Owning an older home comes with charm and character, but it can also mean dealing with aging systems, including your furnace. Furnaces in older homes often face unique challenges due to wear and tear, outdated technology, or even improper installation or maintenance over the years. Recognizing common furnace problems early can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your home stays warm and comfortable during the colder months.
At Advanced Cooling, we’ve helped homeowners across Texas and Oklahoma address furnace issues in older homes since 2001. Here’s a guide to the most common problems you might encounter and how to handle them.
Inefficient Heating
Older furnaces can struggle to heat your home evenly or efficiently, often due to outdated components or insufficient power for the size of your space. Common symptoms include:
- Certain rooms being colder than others.
- Long heating cycles.
- Rising energy bills without increased usage.
What to Do
- Schedule a professional inspection to evaluate your furnace’s capacity and efficiency.
- Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient system if your current unit is no longer meeting your needs.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
If your furnace turns on and off frequently, it may be short cycling. This can be caused by:
- A dirty air filter restricting airflow.
- A malfunctioning thermostat.
- An oversized furnace for your home.
What to Do
- Replace the air filter regularly.
- Check your thermostat settings and test for functionality.
- Consult an HVAC professional to determine if your furnace size is appropriate for your home.
Pilot Light Issues
Older gas furnaces often rely on a pilot light, which can experience problems like going out frequently or burning a yellow flame instead of blue. A yellow or flickering flame may indicate improper combustion or a gas leak.
What to Do
- Relight the pilot light if it goes out, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the flame is yellow or unstable, call a professional immediately to inspect the system for safety hazards.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a vital component that separates combustion gases from the air circulating in your home. Over time, it can crack due to age and wear, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
What to Do
- Schedule regular maintenance to inspect the heat exchanger for cracks.
- Replace the furnace if the heat exchanger is damaged, as this is often a costly repair.
Noisy Operation
Rattling, banging, or squealing noises are common in older furnaces and often indicate underlying problems such as:
- Loose components.
- Worn-out belts or bearings.
- Airflow obstructions.
What to Do
- Tighten visible screws and bolts if you’re comfortable doing so.
- Call an HVAC technician to diagnose and address mechanical issues.
Outdated Thermostat
Older homes often have outdated thermostats that lack precision or modern features like programmable settings. An inefficient thermostat can result in inconsistent heating and higher energy bills.
What to Do
- Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy efficiency.
- Ensure the new thermostat is compatible with your existing furnace.
Dirty or Clogged Ductwork
Years of dust, debris, and even mold can accumulate in the ductwork of older homes, reducing airflow and indoor air quality. This can also strain your furnace and cause it to work harder than necessary.
What to Do
- Have your ducts professionally cleaned to improve airflow and air quality.
- Seal any visible leaks in the ductwork with mastic sealant or metal-backed tape.
Outdated Technology and Lack of Replacement Parts
Older furnaces may have outdated components that are no longer manufactured, making repairs more difficult and costly.
What to Do
- Consult with an HVAC professional to determine whether repairing or replacing your furnace is the best option.
- Consider upgrading to a modern system for improved efficiency and reliability.
High Energy Consumption
Older furnaces are typically less energy-efficient than modern models, especially if they’ve been in use for decades. This can result in higher heating costs, even if the furnace seems to be working properly.
What to Do
- Schedule a professional energy audit to identify inefficiencies.
- Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR®-certified furnace to lower energy bills and reduce environmental impact.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
Furnaces in older homes may have gone years without proper maintenance, leading to wear and tear that could have been prevented.
What to Do
- Establish a regular maintenance schedule with a trusted HVAC contractor.
- Ensure the system is inspected and tuned up at least once a year.
How Advanced Cooling Can Help
Since 2001, Advanced Cooling has been dedicated to providing friendly, reliable, and affordable HVAC services to homeowners in Texas and Oklahoma. We specialize in diagnosing and repairing furnace issues in older homes, as well as offering energy-efficient upgrades to improve comfort and reduce costs.
Our professional team is here to help with:
- Regular maintenance and inspections.
- Repairs for aging furnaces.
- Recommendations for upgrades and replacements.
Conclusion
Furnaces in older homes face unique challenges, but regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues can keep them running efficiently and safely. By watching for common problems like inefficient heating, pilot light issues, or noisy operation, you can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your furnace.
If you’re dealing with furnace problems or need professional advice, Advanced Cooling is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a service or learn more about how we can keep your older home warm and comfortable all winter long!
Advanced Cooling is the premier choice for HVAC services in Texas and Oklahoma. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Advanced Cooling for all of your HVAC needs in Texas and Oklahoma.
