As winter approaches, like other homeowners, you rely on your heating systems to keep your home warm and pleasant. However, things do not always go as planned. When your furnace starts acting up, it’s essential to know when to call in furnace service experts.
Remember that ignoring even minor problems might lead to larger, costlier problems down the road. And you don’t want this. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of common signs it’s time to seek professional furnace repair services before winter weather sets in.
Unusual sounds
Most modern heating systems are relatively quiet. Therefore, if your furnace begins to make weird sounds, it is a strong indication that something is wrong. Ignoring these noises might lead to more serious problems in the future, which no one wants as temperatures drop.
Some of the unusual sounds that you should look out for include:
Banging sounds
If you hear a loud blast or a succession of clanks from your furnace, it could indicate one of several problems. It can sometimes indicate that internal system components are loose and colliding.
This could occur if the blower motor is unbalanced or the heat exchanger is defective. A sudden hammering noise may also indicate an ignition problem, in which fuel accumulates before igniting. It’s not something you should get used to hearing, so move with haste and fix it.
Grinding sounds
A high-pitched, shrill sound or harsh grinding is typically more serious. This type of noise usually indicates a problem with the motor. It’s possible that the blower motor’s bearings have worn out and need to be replaced, or that the motor is failing.
This is a mechanical problem that requires immediate care before the motor totally seizes, leaving you without heat.
If you hear any of these noises, switch off your furnace immediately and contact a specialist. Continuing to run a device that produces loud, unexpected sounds can cause more harm and pose a safety risk.
Reduced heating efficiency
We have all been there. You turn up the thermostat, expecting a flood of warm air, but all you get is a lukewarm breeze or, worst, nothing. When your heating system behaves as if it is on vacation in the middle of winter, it is a strong indication that something is wrong.
Ignoring these indicators can result in a much cooler home and a significantly higher energy bill.
Some of the things you should look out for include:
Inconsistent room temperatures
Does one room feel like a sauna, while another is like an icebox? This uneven heating is a classic sign that your furnace is underperforming. It may be doing its best, but components may be deteriorating, or the system may not be distributing air efficiently.
You must have come across systems where a clogged filter hampers airflow, or where a failed blower motor simply cannot push enough warm air through the ducts to reach every corner of the home. The house is uncomfortable, and you are constantly worried that your unit will stop in the middle of a cold night.
High energy bills
If you’ve seen your heating expenses increasing without any changes in your usage patterns, your furnace may be working too hard to keep up with the current demands. When a system isn’t working efficiently, it uses more energy to generate the same quantity of heat, or even less.
This inefficiency can be caused by a multitude of factors, including unclean burners and incorrectly calibrated thermostats. In most cases, a poorly performing heating system wastes significant fuel or power. And you don’t want this, do you?
It’s tempting to overlook a minor dip in performance as ‘one of those things’ that happens on older systems. However, a furnace that isn’t heating effectively is like a car that isn’t getting good gas mileage: it costs more and doesn’t perform its function correctly. Addressing these issues early will save you money and prevent worse problems in the future.
When to get emergency furnace service
Sometimes your heating system will give you clear signs that it needs immediate attention. Ignoring them might lead to further problems, or worse, a completely frigid house at a time when you most need heat.
Every homeowner has been there, expecting that a minor problem will go away on its own, but that rarely happens with furnaces.
Some of the situations that might warrant you to get emergency service include:
Strange smells
This is perhaps the most significant warning indication. If you smell anything weird coming from your furnace or vents, respond quickly. Various odors can suggest different problems:
Rotten egg smell: This is a common indicator of a gas leak. Natural gas does not have a smell, but utility companies use a chemical called mercaptan to detect leakage. If you smell this, leave your home right away and call your gas company or 911 from a safe distance.
Burning-dust smell: This is normal when you first turn on your furnace after a long hiatus. Dust collects on the heating elements or burners throughout the summer. Typically, this odor fades after a few minutes. However, if it persists or is extremely powerful, it could indicate that something is burning inside the unit, such as wiring.
Electrical burning smell: This is an important warning. It indicates that an electrical component is overheating or short-circuiting. This could result in a fire, so switch off your furnace immediately and reach out for help.
When you notice an unusual smell, especially a strong or persistent one, proceed with caution. Your safety and your home’s safety are top priorities.
Parting shot
We’ve discussed some obvious symptoms that your heating system may be suffering. Ignoring these problems, especially when winter sets in, can result in a much larger problem – and a much colder house.
It’s tempting to put off repairs, thinking that things will improve on their own or that you’ll just tough it out. However, when it comes to keeping your house warm and safe during the colder months, it is usually preferable to hire a heating service repair Huntington professional.