Furnace Failures

November 18, 2014 - Benjamin Dowson

Unlike many things in your house, a furnace is not a luxury item; it’s a necessity. A cold Alberta winter would be literally intolerable without one!

For this reason, it is always a good idea to make sure that your furnace is always in good working condition. The worst time to find out about a furnace problem is in the middle of winter.

While there are many things that can go wrong with your furnace, here are the most common symptoms that are indicative of a furnace failure:

Age

The average life expectancy of a furnace today is between 16-20 years. If your furnace is getting close to this age range then it may be time to start looking for a new furnace, even there is nothing wrong with your furnace currently. It is best to not wait until you have an emergency before you need a replacement.

Increase in Gas & Electricity bills

Before you blame your high utility bills on rising prices, consider that there may be a problem with your furnace. Furnaces lose their efficiency as they get older, and if they have not been properly maintained then they will not provide the same amount of heat as they used to for the same amount of energy.

Furnace Repairs Are Becoming More Frequent

As furnaces age, parts need to be replaced. As more breakdowns occur more parts need to be replaced, especially towards the end of the furnaces life. It doesn’t take long before these expenses add up and you are paying close to the price of a brand new furnace. Also, waiting for replacement parts for your furnace is not very fun in -20° weather!

While there are many, many things that can go wrong with your furnace, those are the most common ones. If you suspect that you furnace is not running as it should, don’t hesitate to give us a call now.