6 Warning Signs Your Furnace Is Malfunctioning

Tori Klein • October 25, 2022

A furnace that isn't functioning properly is a nightmare for any household.

A man sitting on a couch looking frustrated.

Imagine having to deal with a jammed furnace in the dead of winter. It is crucial to recognize the signs of a failing furnace to take corrective action immediately.


Here are some of the most obvious symptoms that your furnace requires servicing:


  1. Cold Air - An effective furnace is a must in the wintertime. There is a high chance that your furnace will malfunction if your home doesn't have sufficient heating. Even though the entire house is cold, you may notice varying levels of coldness in other rooms. A malfunctioning motor is a common culprit in a furnace that fails to heat the room properly. Because of this, there isn't enough energy to heat the room with the current heating equipment. Heating equipment that isn't working correctly may also be due to issues with the pilot light or heat exchanger. One of the most obvious warning signs of a failed furnace is cool air. Have your HVAC technician inspect all heating components to prevent the problem from getting worse.
  2. Unusual Loud Noises - When in use, HVAC systems usually produce some background noise. The noise is not as irritating or loud. It is essential to become familiar with their typical sounds to recognize when normal heating components begin making abnormal noises. Mechanical elements loosening up in a broken heater might cause it to rattle, roll, and shake. Sounds like screeching, popping, or booming from your heater indicate it needs servicing. After the grinding and pounding stop for a while, it may be time to treat it as an emergency and get it fixed. Depending on the sound, a professional furnace technician can diagnose the problem. The unusual sound may be a sign that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is overworking. Instead of guessing and wasting money on a replacement, have an expert look at it.
  3. Frequent Furnace Repairs - Getting 20 years of use out of a high-quality furnace is possible. In its later years, however, furnaces often require more trips from a repairman. Hiring a Hillsboro air conditioning repair service that works on gas and electric furnaces is necessary. However, you should perform the math carefully to see if the repairs are worthwhile. There are times when it's in your best financial interest to replace the furnace. If the cost of fixing the furnace is going to be more than half the cost of a new one, it's probably time to replace it. Never take satisfaction when you keep up with routine maintenance on your heater. A heating system that requires maintenance every other week is probably on its last legs. It seems like a new furnace would be the best option here.
  4. Severe Illness Symptoms - Efficient furnaces filter out the air in your home by removing dust, pollen, bacteria, and other foreign particles. Any time it stops working correctly, you run the risk of breathing in low-quality air throughout your home. Your family members may have cold and flu-like symptoms as a result. Toxic fumes can accumulate if the exhaust from a furnace is not adequately managed. If the heat exchanger in your furnace is fractured, carbon monoxide could leak out and harm your family's health. If your furnace isn't working right, you might have more headaches, watery eyes, and itching if you have allergies. Those around them could suffer from respiratory illnesses, such as a cold or cough. Consider getting new filters or having a professional clean your ducts if you see this happening.
  5. High Energy Bills - Around 16% of all domestic power consumption is toward heating and cooling. Over time, an outdated heating system may become inefficient. It will most likely stay running to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Constantly operating furnaces waste fuel without necessarily increasing their heating capacity. If you see a spike in your electricity costs towards the end of the month, it could be a sign that your heating and cooling system isn't functioning properly. To begin, see if the filters are clogged. Dirty filters usually cause heating systems to work too hard because they block airflow and make the system work harder. When the condition reaches this point, it's time to replace the furnace.
  6. Water Accumulation Around the Furnace - Gas and water are the most common leaks from a heating appliance. An accidental gas leak poses a severe health risk to anyone living in the dwelling. A water leak is a less severe sign that your furnace is broken, but you shouldn't ignore it. To determine if water is leaking from your furnace, look for puddles to form near the unit. A clogged condensate pipe is a common cause of the issue. Because of the technical knowledge needed to fix the HVAC system, hiring a pro is essential. If you see water pooling around the unit, it's best to check it out once you've ensured there are no drainage problems. If the problem with the furnace can be fixed quickly, you can save money by not having to buy a new one.



HVAC systems age, and eventually, some of their parts may break. One of the components to keep an eye out for is the furnace. You should be aware of the various indicators of a failing furnace.


Before it's too late, understanding your furnace problems can be helpful and make it easier for you to seek professional assistance. While you're at it, ensure the HVAC expert you hire in Hillsboro has dealt with common problems in both big and small systems.


Do you need help with your heater or furnace? In this case, your best option is to hire Best Owner Direct HVAC. Don't hesitate to call us anytime for any of your HVAC needs.

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