Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter months, but when the...
Your furnace helps keep your home comfortably toasty when the outdoor temperatures drop. However, like any other household appliance, it has a lifespan and requires repairs or a replacement as it ages. Recognizing early warning signs of furnace problems becomes crucial for maintaining comfort and avoiding costly emergency repairs during the cold months. Below, we’ve explained the top signs your furnace needs repairs or replacement.
Strange Noises Coming From the Furnace
Unusual sounds coming from any appliance are never a good thing. If something is wrong with your furnace, you might hear banging, squealing, grinding, or rattling noises coming from the unit or the vents, depending on whether it’s a ducted system. Usually, these sounds indicate the following:
- Grinding: Indicates possible motor bearing problems or blower wheel issues.
- Squealing: Points to possible belt problems or motor issues that can worsen rapidly without intervention.
- Banging /rattling: There might be loose components, cracked heat exchangers, or debris in the system.
All of these issues require professional inspection and repairs; attempting to fix them yourself could worsen the problem, as most of these components are delicate and need specific tools to handle them.
Uneven Heating in Your Home
Your furnace should evenly heat the entire area it covers, and how this works depends on the system you have. If you live in a traditional home with a ducted HVAC unit, air will blow through every open vent in the house. Cold spots in certain rooms or areas suggest blocked vents, damaged ductwork, or insufficient airflow from an aging system.
If you live in a manufactured home, you most likely have a packaged system or a mini-split system. Packaged systems, which combine heating and cooling components into a single unit, may struggle with airflow if the system is outdated, improperly sized, or has clogged filters. Mini-split systems, on the other hand, rely on individual air handlers for each zone, and uneven heating may indicate issues such as a malfunctioning air handler, incorrect settings, or refrigerant problems.
Rising Energy Bills
A spike in your energy bills is another sign your furnace needs repairs or a replacement. Typically, this occurs because as the appliance ages, the parts wear down, which can cause inner components to become less effective. As mechanisms deteriorate, the appliance itself works harder to achieve its normal power level, which requires more energy.
Factors such as clogged filters, dirty components, and worn parts force the system to run longer cycles to achieve the same heating results. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient furnace explicitly designed for manufactured homes can significantly reduce operating costs.
Frequent Need for Maintenance
If it seems like you’re calling an HVAC repair company frequently, it may be time to consider replacing your furnace. Constant breakdowns of different areas usually indicate that the system itself has worn out.
Keep receipts of every repair you make so you can track how frequently you’re calling for help. If the total cost of repairs exceeds half the price of a new furnace, it’s likely time to consider making the switch.
The Furnace Is Outdated
Most furnaces last around 15-20 years if they are properly maintained. By the end of their life, parts are more likely to wear out, which will require a repair or replacement, depending on your budget.
Sometimes, a repair can seem like the most cost-effective option if you look at price alone, but this isn’t always the case. As explained, an older furnace is more likely to break down, so one damaged part could just be the start. Check your paperwork to determine the age of your furnace and consider replacing it if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off repeatedly without completing full heating cycles. This problem strains system components, wastes energy, and fails to maintain consistent temperatures. Manufactured home furnaces are particularly susceptible to short cycling due to their compact installation and proximity to thermostats.
Some of the most common causes of short cycling include improper thermostat placement, oversized furnaces, or clogged filters. Fixing this issue often depends on the cause of it. While you can repair a problem caused by clogged filters, having an oversized furnace may require a total replacement.
The Furnace Produces Little to No Heat
Your furnace should warm your home up, and having it produce little to no heat on a cold day is frustrating. Typically, diminished heat output indicates serious furnace problems that require immediate professional attention. Clogged vents, failing heat exchangers, or malfunctioning gas valves can prevent the proper heat generation.
Poor Air Quality in Your Home
Declining indoor air quality often stems from furnace problems affecting air circulation and filtration. Excessive dust, dry air, or stale odors indicate your heating system isn’t properly filtering and circulating air.
Outdated filtration systems or clogged filters allow dust, allergens, and pollutants to circulate throughout your home, compromising indoor air quality. Cracked heat exchangers or damaged ductwork can introduce contaminants into your air supply. Modern furnaces with advanced filtration systems significantly improve indoor air quality while providing efficient heating.
How To Prevent Issues
Nobody wants their furnace to break down and leave them without heat, especially during the winter months. Maintenance is crucial for keeping your furnace running smoothly and preventing costly repairs. Here are some tips for preventing furnace problems:
- Schedule annual maintenance checkups by a licensed technician.
- Replace air filters every 1-3 months.
- Keep vents and registers clear of obstructions.
- Check for any unusual noises or smells coming from the furnace.
If you notice any issues or something doesn’t seem right with your furnace, it’s essential to address it promptly. Ignoring warning signs can lead to more significant and costly problems down the line.
When To Call a Professional
Contact an HVAC technician as soon as you notice your mobile home furnace isn’t working the way it usually does. Licensed HVAC technicians can accurately diagnose problems and recommend solutions tailored to your manufactured home’s specific needs.
Moreover, professional technicians understand the unique requirements of manufactured home heating systems and can recommend repairs or replacements that fit your space and budget. They can also identify potential safety hazards and ensure your heating system operates efficiently and safely. Regular professional maintenance extends the life of your furnace and prevents unexpected breakdowns during cold weather.
Contact Us
Capitol Supply & Service has over four decades of industry expertise and can inspect your manufactured home’s furnace. We’ll use our knowledge to determine whether it’s best to repair or replace your unit, helping to keep your home warm. If you need to replace your furnace, our team can help you determine which of our options would be best for you. Take action today to ensure your furnace keeps your home warm and comfortable throughout the entire season.
