7 Signs Your Furnace Is Not Ready for Winter

As the chill of winter approaches, ensuring your furnace is in top shape is crucial for a warm and comfortable home. A malfunctioning furnace can lead to discomfort, increased energy bills, and even costly repairs. Knowing the warning signs that your furnace may not be ready for winter can save you time, money, and hassle. Here are seven key indicators your furnace needs attention before the cold weather sets in.

1. Unusual Furnace Noises

Unusual noises can be a significant red flag for your furnace. While some sounds are normal, any banging, clanging, squeaking, or rattling should prompt a call to your local maintenance experts. These noises may indicate loose parts, worn-out pieces, or even issues with ductwork. Your professional can help you find and repair the problem to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low.

2. Inconsistent Heating Performance

Your furnace has one job: keeping your home warm. So, naturally, failing or struggling to do so is the sign of an issue. 

If your furnace cannot maintain a consistent temperature, you may have a failing unit, clogged filter, thermostat issue, or ductwork leak. These factors can lead to discomfort and inefficiencies that drive up energy costs. 

3. Increased Energy Bills

Speaking of energy bills, a sudden spike in your heating costs may signal that your furnace is overworking. 

Naturally, the cold climate can impact your energy bills, even with a brand-new furnace. However, if you notice an unusually high spike, this could be a sign of a problem. Aging equipment, poor maintenance, or insufficient insulation can all lead to increased furnace energy consumption and high bills. 

4. Furnace Short Cycling

Furnaces are designed to turn on and off as needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. However, if you notice that your furnace frequently cycles on and off — a condition known as “short cycling” — this can signal an issue. Furnace short cycling may be indicated by:

1. A furnace that fails to complete a cycle (AKA if your furnace turns off before your home reaches the set temperature).
2. If your furnace turns on/off 3+ times within a 10-minute window. 

In some cases, this can be a problem with your furnace or air filter. In other cases, external factors may be at play, such as poor insulation, an oversized unit, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Regardless of the source, short cycling can contribute to furnace wear and tear, and it should be addressed before the winter season is in full swing.

5. Yellow Burner Flame

Before deciding that your furnace is ready for the winter, take a close look at the pilot light. 

The color of your furnace’s burner flame is an important indicator of its health. A healthy furnace flame should be blue. If you notice a yellow or flickering flame, it can signal combustion problems or even the presence of carbon monoxide, which is a safety hazard that requires immediate professional attention. 

6. Unpleasant Odors

It is helpful to be aware of any unpleasant smells in your home, especially odors from your furnace.

While it may be alarming, it is normal to experience a faint smell from your furnace when you start it up for the season. However, if you notice persistent burning smells, musty odors, or a rotten egg scent, these could indicate an issue, such as dust burn-off, ductwork mold, or a gas leak.

7. Age of the Furnace

Finally, consider the age of your furnace. Generally, furnaces last about 15-20 years, and as they age, they tend to require more frequent repairs and become less efficient. If your furnace is nearing this age range and showing signs of trouble, it may be time to explore your replacement options.

Bonney Furnace Service in Sacramento

If you find any of these issues in your home, the experts at Bonney can help. We offer furnace repair and furnace replacement services in the greater Sacramento area that will ensure your home is never left out in the cold. We also provide the seasonal maintenance needed to keep your furnace running efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Don’t wait until the winter chill sets in — contact Bonney today to schedule your furnace inspection and ensure your system is ready to keep you warm all season long!