Sudden furnace failure isn’t only inconvenient; it can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable family members. At Central Heating, we know how frustrating it can be trying to reach a heating contractor for emergency repairs and getting a recording or answering machine.
You can call us day or night and talk to a live operator when you need emergency heating repair. Our technicians are fully licensed and trained to service most major brands.
If you’re in Orillia, Simcoe County, or the Muskoka District Municipality and need expert heater repair quickly, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re not convinced, we’re the right HVAC contractor to call in an emergency, read our customer reviews and find out what others say about our work.
4 Signs You Need to Call a Heating Repair Company
Modern home heaters and furnaces are built to run reliably for years; however, wear and tear and lack of maintenance take their toll and can cause systems to fail prematurely.
Here are the most common warning signs that your heater may be on its last legs and that you should call for emergency heater repair as soon as possible.
Unusual Noises
By now, you’re probably familiar with the sounds your furnace makes during operation. So, when you hear something you’ve never heard before, like squealing, rattling, or grinding, it usually means a component is damaged. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away and could mean total system failure down the road.
Short Cycling
Your furnace undergoes normal start/stop cycles, which become more frequent during winter as it works to maintain the desired temperature. However, if the system goes through frequent on/off cycling without providing the heat you want, it could be a dirty air filter or mechanical issue causing the problem.
Odours
A foul odour coming from your heater could mean a gas leak or an electrical problem. Don’t take these odours for granted; call a professional HVAC technician to ensure your family’s safety.
Lukewarm or Cold Air
If you find your furnace blows lukewarm or cold air regardless of the thermostat setting, it requires immediate attention to determine the problem and repair it.
Whenever your furnace starts doing something different than usual, it’s best to call Central Heating for a heater tune-up to be safe and avoid expensive system replacement.
How to Know When It’s Time for a New Furnace Installation
Your furnace is an expensive home investment that’s designed to provide you with years of reliable service. And, because they’re so expensive, it’s understandable that homeowners more often opt to repair their ageing furnaces than spring for a new one.
However, all good things must come to an end, and that includes your furnace.
Here are the most common signs that say it’s time to say goodbye to your old heater and upgrade to a new model.
Age
According to experts, the average lifespan of a gas furnace is about 15 to 18 years. Once your system is over 15 years old, it’s wise to plan on replacing it with a more efficient model.
Increased Heating Bills
There are many reasons why your heating bills may suddenly spike, but one common reason is your heater is on its last legs. As internal parts wear out, your heater uses more energy to do the same job, which means higher energy bills. Sometimes, you can solve this problem with a heater tune-up, but in most cases, installing a new furnace makes the most sense.
Uneven Temperature
As your furnace ages, it becomes more difficult for it to heat your home evenly. Often, this happens as internal parts corrode and wear down, and the system becomes less efficient. Depending on the furnace's age, it’s usually recommended you replace it once it reaches this stage of deterioration.
Yellow Flame
A healthy furnace flame burns blue, so if you notice the flame is yellow or orange, it usually means you have a gas leak. If the leak is caused by a crack in the system, replacing it is the only option to ensure your family’s safety.
If you notice any of the above signs occurring in your furnace, contact Central Heating to discuss your replacement options.
3 Ways Furnace Maintenance Can Save You Money
Furnace replacement is expensive, so it’s wise to do everything you can to keep your current system running efficiently and as long-lasting as possible.
If you’re not sold on annual furnace maintenance, here are three reasons to consider adding it to your list of household chores.
Furnace Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns
Routine furnace maintenance allows you to find and repair minor issues before they have the chance to cause significant damage and system breakdown. Also, furnace maintenance costs are a drop in the bucket compared to furnace replacement.
Furnace Maintenance Keeps Your Furnace Efficient
An inefficient furnace costs more to operate than one that’s firing on all cylinders. If your furnace struggles to maintain the desired temperature, it draws more power, which can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Routine maintenance ensures optimal performance, which keeps energy costs low.
Furnace Maintenance Increases Performance
A well-maintained furnace runs better than one in a state of disrepair, which means it provides you with more even heat and greater comfort. When your heater works properly, you don’t waste time fiddling with the thermostat to dial in the heat, causing the system to use more energy.
