Let’s Talk about Replacing Furnaces: When Must We Do It?

furnace

We may not be sure when our furnaces were installed, but we’re certain it’s been around for quite some time. Chances are it was already in our homes when we bought them. As time passes, we may feel it’s time to repair or replace your furnace. What is the normal lifespan of a heating system, and when should you consider getting a new furnace? Keep reading as we answer the question, “When must we replace home furnaces?”

Replace When: You’ve Got Higher Power Costs

If you want to lower your monthly energy costs, now might be a great time to upgrade your furnace. Newer systems are designed to be much more efficient than those from even a few years ago. Investing in a new furnace will help you save money and satisfy you.

Replace When: Repairs Are Too Costly

If you’re tired of paying for regular, expensive repairs to furnaces, it may be time to replace them. The cost of repairing old units can add up quickly, and you may be worried that the next breakdown will be more serious. 

New furnaces can be a more cost-effective option than trying to repair outdated systems, especially if repair costs are over half the cost of new units!

Replace When: You Hear Loud Noises

Noises from furnaces are a sign that something is wrong. It can be as easy as changing the air filter, but it could also be more serious such as a cracked heat exchanger. If this is the case, it can be dangerous and deadly as it could lead to a carbon monoxide leak in the home. 

If replacing the air filter does not help, it is important to have a professional HVAC technician take a look at the furnace. If it is in bad condition, it may need to be replaced for safety reasons.

Replace When: They Suddenly Power On or Off

Functioning furnaces normally cycle on and off as your home reaches the thermostat’s preset temperature. However, they might need replacement if they begin to turn on and off more (or less) often than they used to. Why? When essential components fail, this dysfunction will force other components to work harder, causing changes in the usual cycle.

Replace When: They Produce Zero Heat

If your furnace isn’t keeping your entire house warm, it’s time to figure out the issue. It may be a problem a repair person can fix, but if not, it might be time to get a new one.

Replace When: They Produce Yellow Flames

If furnaces exhibit yellow flames instead of the typical blue, that could indicate clogging in the burner or the flame sensor. This obstruction affects their airflow and can release carbon monoxide into the home. 

To guarantee the safety of your household, it is important to call a professional HVAC technician to assess the situation and determine if the furnace needs to be changed.

To Close

While proper furnaces last a good 20 years with regular servicing every one to three months, keeping them any longer won’t do you any favours. Your home may suffer from higher energy costs, frequent repair bills, or a fire hazard due to a malfunction. Replace the device even when just one of these signs happens.

Keep Your Home Safe with Climate Experts

Climate Experts guarantees quality service and installation for air conditioners, hot water tanks, boilers, and furnaces in Pickering. Get your free estimate by calling 1-855-241-7171 or emailing info@climateexperts.ca today!

5 Possible Reasons Why Your Furnace is Making Noises

furnace

Modern furnaces are designed to operate quietly, but if you hear rattling, screeching, or banging coming from your furnace, it is a sign that something is wrong. It is important to figure out what is causing the noise to determine if the issue is serious or not. 

The noises may be your furnace trying to tell you something is wrong and could be hazardous. Finding the noise source and addressing the problem will help ensure your furnace continues to run efficiently and safely.

Let’s look at some of the possible causes of your furnace noises.

1) Blower Motor

The blower motor is the fan that circulates air through your ducts and into your home. If you hear a loud rattling sound coming from your furnace, it could be a sign that the blower motor is going bad. The motor may need to be replaced, or the fan blades may need to be cleaned or adjusted.

To ensure that your furnace works optimally, it is important to keep the blower motor well-lubricated. If there is not enough oil in the motor, it can cause harm to the entire furnace system.

2) Duct Issues

Ducts are the pathways that allow air from the furnace to flow throughout your home. If there are any blockages or leaks in the ducts, it can cause a decrease in airflow, making the furnace less efficient.

In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to have your ducts inspected and cleaned regularly. This will help to ensure that your furnace runs at its highest efficiency.

3) Heat Exchanger Breaking Down

The heat exchanger is an important component of your furnace. It is responsible for transferring heat from the furnace to the air that is being circulated throughout your home.

If the heat exchanger is beginning to break down, it can cause the furnace to become less efficient and may even lead to the furnace breaking down completely.

4) Dirty Burners

If you have just turned on your furnace and you hear a loud boom or bang, similar to an explosion, this is an indication that your furnace burners may be dirty. This can cause a delayed ignition, which is hazardous and should be addressed immediately.

The burners in your furnace are responsible for providing the fuel necessary to generate the heat that is circulated throughout your home. If the burners become dirty and clogged, it can cause the furnace to become less efficient and may even lead to a complete breakdown of the unit.

5) Dirty Furnace Filter

The high-pitched sound that sometimes emits from your furnace may be caused by an obstructed air filter. This could be due to an accumulation of dust, pet hair, and other debris that is blocking the airflow, causing the air to whistle as it is forced through.

You can easily take care of noise problems yourself with no large expense. If you have disposable filters, get a new one and replace the existing one. Alternatively, if you have a permanent filter, make sure to clean it.

Conclusion

Furnace making noises can be caused by various reasons ranging from normal operation to more serious underlying problems. The most common causes of noisy furnaces are air filters, blower fans, burners, and ignitions.

If you think you might have furnace issues, Climate Experts can help you out. We offer furnace repair in Pickering to ensure your systems are running properly and thoroughly. Get in touch with us today to get started.

Answering the Most Popular Furnace Maintenance Questions

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When it comes to furnace maintenance, there are some popular questions that come up again and again. In this blog, we’ll answer the most common furnace maintenance questions and provide tips to keep your furnace running efficiently.

1. When Should You Replace Your Furnace Filter?

Replacing your furnace filter is an important part of furnace maintenance. The filter helps keep the air in your home clean, and it also helps protect your furnace from wear and tear. The frequency with which you need to replace your filter depends on the type of filter you have.

Standard one-inch filters should be changed every three months, while thicker filters can last up to six months. It’s important to check your filter every month and replace it when it’s dirty.

2. How Often Should Furnace Cleaning Be Done?

Furnace cleaning should be done at least once a year to keep your furnace running efficiently. During the furnace cleaning, a technician will inspect the furnace and clean the air ducts, blower, and other components. The technician will also check for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or leaks. If any repairs are needed, the technician will make them.

3. What Do You Do If Your Furnace Is Leaking?

If your furnace is leaking, the first thing you should do is shut off the power to the furnace. Then, you should call a professional who can assess the situation and determine the cause of the leak. It could be something as simple as a loose connection or a clogged condensate line, or it could be something more serious, such as a broken heat exchanger.

Either way, it’s best to have a professional take a look at your furnace and make the necessary repairs.

4. What Do You Do If Your Furnace Keeps Turning On and Off?

If your furnace is cycling on and off too often, it could be a sign that the thermostat is not accurate or the filter is clogged. First, you should check the thermostat and make sure it is set to the correct temperature.

If it is, then you should check the filter and replace it if it is dirty. If the problem persists, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, and you should contact a professional HVAC technician for assistance.

5. Why Is a Furnace Beeping Constantly?

Constant beeping is usually a sign that there is a problem with the furnace. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the motor, or the wiring. In some cases, it could also be due to a safety feature designed to alert you to a problem with the furnace. If you hear a constant beeping, it’s best to contact a professional to inspect and repair the furnace.

6. Should a Furnace Be Repaired or Replaced?

When it comes to furnace repair or replacement, it is important to consider the age of the system as well as the cost of the repair. If your furnace is more than ten years old and requires a costly repair, replacing it with a new, energy-efficient model might be more cost-effective.

On the other hand, if the system is still relatively new or the repair cost is minimal, it might be better to repair the existing system. Consulting with a professional HVAC technician can help you determine the best course of action.

Final Thoughts

By addressing these key furnace maintenance questions, you can ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and safely all year round. If you have any further questions about furnace maintenance, it is best to contact a professional who can provide you with the best advice for your specific situation.

Do you need furnace repair in Pickering and its nearby areas? Let Climate Experts help you. We offer gas furnace repair, installation, and maintenance services to help you maximize its lifespan. Call us today for high-quality services that will give you peace of mind!

9 Common Causes Why Your Furnace Keeps On Shutting Off

furnace

One of the most frustrating things that can happen during winter is when your furnace keeps shutting off. Not only is this annoying and inconvenient, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your furnace. 

Before you call a technician, it’s essential to understand why your furnace might be shutting off, and we will explore those common causes in this article.

1. Lack of Airflow

If there is inadequate airflow, the furnace will not be able to circulate air efficiently and will eventually shut off. To fix this issue, make sure that all of your vents and registers are open and free of obstructions. You can also check for any blockages in the ductwork and have them removed if necessary. 

2. Faulty Thermostat

A thermostat that is not calibrated correctly can cause your furnace to shut off prematurely. To ensure that your thermostat is working correctly, check the batteries first and then adjust the temperature setting. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the thermostat. 

3. Dirty Flame Sensor

The flame sensor is a small device that detects when the furnace is on and off. If it’s covered in dirt or debris, it won’t be able to detect the flame, and the furnace will shut off. You can clean the flame sensor yourself or hire a professional to do it.

4. Malfunctioning Ignition System 

If the pilot light isn’t lit or the gas valve isn’t opening, the furnace won’t be able to start. This is a situation where you should contact a professional to have the issue resolved.

5. Faulty Fan Limit Switch

Faulty fan limit switch is responsible for regulating the temperature of the furnace, and if it malfunctions, it can cause the furnace to shut off. To fix this issue, you can replace the fan limit switch. 

6. Not Getting Enough Power

A furnace may shut down because it’s not getting enough power. This can be caused by a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. If your furnace isn’t getting enough power, you’ll need to reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse.

7. Blocked Chimney

A blocked chimney can cause a buildup of dangerous gases and a lack of airflow, which can cause the furnace to shut off. To check for a blocked chimney, look for signs of smoke or soot and have it inspected by a professional if necessary. 

8. Blocked Vents

Blocked vents can prevent air from moving through your furnace, causing it to overheat and shut down. Ensure that all of your vents are open and free of debris to keep your furnace running properly.

9. Pilot Light Issues

If your furnace’s pilot light is not functioning properly, it can cause your furnace to shut off. This could be caused by a dirty flame sensor or a gas leak. 

Conclusion

There you have it – the nine common causes why your furnace keeps on shutting off. These are just a few of the possible reasons why your furnace may be shutting off. If you’re still having trouble figuring out the cause, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for help. They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Are you looking for reliable furnace maintenance in Pickering, Oshawa, Ajax, and Toronto? Climate Experts is here to help. We are a Canadian-owned and -operated company that provides professional installation, service, and maintenance of all major brands of furnaces and air conditioners. Call us today at 1-855-241-7171.