3 Signs of an Impending Furnace Breakdown

Originally published Dec. 19, 2019, updated Jan. 12, 2022.

With winter in full force in Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, you need your furnace to operate properly and efficiently to keep everyone in your family warm and comfortable. Sometimes there are warning signs of an impending repair that signals itself when it becomes hard to stay warm. Keep an eye out for some of the most common warning signs of an impending furnace problem.

Age of the Furnace

Although it’s not necessarily a warning sign, the age of your unit can be a crucial factor for knowing when it’s time to start planning ahead for a new furnace. A properly-maintained furnace will often last for 15 to 20 years or longer. Near the end of that estimated lifespan, the unit may lose efficiency and require more frequent repairs, which can indicate the need for a new unit. Instead of continuing to invest money in a furnace that is more than 20 years old, it usually makes more sense to replace the unit with a new, more efficient model.

Increased Utility Bills

Higher utility bills are never fun to deal with, especially when they spike from one month to the next. Some fluctuation between seasons is normal, but you shouldn’t see a major increase year over year. A sudden jump in your home’s energy cost can indicate that your HVAC system isn’t operating as efficiently, which will cost you more and waste a lot of energy.

Smells and Sounds

When a furnace is experiencing a problem, it may give off some strange odors or make some unexpected noises. The smell of overheated metal, rubber, or plastic can indicate that components within the furnace are burning due to excess heat. If you catch a whiff of rotten eggs, this may indicate a gas leak, which is a concerning situation. Knocking, grinding, or squealing sounds often mean that parts within the unit have come loose or slipped out of place.

At Dulin Mechanical, we can diagnose problems with your furnace and repair your system, or if needed, help you plan ahead for a replacement. Contact us at for any information on a new heating system.

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