Furnaces that use some type of petroleum for fuel continue to be popular with homeowners. Propane, natural gas, and heating oil are known for producing reliable warmth at an efficient cost, making them even more attractive in areas of the nation where these fuels are abundantly available.
Like electrically powered furnaces, gas and oil furnace designs have continued to improve, making them last longer and require less maintenance and repairs. However, homeowners should still be aware of common clues that can mean their HVAC equipment is in need of repairs or maintenance.
Rising electricity bills
While it might seem strange, a sudden rise in electricity bills can be a sign that your gas or oil furnace needs some type of maintenance or repair. This most often occurs when the furnace is cycling too often because it is no longer able to produce heat in normal amounts.
When a gas or oil furnace cycles more often than it should, electrical components, such as the blower fans and electronic ignition parts, work longer and harder. This increased draw of electricity then shows up in the form of rising electricity usage and higher utility bills.
In addition, homeowners should also know that operating their oil or gas furnace with a clogged filter can cause the furnace to work much harder than it should. Continued operation with a clogged filter can cause inefficient operation, higher electricity bills, and the development of more serious system repair issues.
Abnormal sounds
Other signs of a pending repair or maintenance issue are often audible. Instead of the normal, easily ignored hum in the background, homeowners may notice increasing fan noise, whining, creaking, or banging sounds.
Gas or oil furnaces that begin emitting unusual sounds may be showing signs of component wear or failure. Depending on the type of sounds being emitted, noisy furnaces may require maintenance or repairs to their ignition system, blowers, fans, belts, or other components.
Humidity fluctuations
One of the jobs of a properly working central heating system is to maintain healthy humidity levels inside the home. If repair or maintenance issues arise, homeowners may suddenly notice uncomfortably humid air inside the home, often accompanied by visible condensation interior surfaces of windows and doors.
While an improperly sized furnace can be responsible for rising humidity, it can also be related to a variety of repair and maintenance issues. Homeowners who notice rising humidity or any other issue with the performance of their oil or gas furnace should discuss their situation with a reputable heating repair and maintenance contractor as soon as possible.
For more information, contact a residential HVAC service today.
