Top 5 Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention Before Fall

Anyone else notice the temperature dropping in Myrtle Beach already? September mornings can be as cold as 60 degrees! As summer fades and the cooler days of fall approach, it’s easy to forget about your furnace—until that first chilly evening hits. Mornings you might be able to ignore as you’re rushing out the door, but at dinnertime? You want to come home to a comfortable house without having to immediately find that extra sweatshirt. However, don’t wait until the last minute to realize your furnace needs attention. Addressing potential issues before the temperatures drop can save you from unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and an uncomfortable home. Here are five signs that your furnace needs attention before fall sets in.

1. Strange Noises

If your furnace makes unusual noises like banging, clanking, or screeching, that’s a clear sign something is wrong. Typically, furnaces run with a low hum, so anything louder or different could mean your furnace needs attention. Common noises you may hear include:

Banging or Popping Sounds: This could be due to expanding and contracting ductwork or a delayed ignition in the furnace.
Screeching or Whining: A worn-out blower motor or faulty belt is often the cause of this sound.
Rattling: Loose parts inside the furnace or problems with the heat exchanger can cause rattling. This can become a major issue, and should be addressed immediately.

2. Inconsistent or Weak Heating

Does your home feel unevenly heated, or is the air coming from your vents not as warm as it should be? Inconsistent heating is one of the most obvious signs that your furnace needs attention. Blocked air filters are one of the most common culprits. After the summer months, dirt and dust that has clogged the filters can reduce airflow all around your home, making it harder to distribute warmer air.

Another common issue is your thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is working properly, as malfunctions can cause your furance from working as it should, or even altogether! If you’re experiencing these issues, don’t wait for them to get worse. It’s always a good idea to schedule regular maintenance at the beginning of every season.

3. Pilot Light and Ignition Problems

Your furnace’s pilot light works as a working signal for your furance. If the pilot light flickers, won’t stay lit, or changes color, it’s a sign your furnace needs attention. A properly functioning pilot light should burn blue—any other color, like yellow or orange, could indicate that carbon monoxide isn’t venting properly, which can be dangerous for your home and family.

Also, over time, dirt buildup around the pilot light can prevent it from igniting correctly. When this happens, it can disrupt regular usage. If you notice any issues with the pilot light, contact a technician right away to address the problem and avoid potential safety hazards.

4. Frequent Cycling On and Off

If your furnace is cycling on and off more frequently than usual, this can be a red flag for issues. Known as short cycling, this issue not only wastes energy but also puts extra strain on your furnace. Frequent cycling can lead to higher energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. There are a few reasons why this might happen:

Thermostat Malfunctions: A faulty thermostat might be giving incorrect readings, causing your furnace to turn on and off unnecessarily.
Overheating: A furnace that’s overheating will shut down to protect itself, which can happen due to blocked airflow or a malfunctioning heat exchanger.
Airflow Restrictions: Clogged filters or dirty blower components can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to short cycle.

5. Rising Energy Bills

Have you noticed you’re suddenly spending way more than you usually do for your monthly electric bill? If your energy bills are spiking without an obvious reason, it could be a sign that your furnace needs attention. An inefficient furnace works harder to keep your home warm, leading to increased energy consumption. This means higher bills without the payoff.

Some of the most common reasons for this lack of efficiency can include clogged or dirty filters, worn-out parts, or even leaky ducts. It’s important to stay up to date on your maintenance, including replacing any parts that may be old before they fully break. If your energy bills are higher than normal for this time of year, it’s a good idea to have your furnace inspected for any inefficiencies or issues.

Your Furnace Needs Attention from Beach Air HVAC

Being proactive about furnace maintenance can save you time, money, and stress. If your furnace needs attention, it’s best to address any issues now before the cold weather arrives. A thorough inspection and tune-up will ensure your system runs efficiently and reliably all fall and winter long.

Whether it’s strange noises, inconsistent heating, pilot light problems, frequent cycling, or rising energy bills, these are all signs that your furnace needs attention. Don’t wait for a breakdown to ruin your comfort—get ahead of the game and schedule with Beach Air today!

At Beach Air HVAC, we’re committed to providing top-notch service and expert advice to help you get the most out of your HVAC system. Beach Air HVAC are your trusted local HVAC technicians ready to take on any problems you may have year-round. Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at 843-796-3798 for a consultation.