Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The winter months in Edmonton can be incredibly harsh, with freezing temperatures and snowstorms that make a reliable heating system absolutely essential. Your furnace is the backbone of your home’s heating system, ensuring that your living space remains warm and comfortable throughout the cold season. However, like any appliance, a furnace can experience issues over time. If you ignore small problems, they can escalate into major, costly repairs or even a complete furnace breakdown.

At Aqua Plumbing and Heating Ltd., we’ve been serving the Edmonton area since 1985, providing residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing and heating services. We understand how critical it is to ensure that your furnace operates efficiently, especially in the heart of a Canadian winter. With over 35 years of experience, our team of professionals is well-equipped to help you maintain your furnace and address any issues before they become a crisis.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the top signs that your furnace may need repair and why it's important to address these problems sooner rather than later. If you recognize any of these signs in your furnace, don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Aqua Plumbing and Heating Ltd. right away to avoid being left in the cold.

1. Uneven Heating in Your Home

One of the most common signs that your furnace may need repair is uneven heating throughout your home. If certain rooms feel much colder than others, it could indicate that your furnace is having trouble distributing heat evenly. This issue could stem from several different causes, including clogged filters, malfunctioning ductwork, or a problem with the furnace blower.

When your furnace isn't properly distributing heat, it’s working harder than necessary, which can increase your energy bills and put extra strain on the system. Call a professional to inspect your furnace and address the issue before it worsens.

2. Strange Noises Coming from the Furnace

Furnaces are designed to operate quietly, but if you begin to hear unusual noises such as banging, popping, screeching, or whistling, it could be a sign that something is wrong. These noises might indicate problems such as:

• Loose parts: Over time, parts in your furnace can become loose or worn out, causing strange noises as they move around.
• Debris in the blower: Dirt, dust, or debris can accumulate in your furnace’s blower, causing it to make a grinding or rattling sound.
• Pilot light issues: A faulty pilot light or ignition system can cause popping sounds, which may signal a need for repairs.

Ignoring these strange noises can lead to further damage, so it’s important to get your furnace inspected and repaired promptly.

3. Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm air, it could indicate a number of issues, from a malfunctioning thermostat to a faulty ignition system. Here are some possible causes:

• Dirty or clogged filters: Clogged filters can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to blow cold air.
• Thermostat problems: If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not be sending the correct signals to your furnace, causing it to blow cold air.
• Pilot light or ignition issues: If your furnace has trouble lighting the burners, it may produce cold air instead of heat.

If your furnace starts blowing cold air, it’s essential to have a professional technician diagnose and repair the issue before it leads to further damage.

4. Furnace Cycle Issues

A furnace that frequently cycles on and off could be a sign that something is wrong. This issue is called "short cycling" and it can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Clogged air filters: If the filters are clogged with dust and debris, it can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to overheat, prompting it to shut off prematurely.
• Thermostat malfunctions: A faulty thermostat could cause the furnace to turn on and off too frequently, making it difficult for your home to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Overheating: If the furnace is overheating due to poor airflow or a malfunctioning component, it may shut off as a safety precaution.

Short cycling not only wastes energy but can also cause wear and tear on your furnace, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. A professional technician can inspect the system, clean the filters, and address the root cause of the issue.

5. Increased Energy Bills

If you notice a sudden spike in your energy bills, it could be an indication that your furnace is no longer operating as efficiently as it should. Several factors can contribute to increased energy costs, including:

• Dirty or clogged filters: When the filters are dirty, your furnace has to work harder to circulate air, which increases energy consumption.
• Old or inefficient furnace: As furnaces age, they tend to become less efficient, leading to higher energy bills. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
• Leaky ductwork: If your ductwork is leaking, your furnace may be losing heated air, making it harder to maintain the desired temperature and increasing energy consumption.

If your energy bills have suddenly increased, it’s important to have a technician inspect your furnace and ensure it’s running efficiently.

6. Furnace Won’t Turn On

If your furnace won’t turn on at all, it could be a sign of a serious issue, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a blown fuse, or a broken ignition system. A furnace that fails to turn on could also indicate that the pilot light has gone out or that the gas valve is malfunctioning.

Before calling a professional, you can check a few basic things yourself:

• Thermostat settings: Ensure that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it’s not in cooling mode.
• Circuit breaker: Check if the furnace’s circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, flip it back on.
• Pilot light: If you have an older furnace, check to see if the pilot light is still lit.

If none of these simple fixes resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional to inspect your furnace and determine the cause of the problem.

7. Foul Odors Coming from the Furnace

Unpleasant smells coming from your furnace should never be ignored. While it’s normal to notice a slight odor when the furnace is first turned on for the season, persistent or unusual smells could be a sign of a problem. Some common odors and their causes include:

• Burning smell: A burning smell could indicate that dust or debris has accumulated inside the furnace, and it’s burning off when the unit is activated.
• Gas smell: If you smell gas, turn off the furnace immediately and evacuate the area. This could indicate a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention.
• Musty smell: A musty or moldy smell could indicate the growth of mold or mildew in the furnace or ductwork. This could be caused by moisture buildup, which can lead to further issues.

If you notice any of these odors, it’s essential to contact Aqua Plumbing and Heating Ltd. as soon as possible to ensure that your furnace is safe to use.

8. Frequent Thermostat Adjustments

If you find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature, your furnace may not be responding properly to the thermostat’s signals. This could be due to a faulty thermostat, an issue with the furnace’s blower, or an airflow problem.

Frequent thermostat adjustments indicate that your furnace is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. A professional technician can calibrate the thermostat, check the furnace’s performance, and identify any underlying issues.

9. The Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be reaching the end of its lifespan. Furnaces typically last between 15 to 20 years, and as they age, they become less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. If you’re experiencing frequent repairs or high energy bills, it may be time to consider replacing your old furnace with a more energy-efficient model.

Contact Aqua Plumbing and Heating Ltd. for Furnace Repairs

Your furnace is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable during Edmonton’s brutal winters. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait until it’s too late to get your furnace repaired. The longer you wait, the more likely the problem will escalate, leading to higher repair costs or even a furnace replacement.

At Aqua Plumbing and Heating Ltd., we’ve been providing top-quality plumbing and heating services to the Edmonton metro area for over 35 years. Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 to help with furnace repairs, installations, and maintenance.

If you need professional furnace service or if you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned in this blog, give us a call today at 780-452-7610 or fill out our contact form. Don’t wait—call us today to keep your furnace running smoothly and your home warm all winter long.