There’s never a convenient time for your heating system to break down, especially during an Iowa winter. The good news? Most furnace problems give warning signs before they turn into full-blown emergencies. Knowing what to look for can save you money, discomfort, and the stress of an unexpected breakdown.
After four decades of serving Farley and Dubuque County, our team at Kertels has seen it all. Here are the seven warning signs that tell us a heating system needs professional attention.
1. Rising Energy Bills
Has your heating bill increased significantly compared to last year, even though your usage habits haven’t changed? This is often the first sign of a furnace losing efficiency. Common causes include:
- Dirty or clogged filters restricting airflow
- Worn-out components forcing the system to work harder
- Ductwork leaks losing heated air
- A system that’s simply aging out
If your bills have jumped 20% or more without explanation, it’s time for a professional inspection.
2. Uneven Heating Throughout Your Home
When some rooms feel like saunas while others stay cold, your heating system is telling you something’s wrong. This problem can stem from:
- Blocked or damaged ductwork
- A failing blower motor
- Improperly sized equipment
- Thermostat issues
While closing vents in unused rooms might seem like a solution, it actually creates pressure imbalances that can damage your system. Let a professional diagnose the real cause.
3. Strange Noises from Your Furnace
Your furnace should operate relatively quietly. If you’re hearing new sounds, pay attention:
- Banging or popping: Often indicates delayed ignition or expanding ductwork
- Squealing or screeching: Usually a belt or bearing issue
- Rattling: Could be loose panels or components
- Humming or buzzing: May signal electrical problems
- Clicking: Normal at startup, but constant clicking suggests ignition issues
Don’t ignore these sounds. What starts as a minor noise can quickly become a major repair.
4. Frequent Cycling On and Off
Your furnace should run in relatively steady cycles. If it’s constantly turning on and off (called short cycling), something’s wrong. Common causes include:
- Overheating due to restricted airflow
- A faulty thermostat
- An oversized furnace for your home
- A failing heat exchanger
Short cycling wastes energy and puts excessive wear on your system’s components.
5. Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
If your furnace has a pilot light, it should burn a steady blue flame. A yellow, orange, or flickering flame can indicate:
- Incomplete combustion
- Excess carbon monoxide production
- Ventilation problems
- Burner issues
This is a safety concern. If you notice a discolored pilot light, turn off your furnace and call a professional immediately.
6. Poor Air Quality and Excess Dust
Your heating system does more than warm your home—it also circulates and filters air. If you notice:
- More dust accumulating on surfaces
- Increased allergy symptoms
- Dry air that irritates skin and sinuses
- Stale or musty odors
Your system may not be filtering or humidifying properly. This could be as simple as a filter change or as complex as ductwork cleaning or humidity control issues.
7. Your System Is Over 15 Years Old
Even well-maintained furnaces have a lifespan. Most last 15-20 years, but efficiency declines significantly in the later years. If your system is approaching this age and showing any of the above symptoms, it may be more cost-effective to replace rather than repair.
Modern high-efficiency furnaces can reduce your heating costs by 20-30% compared to older models. We can help you evaluate whether repair or replacement makes the most financial sense.
The Cost of Waiting
We understand the temptation to ignore minor issues, hoping they’ll go away. But with heating systems, small problems almost always grow into bigger ones. A $200 repair today could prevent a $2,000 replacement next month—or worse, a breakdown on the coldest night of the year.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
- Don’t panic. Most issues are fixable when caught early.
- Check your filter first. A dirty filter causes many problems and is an easy fix.
- Note the symptoms. When you call us, the more details you can provide, the faster we can help.
- Schedule service promptly. Winter is our busy season—the sooner you call, the sooner we can get to you.
Comfort Club Members Get Priority Service
Our Comfort Club members never wait long for help. Priority service means you jump to the front of the line when something goes wrong, with no extra charges for weekends or holidays.
Concerned about your heating system? Don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Schedule a diagnostic visit or call Kertels at (563) 744-3754. We’ll identify the problem and give you honest advice on the best solution.
People before profit. Integrity before income. That’s how we’ve done business for over 40 years.