Home furnaces become our ally when the weather gets cold, and you have to make sure that they are in optimal working condition. It can be a hassle to go through seasonal issues like burst pipes. Unfortunately, most homeowners will only learn about the issue when they start using the furnace, since it remains turned off for a large part of the year. It’s recommended to do furnace repairs immediately to prevent serious problems later on. Here are some telltale signs that your furnace is in need of attention:
Abnormal Furnace Odors
When you turn on your furnace, you would typically smell the fuel used for it. Ideally, the smell would evaporate as it continues to run. However, if you happen to smell something strong surrounding the unit, take it as a sign that your furnace has issues. Take note that the smell can come from a gas leak or dust build up inside the unit. It is best to consult HVAC professionals like 888 Heating to identify the cause.
Poor Air Quality
You may not know it, but your furnace system at home can have a significant effect on their quality of air that circulates in your home. If you haven’t had your furnace serviced in years, it can accumulate dust particles, foreign bodies, and bacteria, along with the heated air that circulates in your home. When this happens, you will notice that you and your family might suffer from a persistent cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and a whole slew of respiratory illnesses. You may also notice that family members with hypersensitivity would often experience watery eyes, itchiness, and even migraines. In most cases, replacing air filters may be enough. However, more serious ones may stem from faulty ductwork.
Struggling to Turn On the Unit
Furnaces should typically be easy to turn on. However, as they age, you may find it harder to turn the unit on and keep it running. If you have to start the unit multiple times before you can turn it on or it does not keep running continuously, you may need to have your furnace repaired. These issues do not mean that you need to replace your unit. In some cases, the issue can be immediately addressed by checking the wiring or adjusting the thermostats.
Abnormal Pilot Light
One of the first things that you should take note is your pilot light’s color. If you notice that it is discolored, it may indicate problems with your unit. Ideally, a pilot light would appear blue. If it appears yellow, it may signal problems with ventilation, and this can have serious health implications, as it may cause your unit to retain carbon monoxide.
Poor Heating
If you have an appropriately sized furnace, it should do its job of properly heating your home. If the unit produces less heat no matter how you adjust its thermostat, you may need to schedule a repair since your unit may have faulty ductwork.
Abnormal Noises
A furnace can be noisy, but it may be a more serious one if you notice the noises become abnormal, such as getting louder and persistent. Constant squealing and whistling noises would usually come from loose belts or faulty fans. If you notice banging sounds, it may mean that your furnace may have loose or broken components.
Make it a part of your home maintenance routine to have your furnace inspected. If you notice any of these signs in your home, schedule an inspection with your HVAC contractor.