How To Know When You Need Furnace Service
After running nearly nonstop all winter, your furnace may have wear and tear that needs attention. If you haven’t already scheduled a professional furnace service, it’s not too late to catch malfunctions early—especially as chilly mornings cause intermittent use before months of inactivity. Taking care of your system now ensures it’s ready to handle freezing temperatures and snowstorms next winter.
7 signs it’s time to schedule your furnace service:
An Unexpected Increase in Energy Bills
If your energy bills were noticeably higher than before, your furnace may not be running efficiently. Scheduling a professional furnace service can help diagnose the issue—whether it needs a simple repair or, in severe cases, a full replacement. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, investing in a new system may cost more upfront but will lower utility bills over time, ultimately saving you money.
A Yellow-Hued Pilot Light
The pilot light is a small, continuously burning flame that ignites the burners to provide heat for your home. It should always burn a clean, bright blue and be visible under the unit. If the flame appears yellow, it could indicate a clogged system, restricted airflow, mechanical issues, or, in severe cases, a carbon monoxide leak.
Your Furnace is from the 90s or Older
A typical furnace lasts 15 to 20 years, so if yours was installed before the early 2000s, it’s likely time for a replacement. Scheduling a furnace service now ensures your system is winter-ready, preventing unexpected failures from outdated systems.
You’ve Been Noticing Some Strange Noise
Strange furnace noises are a sign it’s time for a professional furnace service. Squeaks, creaks, booms, grinds, and hisses should be inspected by an expert before they turn into bigger problems. In some cases, a simple cleaning or tightening loose parts will solve the issue, but other times, these sounds signal a more serious problem.
Your House isn’t Heating up
Furnace service is necessary if your home isn’t staying warm. Poor heating performance could be due to poor insulation, leaky ducts, a faulty thermostat, and more. If you weren’t happy with your home’s temperature last winter, now is the best time to fix the issue to stay comfortable all winter.
Your Furnace is Cycling Too Often
Frequent furnace cycling without delivering enough heat is a sign you need service. Professional furnace service can pinpoint the cause, such as a faulty thermostat or internal overheating, both of which can cause permanent damage if left unaddressed.
It’s Been More than a Year
We strongly recommend annual tune-ups for all your HVAC equipment. Being proactive with furnace service is the best way to catch issues early, prevent costly breakdowns, and extend equipment life. Trust us, annual service is far more affordable than preventable emergency calls.
If you’re interested in setting up a scheduled plan, we offer a Premier Service Club that makes maintenance easy.
West Michigan’s HVAC Leaders
Baumann & DeGroot Heating and Cooling has been providing high quality, affordable heating and cooling service to our friends and neighbors in West Michigan for 30 years. Our employees are skilled, kind, and equipped to serve your needs.
Ready to schedule? Contact Baumann & DeGroot at (616)396-4328 or schedule online.
