Is My HVAC Unit Going to Make It Through Winter?

There is nothing worse than coming home to a cold house because the heater has quit working. With winter right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to invest in HVAC maintenance. During a preventive maintenance visit, an HVAC specialist will inspect the furnace in your Peachtree City, Georgia, home for issues and make any necessary repairs and adjustments. In some situations, you will want to have your system inspected by a professional right away. Here are some key signs you can look for that indicate your heater might not make it through winter.

The Furnace Is Loud

Usually, you’ll hear the furnace when it kicks on. The unit itself makes a noise, and you’ll hear air being pushed through the vents. If your furnace makes a rattling or banging noise, though, this is an indication that there are loose parts. It could also mean the blower wheel is going bad.

If you hear metallic noises, like metal banging against metal, you’ll need to contact an HVAC professional immediately. Turn the unit off and wait for the HVAC contractor to advise you on the next steps to take. A noisy furnace can be a sign that it’s not going to make it through the winter.

The Furnace Never Shuts Off

If the heater never shuts off, it’s working extra hard to keep your home at your desired temperature. As the furnace constantly runs, it adds unnecessary wear-and-tear to the unit. It also increases your heating bill and is a sign that the system might not make it through the winter. Typically, preventive maintenance combined with regular cleaning will keep the furnace running efficiently and minimize the likelihood of it failing.

Uncomfortable Temperatures in the Home

Do you notice that your furnace isn’t keeping your home at your desired temperature? If so, you need to have the thermostat inspected. If you notice only certain parts of the home are staying at the desired temperature, there may be a blockage or air leaks in the ductwork. An HVAC professional can inspect the ductwork and make necessary repairs. If this doesn’t fix the problem, this may mean the furnace is struggling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature and may need to be replaced.

Increasing Energy Bills

Even with the best preventive maintenance, a furnace is going to need to be replaced eventually, especially if it’s over 25 years old. If you notice your energy bills keep going up, you should have a professional contractor inspect the system for efficiency issues. The contractor can advise you on whether to invest in repairs or install a new unit. If the repair costs are going to be more than 50 percent of the cost of a new system, the usual recommendation is to invest in a new unit.

One Repair After Another

If you’re investing in repair after repair, this is a sign that the heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan and it’s time to install a new one. An honest contractor with will be upfront and tell you when it’s time to invest in a new system. Untrustworthy contractors will simply allow you to throw your money away on repair after repair.

The Heater Isn’t Producing Hot Air

Lastly, if the heater isn’t producing enough hot air even after you’ve had it repaired, this is a sure sign to invest in a new unit. A failing blower motor is often the source of the heater blowing cold air. This is especially likely if you notice cold spots in your home. A faulty pilot light could also be the source of the problem. A professional HVAC contractor can provide guidance on whether to repair the furnace or buy a new one.

Trinity Air Heating & Air Conditioning specializes in a variety of quality HVAC maintenance services. We can help you decide whether it’s time to invest in a new HVAC unit or if a simple repair can extend its lifespan. Contact us today by visiting our website or give us a call at (770) 691-5394.

Image provided by Shutterstock