If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your furnace until it’s not working correctly. And when that happens, it’s usually pretty obvious that something is wrong and needs to be repaired. But how do you know for sure if your furnace needs repair services? Here are 15 signs that it might be time to call in the professionals.
1. Your furnace is making strange noises.
If your furnace is making strange noises, it’s time for a repair. Some common furnace sounds that indicate a problem include banging, grinding, or squealing. If you hear any of these noises coming from your furnace, turn it off immediately and call a repair service. Continuing to operate a furnace with these kinds of problems can end up doing severe damage to the unit, and that will end up costing you a lot more money in the long run. So don’t delay. If your furnace is making strange noises, call for repairs right away!

2. You're not getting enough heat.
If your furnace isn’t producing enough heat to keep your home comfortable, there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. An issue could cause this with the pilot light, the igniter, or something else entirely. Regardless of the cause, you’ll need to call in a professional to take a look and make the necessary repairs. In the meantime, you can try using space heaters to help supplement the heat coming from your furnace.
3. Your furnace is cycling on and off too frequently.
If your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than normal, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the unit. This problem could be caused by a faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or another issue. Whatever the cause, it’s best to have a repair service take a look so they can fix the problem and prevent any further damage to your furnace.
4. The air coming from your vents is dusty or dirty.
If you notice that the air coming from your vents is incredibly dusty or dirty, it’s probably time for a furnace repair. Several different things could cause this problem, but it most likely indicates that your furnace needs to be cleaned. A professional repair service will be able to take care of this for you and have your furnace looking and running like new in no time.

5. You see flames coming from your furnace.
This one is pretty obvious – if you see flames coming from your furnace, turn it off immediately, call emergency services, and call a repair service! This is a severe problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible by a professional. In the meantime, try to keep your home warm by using other heat sources such as space heaters.
6. The pilot light is yellow instead of blue.
The color of your pilot light can tell you a lot about the condition of your furnace. A healthy pilot light should be burning bright blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your furnace. You should have a professional inspect your furnace to make sure everything is in working order.
7. Your energy bills are higher than usual.
If you notice that your energy bills have been gradually increasing, even though you haven’t changed your habits, it could be a sign that your furnace is becoming less efficient. This problem should be addressed by a professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your furnace (and your wallet) down the road. If you’re not sure what’s causing your high energy bills, contact a professional HVAC technician for help. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action.
8. There's water around your furnace.
If you see water pooled around your furnace, it’s time for a repair. A variety of different problems could cause this but most likely indicates that there’s a leak somewhere in the unit. A professional will be able to take a look and diagnose the issue so that it can be fixed properly.
Make sure to avoid using your furnace until the repair has been made. Running it with a water leak could cause further damage and even pose a safety hazard. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

9. Your furnace is more than 15 years old.
If your furnace is getting up there in age, it’s time for a tune-up. Even if it’s been working fine up until now, an older furnace is more likely to break down and need repairs. By having a professional service come in and take a look, you can catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road.
Plus, a tune-up will help keep your furnace running efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bills. So if you’re not sure when the last time your furnace was serviced, now is the time to schedule an appointment.
10. The flame sensor is dirty.
The flame sensor is responsible for detecting whether or not the pilot light is lit. If it gets too dirty, it can’t do its job correctly and will need to be cleaned. This is a pretty easy fix that you can do yourself, but if you’re not comfortable doing it, you can always call a professional to take care of it for you.
In Summary
If you notice any of these problems with your furnace, it’s time for a repair. By taking care of the issue right away, you can prevent further damage to your furnace and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your furnace or how to fix it, contact Control Techs NW. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. We’re here to help you keep your home comfortable all year round!
For furnace repair services in Clackamas, OR, contact Control Techs NW today! We’re here to help you keep your home comfortable all winter long.