It’s surprising when a brand-new furnace starts to malfunction. When a furnace has worked almost perfectly for many years, though, and suddenly starts to show signs of failure, it can be almost just as alarming. A reliable, older furnace will still need repairs eventually. And at some point, you’ll have to replace your furnace altogether.
We’re here to offer some guidance about what may be happening with your home heating system when it fails to work as expected. If you have an older furnace, a sudden malfunction may not mean the end of its life. However, you’ll likely have to call in technicians to be sure.
When a furnace stops heating a home, many homeowners hope for the best. “I think the thermostat is broken,” they may say, hoping a quick calibration or rewiring will do the trick. Others jump to the worst-case scenario: “I think it may need to be replaced.”
Before we begin, we want to remind you that if you suspect a gas leak, vacate the home ASAP and call the gas company. If you don’t have the number on hand, call 911. For your family’s health and safety, it’s not worth staying indoors. You should also make sure the home is properly equipped with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that are regularly tested.