If you’re looking to keep your utility bills low and your home cozy, it’s important to see the signs when furnace repair is needed. Without regular care and occasional maintenance, your furnace is subject to breakdowns, leaks, or potentially costly damage. A great HVAC company will work with you to troubleshoot even the most puzzling furnace repair problem; you should only resort to installing a new unit when all other fixes have failed. The best heating companies can keep your furnace running safely and effectively for several years. In fact, your furnace can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance. Pay attention to these signs that your furnace is in need of a fix.
Ineffective Heat Distribution
Is your furnace not working as well as it used to? Do you notice that your energy bills are getting higher every year? Do you find yourself running the heating longer and higher than normal? These could all be signs that your furnace needs care. One of the most common causes of the inefficient furnace heat is leaky ductwork or a faulty thermostat. System blockages, gas leaks, and bad routing can also pose challenges. Luckily, a good HVAC company can easily fix these issues if contacted in a timely manner. Our annual inspections including heating services will ensure that your heat distribution is at maximum efficiency.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm is Triggering
If your carbon monoxide detector goes off after you turn on the furnace, take immediate action. Turn off your furnace, open your doors and windows, and call a trusted HVAC to come and conduct an inspection. Carbon monoxide leaks are one of the riskiest furnace repair problems and should be handled by a professional. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, so it’s key that you detect any leaks right away. Remember to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector every year when temperatures start to drop and heaters are turned on.
Bad or Strange Odors
The first time you fire up the furnace each winter, you’ll normally smell dust for a few minutes. If this smell persists for more than thirty minutes, or if you detect any burning, gaseous, or bad scents, this could signal an issue. Gas leaks, excessive dust, debris, and droppings can all lead to strange smells coming from your unit and should be checked out right away.
Trouble Starting Up the Furnace
When you turn up the thermostat, it sends a signal to fire the pilot light that ignites the furnace. Over time, the pilot light, thermostat, or other wiring issues can prevent the furnace from starting up correctly. You may notice that your furnace does not start on the first try, or goes out several times before your home is adequately heated. This is a very common issue that often occurs in older furnaces. Sometimes the HVAC technician can resolve this issue by replacing an individual component, like the pilot light or thermostat. In more severe cases, a new furnace system may be required. Make sure the technician explains all of your options before committing to a solution.
Yellow or Green Pilot Light
If the pilot light is easily visible by your furnace, you’ll notice that it’s normally a vibrant blue hue when lit. If your pilot light appears yellow, green, or faded this could be the sign of an issue. This could indicate an issue with the gases, including carbon monoxide dissipation problems, and should be dealt with right away. When in doubt, refrain from using the furnace until you have an inspection from an experienced technician.
Strange Noises
Most furnaces make a ticking, rumbling, or pinging sound upon ignition or after running for several hours. While some amount of noise from the furnace is normal, it should not persist for more than a few minutes. In addition, if you hear banging, clattering, groaning, or whistling noises, it could be a sign of a loose or damaged part. Pay close attention to these sounds, and record them if possible. Once you contact an HVAC technician, they may be able to diagnose the issue as a belt or fan problem.
Poor Air Quality & Increase in Allergens
If you notice visible dust or particles floating around after turning on the furnace, this could be a sign that your system needs maintenance. In addition, if the residents of your home are noticing an increase in allergies, coughs, colds, or headaches, your furnace may be compromising your air quality. Small children, pets, and elderly family members can be especially sensitive to these issues, so don’t hesitate to book an inspection at the first sign of a problem. Your technician might simply need to replace or clean a filter in order to alleviate the impacts. In other situations, they may recommend a duct cleaning or replacement.
Water Leaks
If you notice damp walls or puddles near your furnace, call a technician right away. Not only could this signal the need for a furnace repair, but it can also lead to costly damage to other parts of your home like flooring or walls. Water leaks can cause mold and rust, so have them assessed right away to reduce the chance of more problems.
Not Enough Heat
If you’ve just moved into a new home, you might be experiencing your first winter in the property. It’s possible that the original furnace is not large enough to heat the home, or that recent renovations have changed the thermodynamics of the property. Open floor plans, higher ceilings, and additional windows can cause the need for a more powerful furnace. An HVAC professional can assess the square footage and layout of your home to ensure that you have the right size furnace to keep things toasty.
Common Furnace Repairs
A trustworthy HVAC company will suggest the right repairs and inspections to keep your furnace functioning for years to come. Regular maintenance can help keep costs low, ensuring that your system is running as efficiently as possible. Ask your technician about these common furnace repairs:
- Filter cleaning or replacement
- Duct cleaning, repair, or replacement
- Thermostat calibration or replacement
- Tests for gas leaks and gas dissipation
- Fan belt checks
- Pilot light repairs or replacement
- System diagnostics and efficiency overview
When it comes to caring for your home, there’s a constant list of factors to consider. Working with a reliable and trustworthy HVAC company will streamline your maintenance routine, and can save you time and money in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with dust, a bad pilot light, or a system re-haul, a knowledgeable technician will point you in the right direction and keep your furnace happy for years to come. Contact Us Today for a FREE Estimate!
