One of the most important aspects of a home is the HVAC system, including your furnace. Not only does your furnace guarantee aesthetic pleasure, it also provides a comfortable living space, especially when the weather gets cold.
However, because your furnace stays off for almost half of the year, it may get damaged without you noticing it. Minor or major furnace issues require schedule repairs and regular annual maintenance to ensure that your furnace is always up and running most especially during freezing winter months.
In this post, you’ll learn how to identify the signs when your furnace needs repair.
Strange Smells
When you turn your furnace on for the first time, your furnace may smell like fuel, but the odor eventually dissipates as it runs. However, be wary if you notice a strange odor or intense smell that doesn’t go away around your furnace. A weird smell is an indication of a furnace problem caused by different issues, such as excessive dust and gas leaks. That’s why it’s important to consult an HVAC professional to determine the real cause of the problem.
Here are some tips and tricks when choosing an HVAC company to repair your furnace:
- Get referrals from the previous clients of your prospective furnace company, such as your relatives, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.
- Check the company’s website and find identifiable markers of legitimacy at their homepage, such as a physical address, contact number (customer support hotline), license number, and a logo of membership to well-known HVAC organizations.
- Contact the furnace company and ask to provide references (at least three). Make sure to contact each reference to ensure you’re dealing with a trusted and reputable HVAC expert.
Strange Noises
While no furnace is silent, persistent and loud noises indicate a serious furnace problem. Whistling and squealing noises usually come from fan or belt issues. On the other hand, groaning, loose, or broken internal components generally cause banging issues. That’s why you need to pay attention to strange sounds or noises and tell it to your HVAC contractor upon inspection.
Yellow Pilot Light
If the pilot light appears yellow, it’s a sign of ventilation problem. The yellow light means that the gases are no longer equal. The normal pilot light is usually blue, but the color changes when carbon dioxide and other gases don’t properly dissipate. This issue can lead to health problems and also make your unit combustible.
Here are the top issues caused by a malfunctioning furnace:
- Financial Stress: Your old and damaged furnace won’t heat your home properly, leading to heat loss and energy waste, so your bill will become significantly higher.
- Breathing Problems: A malfunctioning furnace can affect the indoor quality of your home that may cause asthma and other respiratory health problems. Also, an outdated or damaged heating system can introduce mold, bacteria, dust, and other harmful microorganisms into your home.
- Fire Hazard: Oil and gas are highly flammable, so you need to contact an HVAC professional if you notice signs of furnace problems.
Inadequate Heat
If your furnace isn’t doing its job regardless of the thermostat settings, it means that your unit is not producing enough heat. The most common causes of poor heating performance include leaking ductwork and faulty thermostats.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Because your furnace system directly impacts your home’s indoor quality, you need to make sure that it is always in good condition. If your furnace is poorly maintained, bacteria, dirt, and other foreign particles may cause colds, allergy, and other health problems. Air quality issues are usually resolved by replacing the filter, but serious problems need professional cleaning of the ductwork and the entire unit.
Trouble Turning the Unit
If it seems difficult to start the furnace, it means that it’s already aging due to wear and tear. You likely need furnace repair if you need to keep on trying to start your furnace multiple times. The possible reasons for these functionality issues include damaged thermostats or disconnected wiring. To resolve the issue, a furnace technician may need to replace the affected part.
Your Carbon-Monoxide Detector Shuts off
The carbon-monoxide detector of your furnace alerts you when toxic gases are present, so if it goes off, turn your unit off immediately. Make sure to open your windows for proper ventilation.
Conclusion
Be confident to identify the signs of minor and major furnace problems, like strange odors, weird noises, poor air quality, or insufficient heating. Your electricity bill may spike if you fail to maintain your HVAC correctly, that’s why maintenance and preventive repairs are highly recommended for a more comfortable home.