HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT YOUR STRUGGLING FURNACE

By now, your Philadelphia furnace has been put through its paces. We’ve seen some cold snaps, some frosty mornings, and the holidays are almost upon us. But if you’ve noticed your furnace isn’t keeping up like it did last year, it might be time to figure out why.

Some furnace fixes should only be tackled by a professional, but you can do some basic troubleshooting on your own, too. These might lead you to an easy fix and save you the cost of a service call, or they might give you a better idea of what to tell the technician.

Here are some furnace troubleshooting steps from the experts at Stallion Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

1) CHECK YOUR FILTERS

Dirty filters are the No. 1 preventable problem HVAC technicians see in the field. Your furnace can’t breathe through a dirty filter, and clogged filters make the whole system work harder, leading to break-downs. If you haven’t checked your filters recently, do so before calling for service.

2) CHECK YOUR VENTS

Have you moved furniture around or gotten new drapes this year? Check to make sure you haven’t blocked a vent in the process. If a room feels colder than it did last year, that might be why.

3) LISTEN FOR NOISES

Are you hearing strange rattles, pops or hums from your furnace? This could mean a belt or motor is wearing out. You should call for service right away to prevent a breakdown.

4) CONSIDER ITS AGE

Most furnaces have a lifespan of about 15 years, shorter if you’ve neglected regular maintenance. If your system is getting close to that age, it might be time to consider replacing it. The good news is that a more energy-efficient furnace can save money on your utility bills, and a service expert can show you options and financing to fit your budget.

If you’ve followed these tips, and you think your furnace might give up the ghost at the worst possible time this holiday season, don’t take any chances. Call the furnace experts at Stallion Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We can diagnose the issue and get you back to a cozy season of celebration. Call (215) 461-3635 or book online today.