As much as you might think you’ll know, as soon as your furnace needs repair, many problems are difficult to spot. This is especially true in Florida, where temperatures are relatively warm throughout the year. Your furnace may get so little use that you don’t know when something is wrong. And yet, you should have a reliable heating system in your home when temperatures fall below freezing for 5-10 days during the winter. You should turn your heating system on at least once during the fall to test it before winter arrives.

These signs indicate your furnace needs service:

• Increasing heating bills
• Uneven temperatures in your house
• Poor airflow from your vents
• Burning smell that doesn’t go away after a few minutes
• Strange sounds such as knocking, grinding, or squealing

You should also contact us if your carbon monoxide detector ever goes off. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be fatal in large doses. It’s produced by a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger, and it can only be detected by a carbon monoxide detector. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, evacuate your home immediately and contact us for repairs once emergency services say it is safe to reenter.

You’re also more likely to notice these signs if you have an older furnace or have neglected HVAC maintenance. Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years, but they can start to have problems after about 10 years. As for maintenance, your heating system should receive at least one tune-up yearly, preferably in the fall before the heating season starts. This tune-up should keep your furnace running reliably for the next year and might uncover minor issues before they become serious problems.