If you live in Brantford, you know how cold it gets during winter. In such cases, every house can benefit from a suitable furnace to help maintain warmth. However, even though furnaces help keep us comfortable, they are also prone to wear and tear like any other home appliance. Recognizing warning signs is imperative to prevent costly repairs and complete replacement.
A professional can smoothly handle these repairs without causing any disruptions. If you want furnace repair in Brantford, Aire One Heating & Cooling can help. We have been operating for almost 30 years and are known for our reliable services across Canada.
Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair
The furnace has many warning signs that indicate it needs repair:
● Inconsistent heating: If the temperature is inconsistent across rooms in your home, it is a fundamental sign that your furnace is not working as intended. This should be thoroughly investigated to find the source of the problem: Faulty ductwork, an inaccurate thermostat, etc. With time, these inconsistencies will lead to significant inconvenience and increased electricity bills.
● Unusual noises: When your furnace malfunctions, it won't operate quietly but instead causes certain noises like banging or booming, whistling, or grinding. Let’s break down what these noises might mean:
○ Banging or booming: These sounds are often produced by delayed ignition, where gas accumulates in the furnace’s combustion chamber before igniting. When the ignition finally occurs, the accumulated gas ignites a loud sound, resulting in a banging or booming sound. This delay can be due to issues such as soot build-up on the burner or an issue with the ignition system.
○ Whistling: Whistling or high-pitched noises typically indicate issues with airflow. The most common cause is a clogged air filter that limits air to the furnace and forces it to pass through restricted spaces, creating a whistling sound. Whistling can also be a sign of other airflow problems; blocked ducts, closed registers, or issues with the blower fan.
○ Grinding: A grinding noise is often associated with a problem in the blower motor, specifically the bearings. Over time, these bearings can wear out, causing the motor to grind or scrape sound as it turns. If left unresolved, this issue can lead to complete motor failure, so it’s essential to address it quickly. Lubrication or, in more severe cases, motor replacement may be necessary to fix the problem.
● Increased energy bills: An inefficient furnace can burden your wallet with increased electricity bills. The underlying issues causing this can be attributed to dirty filters, worn-out parts, or an outdated system.
● Frequent cycling: Frequent cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off for more than a normal amount of time, which we call short cycling in technical terms. In this case, the culprit can be a dirty filter or an oversized furnace. Short cycling significantly strains the furnace system, reducing efficiency and increasing costs.
● Reduced air quality: Indoor air quality also significantly highlights the state of your furnace system. Poor air quality indicates dirty filters, or malfunctioning components adversely affect your respiratory health and induce allergies in some cases.
● Visible issues: Water leaks around your furnace can indicate a serious problem, such as a cracked heat exchanger. Physical damage to your furnace, such as cracks or dents, can also compromise its performance and safety.
How Can I Prevent Furnace Breakdowns?
Now that we understand the signs that your furnace needs repair, let's look at the steps to prevent breakdowns and ensure its long-term performance:
● Scheduled annual inspections: To ensure your furnace is in top condition, regularly schedule professional inspections. A typical maintenance procedure consists of cleaning and lubricating the components, checking for wear and tear, inspecting electrical connections and safety controls, ensuring proper airflow, checking for gas leaks, etc. If you're looking for furnace repair Brantford, Aire One Heating & Cooling has attractive maintenance packages tailor-made for your needs.
● Change filters regularly: Air filters must be replaced every 1-3 months. They trap dust, dirt, and allergens. Not changing them leads to issues mentioned previously, like respiratory health problems and allergies. Dust buildup strains the furnace system and reduces its efficiency.
● Keep vents clear: A blockage in the vents can cause inconsistency in the temperature of different rooms in the home. Ideally, no furniture should block the vent openings. Professionals can help keep your ducts clean by removing obstructions like debris lodged inside them.
When to Consider Furnace Replacement?
While repairs may help the furnace extend its life in many scenarios, a replacement may sometimes become inevitable for cost-saving. Let's look at those cases:
● Age of the furnace: A furnace's lifespan ranges between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace has outlived its designated time, a replacement is your best bet.
● Energy efficiency: Most homes have outdated furnaces; although they still function at a specific capacity, they incur extra electricity costs. However, modern furnaces with advanced technology will save you a lot of money in the long run.
● Cost of repairs: When the cost of repairing an old furnace exceeds half the price of a new unit, it's time to replace it. Aire One Heating & Cooling can help you choose a suitable home furnace.
Why Choose Aire One Heating & Cooling for Furnace Repair in Brantford?
Aire One Heating & Cooling is one of the pioneers in the HVAC industry and has been serving Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Grimsby, Brantford, and surrounding areas for over 29 years. Our team of technical specialists is bonded, licensed, and factory trained. From repairing air conditioners to replacing air filters and servicing furnaces, we do it all.
We use advanced equipment to repair and maintain heating and cooling equipment in Canadian homes and businesses. We have also won several awards from recognized industry leaders for our achievements and dedicated customer service. Our team prioritizes your requirements and provides 24/7 emergency services. We also offer different maintenance packages to ensure your HVAC units are in perfect condition.
Contact us today to learn how Aire One Heating & Cooling can help with your furnace repair and replacement needs.