Furnace Winter Maintenance: 5 Signs It Needs Repair Before Winter
When winter hits the Pacific Northwest, it’s nice to know you have a reliable furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable. With regular maintenance, you can avoid those dreaded mid-winter breakdowns.
By getting ahead of major issues, you can save tons of money in potential repair costs. This will also improve your system's energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy says that regular maintenance can save you up to 30% in annual heating expenses.
If you want to save money and feel secure about your system, keep reading. We will explain why furnace maintenance is important before winter.
Why Furnace Maintenance is Crucial Before Winter
Regular maintenance not only saves energy but also improves indoor air quality by reducing dust and allergens that circulate in your home.
How do you check a furnace? With a little pre-winter hating system maintenance, you can give your system what it needs to run efficiently all winter. Let’s take a look at the top 5 signs your furnace needs repair.
Sign 1: Inconsistent or Insufficient Heating
Are some rooms in your home colder than others during the winter months? Or is the heat coming through your vents not quite to the desired temperature? Then something may be wrong with the furnace. A healthy heating system should circulate warmth throughout the entirety of your home.
Check by holding a hand over the vents. It should feel similar to the warm, steady air created when you hold your hand over a cooking vent. If several of those vents blow cooler air or 'feel' weak, there may be a problem with the blower, ductwork, or filters.
Sign 2: Strange Noises Coming from the Furnace
Is your heating system making strange noises? It’s probably trying to tell you that something's wrong.
Different noises can mean different issues. For instance, a banging noise may suggest an ignition problem. A squealing noise is likely a worn-out belt and a rattling noise may be the result of loose components.
The best way to diagnose the issue if you’re unsure is to call in a pro.
Sign 3: High Energy Bills Without Increased Usage
Have you notice that your energy bills are higher? Yet you don't use your furnace any more than you have in the past? Then perhaps your system just isn't operating as efficiently. Compare your current bills with past seasons and look for any unusual spikes.
Some of the common culprits are filthy air filters and malfunctioning parts. Regular furnace maintenance is one of the best ways to save your system from burning more energy than it should, which could be helping lower your bills in the long run.
Sign 4: Frequent Cycling or Difficulty Turning On
Is your HVAC system short-cycling or not turning on at all? These are surefire signs something is wrong. If your furnace gets too hot, for example, it could cause it to short cycle. This is usually a dirty filter or airflow issue.
Before winter rolls around, set your thermostat to your desired temperature and make sure your furnace turns on properly. If it’s still short cycling or won’t stay on, call your local HVAC technician.
Sign 5: Yellow Pilot Light or Unusual Smells
The pilot light in your furnace should be blue. If it’s yellow or blue but flickering, you likely have a ventilation issue or worse, a buildup of carbon monoxide. If you smell an unusual odor coming from your furnace, take that as a red flag.
A gas smell could signal a leak, a burning smell may mean dust buildup, and musty odors often point to mold in the ducts. To keep your furnace safe and your air quality in check, make sure it’s serviced before winter.
How Often Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?
You should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any potential issues early.
Regular inspections and tune-ups improve efficiency and extend your furnace’s lifespan. For Portland and Vancouver homeowners, the best times to schedule furnace maintenance are in the fall, just before the cold hits, or in late spring when usage is low.
How Do I Know If I Need a New Furnace?
If you’re wondering whether your furnace is still in good shape or if it’s time to let it retire, there are a few telltale signs to watch out for.
First, check its age.
If your furnace is pushing past 15–20 years, it might be nearing the end of its glory days. Like any good machine, furnaces have a lifespan, and after a couple of decades, it’s pretty common for things to start going downhill. Older systems tend to work harder, which leads to the next point, frequent repairs. If you find yourself on a first-name basis with your HVAC technician, those repairs might start costing more than the furnace is worth!
The last sign is that your energy bills are higher than usual. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model might be an investment upfront but it can also cut down on your monthly energy expenses.
How to Service a Furnace for Winter
How to tell if furnace is working? Getting your furnace ready for winter is easy with a few quick steps.
Check and Replace Your Air Filters: Clogged filters make your furnace work harder, so make sure to replace them when necessary.
Inspect Your Vents and Ducts: Look for any blockages like dust or debris, and clear them out to keep the warm air flowing.
Test Your Thermostat: Set it to your preferred temperature (around 68–72°F is usually ideal) and make sure your system responds properly.
Professional Furnace Winter Maintenance Services
Hiring a professional for your furnace’s winter tune-up is one of the best decisions you’ll make all year.
A professional will do a deep inspection, cleaning all the parts you might overlook. They will make sure everything’s running efficiently. During the inspection, they’ll check for worn components and make sure your system is prepped for the cold months ahead.
Plus, they can catch small issues before they grow out of control.
If you’re in search of a trusted HVAC contractor in Portland or Vancouver, look for companies with good reviews, proper licensing, and transparent pricing.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Winter—Get Your Furnace Ready Now!
If you’re dealing with an old furnace that’s showing signs of a breakdown, it might be time for a repair or replacement. Before the cold months come around, schedule a professional inspection with hvac professionals to ensure your system is ready to roll all winter long. This can actually save you from costly repairs if it turns into an emergency visit for repair.
If you’ve been in search of reliable HVAC services in Portland and Vancouver, give us a call at Miller's Heating and Air! Our team is here to help. Contact us today to book your furnace checkup!
