Uneven heating refers to the issue when parts of the home heat better than others.

A variety of things cause uneven heating. First, rule out issues with airflow. Sometimes, making sure vents are not blocked and that filters are clean is all that you need to fix an uneven heating issue.

If everything should be operating properly and you still have problems, one or two problems are likely the cause. Components could be failing in the furnace, such as the blower, so that heat does not move as it should. Another issue is that the furnace is too small to properly heat your home.

The main concern with uneven heating is discomfort. If uneven heating affects rooms with water pipes, you could also be in danger of a frozen pipe.

When your home heating bills begin to rise, but you have had no recent price or usage increases, your furnace could be to blame.

Older units are not as energy-efficient as newer furnaces, so they can be much more expensive to run. Although a furnace can last for up to 30 years, start considering replacement once your furnace is 15 years old — especially if energy costs have gone up.

Your main concern will be cost, but an older furnace is also more likely to break down. If the breakdown occurs in winter, you may have to deal with no heat during freezing temperatures.

Your furnace should run relatively silently, other than the quiet whoosh of the fan or a soft pop when the furnace first kicks on.

A variety of causes exist for furnace noise. Failing motors and blowers can create loud whines or screeches, while issues with the burner or fuel system can result in bangs and pops. Make note of the type of noise and at which point in the furnace cycle it occurs so your tech can more easily discern the cause.

If the motor or blower fails, then your furnace cannot heat your home. Burner issues are more of a concern, since the fuel is combustible and a problem can lead to a fire or even a small explosion.

Combustion issues can be a safety hazard as well as a sign that your furnace is on its last legs.

The combustion system on a furnace typically consists of a fuel holding and delivery system, a burner, and a flame (or pilot light). A failure in any of these components is a major problem.

Not only will your furnace fail to heat well if you have issues in the combustion system, but you also have the danger of carbon monoxide gas poisoning your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Further, combustion issues can also lead to fires or explosions, particularly if the pilot light burns unevenly or if the fuel delivery valve has leaked.

If you have noticed soot around your furnace register, then this could indicate a major problem with your furnace.

A likely cause of soot around your furnace registers or grilles is too much C02. Additionally, you might have a leak in your heat exchanger.

While soot can dirty your home, it also can impact your health and damage your furnishings and flooring. If anyone in the home suffers from respiratory issues, soot can aggravate those. You might also experience itchy throats and dry eyes. An additional worry, as mentioned in the section above, is carbon monoxide poisoning.

A well-maintained furnace in its prime should require little more than a yearly tune-up and a periodic minor repair. If you make constant repair calls, you need to consider replacement.

Age is the typical reason for constant repairs, but faulty components or damage may also be the reason that your furnace always breaks down.

The cost of the repair combined with the fear of breakdown is a major concern. If your furnace tech comes out more than once a year, especially for a different problem each time, then replacement may be the most cost-effective issue.

Do not risk your health and home with a faulty furnace. Contact Central York for more help with your furnace issues. We are able to work on any brand, make, or model of furnace. We can also install a new furnace that is right for your home and your family’s heating needs. We look forward to speaking with you and answering all your furnace-related questions and concerns.