cognitive functioning. Symptoms of CO2 intoxication or poisoning are deeper breathing, twitching of muscles, increased blood pressure, headache, increased pulse rate, loss of judgment, labored breathing, unconsciousness (occurs in under a minute when CO2 concentration rises about 10%) and death. If you notice any of this it is time to call your local HVAC technicians to inspect your unit. Also consider calling medical assistance as well, as your furnace problems could be the less important concern.
When people live in older houses the age is usually the tenants “go to blame” when having issues such as drafty houses and noises. If rooms in the home are at different temperatures, more than likely it is an older furnace with an outdated duct system losing its ability to distribute heat evenly. Cagle Service Heating and Air would be more than happy to come out and tell you what your next steps should be, if you start noticing this problem.
Furnaces tend to make a little noise when turning on or off, but some noises will get progressively get louder and those are the ones to be aware of because it is usually a sign to replace the furnace. Here are some examples of common furnace problems:
1. Rattling: Unsecured duct work, loose screws/sheet metal, or lower motor not properly balanced
2. Humming: The fan motor may make electrical humming sounds but the fan should never be loud or disruptive. If the fan is making those kinds of noises, the inducer motor or blower fan motor could be starting to fail.
3. Popping: This sound can happen when parts in your furnace are heating or cooling in response to temperature change.
4. Screeching or Squealing: There is an overall issue with the inducer motor or blower fan motor. Possibly loose bearings, delivering belt, or pulley that holds the belt.
If you are having furnace problems and you’d like more information or assistance, give us a call today (731-300-1030) and we will walk you through whatever the next steps should be. Also remember if a new furnace is needed, we provide financing options for new units as well. We serve Jackson, TN and the surrounding areas.
