Have Your Furnace Inspected Before Winter

Edmonton winters can be frigid, making it more critical than ever to ensure that you can stay warm and comfortable at home. However, when your furnace unexpectedly breaks down, this can be dangerous for your household’s health. For this reason, it’s crucial to schedule furnace maintenance before winter settles in, as doing so will keep your family warm throughout the long winter months.

Still, even with winter in full swing, it’s never too late to have your furnace inspected and maintained. Here are five signs your furnace is overdue for an inspection:

1. Your Last Inspection Was Over a Year Ago

If it’s been more than a year since you last had your furnace inspected, then it’s undoubtedly time to schedule an appointment. Furnace maintenance must be done every year to keep your unit running correctly and smoothly while extending its lifespan. It will also help your furnace stay energy efficient, which will do wonders for lowering your electricity bill.

2. Your Furnace is More Than 8 Years Old

While all furnaces need a regular inspection, old furnaces of more than eight years old require more frequent maintenance. A furnace typically lasts 8 to 15 years, and older furnaces are more likely to need frequent replacements or repairs due to wear and tear. When parts get old and worn, it is harder for your furnace to function efficiently. Sometimes, they can even stop your furnace from working altogether.

Having your furnace inspected will prevent a breakdown right when you need it the most during the winter. It will also inform you when you’re due for a furnace replacement and if it can last you throughout the freezing season, giving you enough time to save up.

3. Your Pilot Light is a Strange Colour

If your furnace’s pilot light starts flashing a strange colour, you may have a bigger problem at hand. The pilot light must be blue, and if it shows any other colour, you’ll need to have a professional inspect it right away. A yellow light means your furnace isn’t combusting properly, which means that your furnace isn’t operating efficiently, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Frequently inspecting your furnace will prevent it from spewing out excessive carbon monoxide. When our technicians come over for a furnace check-up, they’ll study your furnace and figure out what’s causing your pilot light to show a different colour. Sometimes, a yellow pilot light shows a clogged intake valve, which needs a good cleaning to address. Our technicians will ensure that your furnace runs safely and smoothly again regardless of the issue.

4. Your Furnace is Making Odd Noises

According to the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), unusual noises from your furnace are a sure sign that it needs a check-up with a technician. Squeaking, popping, whining, and rattling noises are all indicators that something may be loose in your furnace. While the cause may be simple, like a clogged air filter, others may signify more severe problems. For instance, a dirty burner may emit strange noises and cause your furnace to break down entirely if left unaddressed. 

Regardless, a noisy furnace is a sign that your furnace is no longer running as efficiently as it used to, which means it’ll take more energy to run. That will translate to higher heating bills, so you’ll want to schedule an inspection immediately.

5. Your Furnace Isn’t Working Properly

Lastly, if your furnace just isn’t working correctly or at all, then you’ll need to call a furnace repair expert. People often experience issues when firing up their furnace for the winter, with the unit blowing cold air or failing to light up at all. Difficulty powering up your furnace may be due to disconnected wiring or a malfunctioning thermostat. Still, cold air may point to an issue with the blower fan, often requiring repair or replacement. When something is amiss, don’t hesitate to call a technician from Legacy Heating and Cooling.

Conclusion

Your furnace is essential for staying warm throughout the winter, which is why it’s worth it to have it inspected often. If you spot any of these signs in your furnace, be sure to call a furnace maintenance specialist right away.

If you need furnace maintenance, repair, or replacement in Edmonton, look no further than Legacy Heating! We specialize in servicing, repairing, installing, and replacing HVAC systems, which means we’re the ones to call when you need help with just about any HVAC product.

Contact us today to schedule a furnace repair or replacement!