Is It Time to Have Your Furnace Serviced?

Denver residents don’t want to consider going through a winter without their furnace. Even losing heat for a couple of hours is a hardship in the Mile High City.

If it’s been a while since your last furnace inspection or your HVAC system is acting up, it’s probably time to start looking for furnace repair services. Even if everything seems to be working great, it’s never a bad idea to schedule a furnace inspection.

When Should You Schedule a Furnace Inspection

You don’t want to schedule a furnace inspection in winter. The thought of shutting your furnace off, even for a few minutes in the winter, is enough to get you shivering. Yes, your furnace is turned off during most of the inspection, so you should schedule the inspection when the temperatures are well above freezing.

Most furnace repair Denver services recommend scheduling an inspection in the spring or fall. However, there’s nothing wrong with a furnace inspection in the summer. You may even score a lower price. Sometimes, prices drop in the off-season, and furnaces are rarely used during Colorado summer months.

If your furnace is part of your HVAC system, a spring inspection might be the best option. This way, you can also ensure your A.C. is ready for the summer heat.

Signs Your Furnace May Need Repairs

Hopefully, your furnace never goes out in the winter. Denver’s freezing winter temperatures aren’t only unpleasant; they can also be dangerous. Hypothermia, even indoors, can be a real threat.

Rising Energy Bills

You should expect an increase in utility bills in the winter, even if your furnace is Energy Star-rated. When energy costs start rising, go ahead and schedule a furnace inspection. You may only have a clogged filter, but the problem can also be more serious.

Time Since Last Furnace Inspection

If you can’t remember the date of your last furnace inspection, stop looking for the receipt—chances are, it’s been over a year, and it’s time for another inspection.

You should have your furnace inspected every year in either the spring or fall. This way, if there are any issues, you can catch them before you have furnace problems in the winter. A simple furnace inspection can do more than look for potential problems; the annual tune-up can also keep it chugging along for many years to come.

The Pilot Light is Yellow

Okay, so most people aren’t sticking their heads under their furnaces to check the color of the pilot. You probably only think about the pilot light when your furnace stops working. Then you’re grabbing a flashlight and matches, hoping the issue is a simple fix. Sometimes, it is. The pilot light only needs to be relit.

However, if your pilot light flame is yellow instead of white and blue, then you have a furnace issue—let’s just say yellow isn’t the ideal color here. In fact, you may have a carbon monoxide leak, and this means opening a window and getting out of the residence or business. However, don’t presume opening a window is enough; carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless deadly gas.

Once you’re safe, immediately call a furnace repair company. Don’t forget to warn the repair company about the possible carbon monoxide leak so they can wear the appropriate protective gear.

Strange Noises

Furnaces make noises, and this is usually okay—there’s nothing to worry about if you hear a bit of rumbling when the furnace first kicks on. However, if the noises are persistent, you may have an issue with your furnace. Pops, creaks, and squeaks can indicate a component is loose and rattling around.

The repair may be as simple as tightening a few nuts and bolts or a little more complex, or you may need to replace a component like a faulty fan. The cost for the repair ultimately varies greatly depending on what needs replacing.

Furnace Cycles Frequently

You don’t want your furnace to continuously cycle. Now, you’re looking at rising energy costs and an inefficient furnace. There are a few reasons why your furnace may be constantly turning on and off.

The furnace may be the wrong size for the space or is overheating. Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the furnace; instead, your thermostat is likely out of whack. Try replacing the batteries in your thermostat. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix, but if this doesn’t work, call for a furnace repair.

Stay Warm This Winter

The efficiency of your furnace is crucial for maintaining comfort during winter, especially in colder climates like Denver. If your furnace is exhibiting issues or it has been more than a year since its last inspection, scheduling an appointment with a Denver-based furnace repair company is a wise decision.

Regular maintenance and timely repairs not only ensure reliable warmth throughout the winter but also help prolong the lifespan of your furnace and prevent more costly repairs down the line.