Your furnace might be trying to tell you something. Unfortunately, if you don't know its language, you might miss out on some valuable information. Knowing its language can mean the difference between a well-running furnace and an emergency break-down in the dead of winter. Before you're faced with an emergency situation, take a look at these warning signs that your furnace may be trying to communicate to you.

1. Escalating Utility Bills

If you're paying more money each month to heat your home, rising fuel costs might not be the reason. As furnaces age, it takes them longer to heat your home, which means your utility costs are going to go up. If you've insulated your home and you're heating costs are still rising, it might be time to consider having your furnace replaced.

Frequency of Repairs

Have you had your furnace repaired more than once in the past few years? If you have, it might be a sign that your furnace is aging. The older your furnace is, the more repairs it will require. Most furnaces will have more frequent malfunctions the closer they get to total break-down. If your furnace is experiencing a break-down at least once a year, it's probably time to have a new one installed.

Strange or Unfamiliar Sounds

If your furnace is getting old, it might start making strange noises – such as banging, thumping, popping or rattling. You may also hear your furnace blower turning on and off more often than it used to.

These are all signs that your furnace may be on its last legs. If you've noticed sounds that you're not familiar with, you may want to consider having your furnace replaced before it breaks down permanently.

Family Experiencing Frequent Flu-Like Symptoms

Older furnaces can develop cracks in the heat exchangers. When that happens, carbon monoxide can leak into your home. This is a potentially deadly problem that can go undetected until it's too late.

If you've been experiencing flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, burning eyes or throat, or disorientation, you should have your furnace inspected as soon as possible. This is particularly important if no one else that you know is currently sick, or if you've been sick more often than usual.

When it comes to your furnace, what you don't know can hurt you. This list will help you understand the subtle, or not-so-subtle signs that your furnace may be trying to communicate to you. If you become ill whenever your heater is on, you need to contact a repair technician company like Elite Heating & Air Conditioning.