Furnace on the Fritz? Don't Put off Furnace Repair for Next Winter

Indiana winters can be a little harsh. Coming home to a cold house on a frigid day is the last thing you want. While winter is almost over, you don’t want to overlook the importance of late-season furnace repair. Thankfully, Area Sheet Metal Heating + Cooling is here to provide as-needed 24/7 emergency furnace repair for local homeowners. Even though winter is ending, you don’t want to put off repairs until the next winter season.

Why do Homeowners Call us for Late Winter Furnace Repair?

Even though winter is on its way out, you’ll still experience chilly spring nights. It’s not time to turn off the furnace quite yet! 

But when you notice that your furnace is on the fritz, you’ll want to pick up the phone and call us at Area Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling. Putting off furnace repairs until next winter is only kicking the can down the road, and it’s a decision you’ll most likely regret. 

Many furnace repair calls we take are for the following issues:

  • Furnace Produces No Heat
  • Furnace Isn’t Producing Enough Heat
  • Furnace Turns On & Shuts Off Too Frequently
  • Furnace Blower Doesn’t Turn Off
  • Furnace Is Noisy With Loud Banging and Clanging or Humming

Fortunately, many of these issues are relatively easy to resolve. Common culprits may include: 

  • A thermostat problem
  • Dirty furnace air filter
  • Obstructed air flow in the combustion air chamber
  • Blower motor problem
  • Belts, motors, or shaft bearings that need to be cleaned or lubricated. 

While repairable, many of these problems are also preventable. That’s why we are always encouraging homeowners to sign up for our Discount Club, making you the first priority when you need furnace repair.

What Happens if You Ignore Furnace Repair Problems?

Ignoring furnace repair problems can lead to a cascade of issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to major safety hazards. Here’s a breakdown of what happens when furnace maintenance is pushed aside:

Increased Energy Bills

A furnace that's not functioning efficiently uses more energy to heat your home. This inefficiency stems from clogged filters, worn parts, or improper calibration, forcing the system to work harder and longer to maintain the desired temperature. The result is a noticeable spike in your energy bills.

Poor Heating Performance

One of the most immediate consequences of neglecting furnace repair is inadequate heating. Whether it's due to blocked air filters, malfunctioning thermostats, or issues with the blower, the comfort of your living space will diminish. You might find some rooms are colder than others, or the furnace struggles to reach the set temperature.

Compromised Air Quality

The quality of air in your home directly depends on the cleanliness and efficiency of your furnace. Ignoring repairs can lead to dust, pollen, and other pollutants circulating throughout your home. This is particularly concerning for individuals with allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, as it can exacerbate their conditions.

Frequent Breakdowns

Minor issues can rapidly evolve into significant problems if left unaddressed. Components under stress are more likely to fail, leading to more frequent and costly repairs. Regular maintenance can identify and fix small issues before they escalate, saving time and money in the long run.

Reduced Lifespan of the Furnace

A well-maintained furnace can last up to 20 years, but neglect can significantly shorten this lifespan. Continuous strain on the furnace without proper checks and balances accelerates wear and tear, meaning you’ll face the expense of replacing your furnace sooner than expected.

Safety Hazards

Perhaps the most concerning consequence of overlooking furnace repair is the potential safety risk. A malfunctioning furnace can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which are odorless and colorless, making them particularly dangerous. Fires can also occur from overheated systems or electrical faults. Ensuring your furnace is in good working order is essential to prevent these hazards.

The Benefits of Furnace Maintenance & Tuneups 

In order for your furnace to run reliably and efficiently, it must be properly maintained. This is the only way you can ensure it lasts up to and preferably beyond the manufacturer’s recommended age. A furnace can last for up to two decades with good care and preventative maintenance. Without these things, you’re looking at replacing the unit every decade, which definitely isn’t economical.

This isn’t even getting into the costs of a poorly maintained furnace that’s not running efficiently. A furnace that isn’t heating your home properly will often overwork itself to compensate. This will first be detected by a rising heating bill before individual components eventually break down and the system stops working altogether.

When your situation reaches that point, and you reach out to us for furnace repair in Cranberry, we’ll be at your door in no time. Our experienced technicians will evaluate the condition of your furnace and run diagnostics. We’ll then explain to you what’s needed to get your unit back up and running effectively and efficiently. In nearly all cases, your home will have heat by the time we leave.

However, beyond that, we’ll advise you on how to prevent a repeat of the problem next year or the year following. This is best done with an annual furnace tune-up prior to each winter. But don’t panic! There is still time to get your furnace repair done now. Furnace tune-ups can involve:

  • Assessing Furnace Exhaust Flue For Proper Draft
  • Checking/Adjusting Gas Pressure at the Operating Valve
  • Checking/Adjusting Thermostat for Accurate Heating System Controls
  • Checking/Adjusting Heating Burners For Proper Operation & Signs of Wear
  • Checking/Adjusting Blower Belt
  • Furnace Filter Check
  • Furnace Blower Motor Check
  • Assessing Heat Exchanger to Look for Cracks
  • Assessing All Mechanical Parts for Signs of Wear
  • Assessment of Pilot Assembly
  • Assessment of Blower Assembly
  • Assessment of Ductwork
  • Carbon Monoxide Leakage Check

Get Furnace Repair Now and Enjoy Year-Round Comfort with Area Sheet Metal Heating + Cooling

Whether you need emergency furnace repair in Cranberry, or you’d like to talk about our Discount Club for furnace maintenance/tune-up plans, Area Sheet Metal is just a phone call away. Call us today at 219-400-3345!