Furnace problems, lifespan and upkeep
A furnace heats your home by burning gas or oil (or using electric elements) and blowing the warmed air through the ducts. Most trouble comes from a few things: airflow, the thermostat, and the ignition or safety systems. A furnace that won't heat or won't turn on is the classic sign. Gas and burner work always belongs to a licensed pro.
Typical lifespan: about 15–20 years
Signs it is near the end:
- Repairs are getting frequent, or a single repair costs a large share of a new furnace.
- Uneven heat, short cycling, or rising energy bills.
- Rust, soot, a cracked heat exchanger, or a yellow rather than blue burner flame (call a pro right away).
- Loud banging, rattling or squealing from the blower or burners.
- Replace the air filter every 1–3 months during heating season.
- Keep supply vents and return grilles unblocked.
- Have a technician service the furnace once a year, before winter.
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, and replace their batteries.
- Keep the area around the furnace clear of storage and anything flammable.
- Heat pumpFall
The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.
- Washer
Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.
- Fridge
The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.
- Washer
The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.
Diagnose your furnace in seconds, for free
No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.
Snap one of these:
- the status light through the small window on the lower door, and its blink pattern
- the model label on the side of the unit
Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.
Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.