If you have a furnace in your home, you rely on it to stay comfortable throughout the winter. But what exactly is a furnace, and how can you tell when it needs repair?
A furnace is an efficient heating system that uses gas or electricity to heat the air, which is pushed out through vents throughout your home. For it to keep running smoothly, ensure their maintenance and occasional repairs with ecotemphvac.com, a trusted heating and air conditioning partner.
Below, we have listed six warning signs that indicate a furnace repair, so you can catch any potential issues and take action right away.
Unusual sounds or smells coming from the furnace
Unusual smells or sounds from the furnace can signal that your system needs servicing. Rumbles and knocks might mean something loose in the fan motor; banging noises could signal a broken belt; and if you smell gas or burning, there could be gas leaks or a bigger problem with components like the flame sensor or heat exchanger.
These are usually early warning signs and should not be ignored as they indicate more extensive problems underneath. If you hear an unusual sound or smell from the furnace, it is best not to delay calling an expert to assess and fix the issue before it causes serious damage.
Uneven heating in different areas of your home
Have you ever noticed that one room in your house is hotter than others, even with all the windows and doors closed? Uneven heating can be a warning sign that your furnace needs repair.
Unfortunately, this is often overlooked until it’s too late. If you’re experiencing uneven heating — or worse, it’s important to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Since furnaces aren’t typically patched up on the spot, hiring a professional furnace repair technician is your best bet. Make sure to search for a local furnace repair service that stands by its work and offers fair prices.
The pilot light is out
If you’re facing an unexpectedly cold winter day, and your furnace isn’t working, it may be due to something as simple as a pilot light going out. While warning signs that your furnace requires repair can vary depending on the model and issue, this is one common warning sign that’s relatively easy to fix.
The pilot light is usually located directly behind the front panel and should be a blue flame. If it is out, all you have to do is relight it. First, ensure the power supply for the furnace has been turned on by checking the switch on the wall or fuse box. Next, turn off the gas valve; then open up the front panel of the furnace and look for a spark igniter button next to where the pilot light would normally shine–the button should give off a spark when pressed (but use caution when handling). Lastly, lit some matches near this area while pressing down on the ignition button until you eventually see steady blue flames; continue to feed in small bits of gas until it fills in completely and stays lit! Then you can shut off the gas valve and close up the panel before switching back on your power source–your furnace should now work with no issues!
The thermostat isn’t working properly
When your thermostat isn’t working properly and not delivering the temperature setting when it should – it is a warning sign! You may find this out when you come home from work or school and want to adjust the temperature, but your thermostat isn’t responding appropriately.
Another warning sign is when you feel warm and cold spots around your home. This indicates a problem with the furnace, like filters, not just something needing replacement. Suppose your thermostat has been registering temperatures incorrectly or not seen at all. It could be time for furnace repair ASAP, so it doesn’t cause more damage to other components.
Excess dust or debris around the furnace
If you notice excess dust or debris around the furnace, this indicates something is wrong. This can be caused by a cracked heat exchanger, which not only releases harmful particles into your home but also reduces the efficiency of your system and raises energy costs.
In addition, a dirty air filter or ductwork may cause dust particles to escape around the furnace, resulting in poor airflow and higher energy bills. Poor furnace operation can also diagnose other issues, such as blockages in the pipes due to corrosion or sediment buildup.
If you don’t address these warning signs while they’re still minor, it can quickly lead to a more serious problem with your heating system. So make sure to check around your furnace for warning signs like excess dust and debris as soon as possible if you want to keep your heating system running optimally and safely!
Yellow flame instead of blue
Have you noticed a yellow flame instead of the normal blue one coming from your furnace? If so, it needs repair.
Although their appearance is quite different, the cause for both colors is the same: the presence of carbon monoxide and other flammable gases. A blue flame indicates that combustion is happening efficiently and air-fuel ratio is properly balanced. However, when carbon monoxide is added to the mix, it disrupts this balance and results in an orange or yellow hue—often with black specks called “soot” on the burner flames. This warning sign could potentially lead to serious health risks such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, flu-like symptoms, and even death—which means having your furnace inspected and repaired right away should not be taken lightly.
Additionally, changing your furnace filter regularly is important to ensure that combustion runs smoothly. This way, we can ensure our homes are safe from dangerous fumes.
Conclusion
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a professional technician immediately. Ignoring the warning signs could lead to costly repairs or a complete furnace breakdown. Taking care of your furnace can save you money and headaches down the line!
Contact a trusted, local furnace repair technician today so that they can assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or maintenance services.
