Signs a Furnace Isn’t Working Correctly
Two common complaints with furnaces are that they click on and off often or do not warm a home.
Homeowners unsure if their furnaces require repair can learn the warning signs of imminent furnace failure.
This blog will explain several common warning signs that a furnace is struggling.
Strange noises and odors
A furnace that creaks, rattles, or makes strange noises may need repair. A gas furnace that emits unusual smells may also need service.
Often, a reputable HVAC company can identify the problem and offer a simple, cost-effective solution to help the homeowner avoid replacing their furnace. It might be a filter or a loose screw. However, strange noises and odors sometimes indicate a more serious problem with a furnace, requiring major repair or replacement.
An old furnace
An old furnace might not be the most conventional warning sign, but homeowners should monitor theirs if it is over ten years old. While some furnaces last more than twenty years and others only eight, the older a furnace is, the more critical it is to watch for warning signs. Older furnaces are more susceptible to repairs and eventual replacement.
Broken thermostat
Two common complaints with furnaces are that they click on and off often or do not warm a home. A heat cycle that constantly shuts on and off is a warning sign of a problem with the thermostat, which is also why the home will not reach the desired temperature.
A yellow flame
The flame on a furnace should be stable, clean, blue, and pure. A yellow or orange flame is a furnace warning sign of dirt in the burner or that the furnace isn’t creating the appropriate mix of gas and oxygen. Yellow flames are a serious warning sign that requires immediate professional HVAC service as it can indicate a gas leak.
Inspect the furnace annually
It’s important to have an annual furnace inspection to ensure the system is functioning at full capacity and efficiently. Regular inspections help minimize the need for repairs, and those that are necessary may be less costly than if the homeowner had waited until the system shut down.
Replace furnace filters regularly
Clogged furnace filters can lead to a host of undesirable effects. They make the furnace work harder, leading to overheating and repair. It’s much less expensive to replace a filter than to complete a more invasive furnace repair.
Check for obstructions
Look around the house to ensure sofas, chairs, and bookcases aren’t blocking air vents or returns. Something as simple as a sofa blocking a vent can wreak havoc on a furnace; it will likely work less efficiently, increasing utility bills and wearing sooner than expected. An HVAC system is more efficient when air can circulate back freely.
Furnaces are expensive, needed components in any home, and it pays to maintain them regularly. Contact a reliable HVAC service technician to schedule annual furnace maintenance.
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