A furnace that’s in excellent condition guarantees you uninterrupted warmth during winter. It doesn’t break down as often, keeps energy consumption low, and will not produce loud noises.
Everyone wishes to have such a unit, but it takes the help of a reputable furnace maintenance service to achieve this. You also have to understand how the system operates to detect issues quickly, resolving them before they escalate to huge problems. The following signs show that your furnace needs servicing:
The Pilot Light Is Yellow or Orange
The pilot light is usually blue when the furnace is working correctly. Turning yellow or orange is an early sign of a problem. This color change indicates it’s not getting enough oxygen, causing it to produce carbon monoxide. The issue is also a result of a dirty burner.
Because the heat will not be as hot as it should be, the furnace will have to work harder, causing it to use more energy and wear out quickly. However, your most significant concern is the carbon monoxide produced. It’s an odorless gas, so you can’t detect it without a carbon monoxide detector. If you have one that goes off, evacuate the premises immediately and call the fire department.
Let a technician look at the pilot light and burner to establish the cause of the color change and fix it. Do it as soon as possible to prevent a carbon monoxide buildup and increased energy consumption.
The Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
Loud banging, popping, or hissing sounds from your furnace are not normal. The noise could result from loose panels or screws, which you can tighten. If it’s something more serious, don’t try to fix it.
Call a professional to inspect the furnace and determine the noise source. It could be something as simple as a clogged burner or a dirty pilot light. If unchecked, the problem could develop into a cracked heat exchanger. This component is essential to the system and replacing it is expensive.
The Furnace Doesn’t Produce Enough Heat
Check the thermostat first when the furnace doesn’t provide enough heat. When set too low, you only need to adjust it. However, don’t turn the temperature up if the pilot light is out or flickering. These are signs of a bigger problem that require a professional address.
Inadequate heating may also be due to clogged filters, which you should clean or replace. If the filter is in good condition and the furnace still doesn’t heat properly, the culprit could be a faulty blower. The component might have come loose, or the belt could be worn out, requiring a replacement.
Dirty or clogged vents and ductwork could also restrict heat flow. Leaks in the ductwork are another possibility. Age may also lead to poor heating. Start budgeting for a replacement if your furnace is more than 15 years old.
The Furnace Runs Too Often
If the furnace keeps cycling on and off, it indicates that it can’t maintain the set temperature. Check the air filter first and clean or replace it if necessary. If that doesn’t solve the problem, a professional must check for other issues, such as a faulty thermostat, dirty burner, or blocked ductwork.
The Furnace Smells Strange
When you notice a burning smell, it’s probably due to a dirty filter. Replacing it should take care of the problem. If the furnace smells musty, it could be mold growing inside. This issue requires the attention of a professional to avoid health risks.
A rotten egg smell is a sign of a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous. Evacuate the premises immediately and call the gas company.
Be On The Lookout
These are some of the signs that show your furnace needs servicing. Be on the lookout and address the issues immediately. When unchecked, the problems could cause significant damage or pose safety risks. They also make the system overwork, wear out faster and, ultimately, increase your energy bills. Invest in regular furnace servicing and only work with a reputable contractor to avoid problems.
