Your furnace is one of the most used appliances in your entire home, and likely doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Year after year, it helps you get through those frigid winter nights when Mother Nature is throwing a tantrum.

But no furnace runs forever. On average, a residential furnace will last around 15–20 years. The good news is your furnace most likely won’t fail without warning. Instead, it will exhibit one of several concerning but correctable problems.

To avoid freezing your tail off this winter and feel like you’re living in the ice age, contact a professional technician if you notice the following issues:

  1. Cool Air
    When your furnace hits you with a blast of cold air, it’s a sure sign you have a problem on your hands. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to fork over thousands of dollars for a new appliance. More minor issues, like a faulty thermostat or dirty pilot light, can often cause this issue.The best way to get to the heart of the problem is to call a professional specializing in furnace issues. Paraco is known for being a reliable gas and propane provider that proudly serves residents across the Northeast United States. But did you know we also offer heating and cooling services?Our HVAC experts can help you remedy these common furnace problems quickly and without stress.
  2. A Damaged Pilot Light
    The pilot light is responsible for igniting your oil, propane, or natural gas, generating heat to power the furnace. If it’s damaged or dirty, it may not be able to ignite the fuel, which means no warm air. An HVAC technician can easily clean or replace the light if needed.On a side note, both boilers and furnaces can be equipped with pilot lights. If you have a boiler instead of a furnace, keep the pilot light clean.
  3. Thermostat Issues
    Furnace thermostat problems are exceedingly common, especially if you have an older thermostat or have attempted a do-it-yourself (DIY) thermostat installation.While you may be confident tackling other DIY jobs, installing your own thermostat is one task you should leave to the pros. Simply getting your wires crossed could leave you in the cold, and it might fry your unit in the process.Fortunately, having a new thermostat installed is pretty affordable. The typical range for a new thermostat, including installation, is $113–$255. Naturally, if you purchase a top-of-the-line device with a more involved installation procedure, both the hardware and labor costs will go up.
  4. A Lack of Adequate Heat in Some Rooms
    Do you get a sudden chill up your spine when you enter a particular room in your house? No need to call TLC’s Long Island medium — those cold spots probably aren’t related to paranormal activity.The more likely explanation is that your furnace isn’t working properly or the windows in the room need to be resealed. An HVAC technician will help you pinpoint the issue and make any necessary repairs to keep all corners of your home toasty.
  5. It Freezes Up
    During frigid nights when you can see your own breath in the air, the water inside your system’s coils and pipes can freeze. This can prevent the furnace from functioning and result in burst pipes, leading to water damage and costly repairs.If your pipes have frozen, shut off the water supply as soon as possible. Then, contact a qualified HVAC technician. You can prevent or mitigate the damage by acting fast, sparing you both a significant expense and a major headache.

Knowing what issues to watch for when using your heater may feel like you’re babysitting, but it’ll allow you to remain comfortable and avoid issues that can make you feel like you’re living in Antarctica. Having the contact info of a local technician can also allow you to respond quickly and have professional help with troubleshooting furnace issues.

continue reading

Related Posts