Installing a furnace in your home can help keep your household warm during cold months. Your furnace will need regular maintenance and repairs to keep it working efficiently. Effective furnace repair and maintenance can help prevent more expensive issues down the road. Here are six common warning signs that your furnace needs repairs and what you can do to address them:
- Inconsistent Heating
During installation, furnace experts assess your needs before installing a unit that can meet those needs. If your home’s temperature is no longer consistent, your furnace might be struggling to distribute heat evenly. Inconsistent heating can be due to issues with the blower fan, clogged air filters, or a faulty thermostat.
If you notice some rooms feel too warm while others remain cold, check your furnace’s air filters. If the issue persists, hire a technician to diagnose the problem and fix it.
- Strange Noises
Strange noises in your furnace can indicate underlying issues that your furnace repair expert should investigate. Sounds like rattling, screeching, or popping can result from issues like loose components, a malfunctioning ignition, or a damaged motor. Ignoring the noises can lead to further damage and increased repair costs.
Once your furnace starts making strange noises, book an inspection with a reputable HVAC company. The technicians can inspect your system and identify the source of the noise before conducting necessary repairs.
- Increased Energy Bills
An unexplained increase in your electricity bills can indicate that your furnace is not operating efficiently. Furnaces may become less efficient as they age, causing them to work harder and consume more power. Clogged air ducts can force your furnace to work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
Scheduling a furnace inspection can help identify inefficiencies or issues causing the increased energy consumption. Your technician can help fix such issues or recommend changing to a newer system. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient furnace can be a cost-effective solution in the long run.
- Flickering Pilot Light
Pilot lights are installed on certain furnaces to provide a continuous flame that ignites the gas when it’s turned on. A functional pilot light should burn blue. If you notice the light is yellow or flickering, it can signal issues with the gas combustion process. Blockages or leaks in the furnace could also cause your pilot light to go out, which can be a safety hazard.
Turn off your furnace once you notice a yellow, flickering, or blocked pilot light to prevent accidents. Hire an emergency HVAC service to help diagnose and repair the issue.
- Unpleasant Odors
Foul and unusual odors coming from your furnace can indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly. Musty smells may emanate from blockages within your duct system. Burning smells can indicate problems with your furnace’s electrical system. A rotten egg smell may suggest a gas leak, which can be a safety concern.
If you notice an unusual odor, schedule an inspection and repair service. In the case of a gas leak, turn off your gas supply system, evacuate your home, and call a furnace technician for assistance.
- Short Cycling
Short cycling refers to instances when your furnace turns on and off. Frequent on-and-off cycles may point to issues with the heat exchanger or a malfunctioning thermostat. Short cycling can reduce your furnace’s efficiency and strain the furnace’s components.
Hiring a furnace technician to check your system for underlying problems can help identify what causes the short cycling. Addressing the underlying issues can help your furnace operate more efficiently. Prompt repairs may also help extend your furnace’s life.
Hire Professional Furnace Repair Experts
A furnace can help warm up your home, keeping it comfortable in the cold winter months. Reputable furnace repair experts can help identify and address warning signs of the furnace system early. Repairs can help verify your system is safe and efficient while preventing costly repairs in the future.