Signs Your Furnace is in Need of Repair

When the seasons begin to change, and the weather begins to get cold, you must rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable. However, due to your furnace being off for half of the year, your unit can become damaged without you even knowing it. There are warning signs that your furnace needs repair that you should pay special attention to.

Warning Signs of a Furnace Going Out

Here are some signs your furnace is going out.

Abnormal Smells

Furnaces may smell like the fuel they use, especially when you turn them on for the first time in months. However, many odors go away as the unit runs. If you notice a strong smell of fuel around your furnace or an odor that appears suddenly and doesn’t go away over time, this may be a clear indication of a problem. These smells can be related to many issues such as a gas leak or even an excessive amount of dust in the unit. The only way to determine the cause is to have a professional come out to assess the odor.

Problems Starting the Unit

As the furnace ages, you may notice that you have difficulties turning it on and keeping it running. If you have to try several times to start your furnace or you find yourself having to restart it throughout the day, it’s possible you need a repair.

Issues with functionality tend to come from damaged thermostats or disconnected wiring. Simply replacing the part that is faulty should take care of the issue.

Pilot Light Discoloration

Always pay attention to the color of your pilot light. A pilot light that is healthy appears blue. However, pilot lights that are of a different color, such as yellow, may indicate an issue with ventilation. The color change happens when gases such as carbon monoxide don’t resolve as they should. This issue can lead to health problems for your entire household and even make your furnace more combustible if the issue isn’t addressed.

Not Enough Heat

One of the most obvious signs that your furnace may need repairing is that it’s failing to do its job. If your furnace is not producing any heat or only producing heat at a low level no matter what you set your thermostat to, you should schedule a repair. The most common cause of this type of issue is leaking ductwork that allows air to escape. Your thermostat may also be faulty.

Constant Noises

Furnaces are not silent. However, loud and persistent sounds can indicate a serious issue. Pay attention to any sounds you hear and, if possible, describe them to your HVAC professional during an inspection. Whistling and squealing sounds may indicate an issue with the belt or dan. Groaning or banging sounds may indicate a loose or broken internal part.

Poor Air Quality

Your furnace has a direct impact on the air quality in your home. A system that has not been maintained properly may push out dirt, bacteria, and other particles throughout your home along with the heated air. You may notice more dust in your home, along with frequent colds and coughs. A simple filter replacement may take care of this issue.

Categorised in: Furnace Repair

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