Even if you’ve owned a home for years, you may still have questions about your furnace. As longstanding heating experts in Milford, our technicians and offices provide information to customers daily about common heating-related questions. Here are some of the questions asked frequently, with answers to help you keep your furnace running in tip-top shape.
Question: What are normal noises for furnaces to make?
Answer: Furnaces make several noises while they’re running. These sounds are normal and include the blower motor, circulating fan, and gas valve making clicking sounds. Depending on the age and model of your furnace, you may hear a whooshing sound from the burner igniting and air blowing through the ducts. As long as the noises remain consistent, there is no cause for worry.
Question: What noises should my furnace NOT be making?
Answer: While normal furnace noises will sound consistent and remain steady, some unexpected sounds may signal a problem. Banging, rattling, popping, screeching, and squealing noises are all signs that something is wrong and you should get your furnace inspected. It’s also important to make sure that the furnace is not making any humming sounds, which may indicate an issue with the motor.
Question: How often should I be changing my air filter?
Answer: Filters should generally be changed every one to three months, although this can vary depending on the type of filter, how often your furnace runs, and your home’s air quality. (For example, if you own pets, you may need to change your air filter monthly due to the extra hair and dander in the air.) Clogged filters can cause the furnace to overwork and strain other components, leading to costly repairs.
Question: Why does my furnace keep shutting off so quickly?
Answer: Short cycling occurs when the furnace turns on and then off again quickly. This can be caused by a number of issues, such as a clogged air filter, a dirty flame sensor, or an incorrect thermostat setting. It’s important to have the furnace inspected and serviced if you experience frequent short cycling, as this can lead to further damage if left unresolved.
Question: Does my furnace need routine maintenance?
Answer: Yes. Think of your tune-up/maintenance appointments for your furnace like your yearly physical with your doctor. You go to ensure that everything is working as it should and that any preventable things are spotted early on before they become something serious.
The same applies to your furnace. When you get routine maintenance, we will clean and inspect the unit to ensure that all minor things are fixed promptly, ultimately ensuring your system has a long and healthy lifespan.
Question: Why does my house never really warm up?
Answer: There could be a lot of reasons your furnace isn’t performing as it should. The first thing to check is your furnace filter. If it’s dirty or you haven’t checked your screen in a while, that could be the cause.
Another common cause of heating woes is the wrong-size furnace or a system that's running near the end of its lifespan. Either way, if it's not your filter, it’s time to consider getting your furnace looked at.
Question: How long should my furnace last?
Answer: With the right care, your furnace should last a lifespan of 16 to 20 years. Once your system gets close to this age span, you should start saving or shopping around for your options.
We hope that these answers have helped you gain a better understanding of your furnace. For more information or to schedule a repair, contact our Milford offices today!
Need to repair or replace your heating system? Contact the Tri-City Heating and Cooling team at (203) 303-5700.