Nothing is more challenging to bear on a cold winter’s day than a broken heater in the home. For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the signs that indicate that it is time to be serviced. In this blog, we will detail the most common signs that your furnace needs repair. We hope that this information will allow you to pay closer attention to your heater or furnace and be aware of when it needs to be serviced with maintenance or repair. Read along to learn how to check your furnace for these common signs of disrepair.
Signs Furnace is Going Out
Your furnace or heater will display hints that it needs to be repaired long before it breaks down completely. Starting with high energy bills, inconsistent heating throughout your space, unusual noise, strange noises, and pilot light problems all of these are clear indications that you may have a faulty furnace in your home.
High Energy Bills
One of the first signs that something may be wrong with your furnace is when you are presented with a high energy bill. A faulty furnace must work twice as hard to produce the heat your home needs. What’s interesting is that any malfunction found in the furnace will lead to high energy bills, including:
- Dirty or clogged air filters
- Poor insulation
- Leaking ducts
- Thermostat issues
- Irregular maintenance
- Worn or damaged parts
- Improper sizing of the unit
- Malfunctioning ignition system
- Blocked vents or registers
Inconsistent Heating Throughout Your Space
When there is a malfunction in your heater, this issue will coincide with both increased energy bills and inconsistent heating throughout your home. This is especially true if the air filters are clogged or there is an issue with the thermostat or blower motor. If you notice this problem with your furnace, it is one of the signs that your furnace needs repair.
Unusual Noises from the Heater
Another problem that will point out a faulty furnace or heater that needs repair is when you begin to hear unusual noises when it is working. Keep an ear out for these sounds:
- Banging or popping
- Squealing or screeching
- Rattling
- Humming or vibrating
- Grinding
- Booming
If you hear any of these sounds, do not be spooked. Simply pick up the phone and let your furnace repair technician know that it is time for it to be serviced.
Strange Odors
Aside from strange sounds, the heater can also produce strange odors that will raise concerns and prompt you to figure out how to check your furnace for the source of the issue. These odors will include anything like the following:
- Burning
- Must or mold
- Rotten egg or sulfur
- Chemical or metallic smell
- Dirty socks smell
A furnace repair tech must investigate the source of all these smells. However, if you smell a rotten egg or sulfur smell, it is essential to notify a professional as soon as possible as this could indicate a gas leak.
Pilot Light Problems
A pilot light is a small flame that keeps the furnace ignition going. Without this light, the main burner of the heater will not be able to start. One way to know if the furnace is working properly to heat your home is to check if the pilot light is on. If you see a continuous flame in the ignition system, then you can be sure that your furnace is working. However, if the pilot light is on and there is still no heat coming from the heater, you must have your furnace repair technician come in and investigate the issue.
FAQ: Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair
How to tell if the furnace is overheating?
The signs of an overheating furnace include hot or burning smells coming from the vents, which are often accompanied by a loud humming sound. You will also notice your furnace cycling off quicker than usual without starting back up again.
How often should a gas furnace be serviced?
Most heating experts will state that your furnace needs to be serviced at least once a year at minimum. This will help you ensure a reliable source of heat through the cold months and prevent future breakdowns.
What are the symptoms of a bad furnace thermostat?
If you have a bad thermostat, it will fail to turn on or will show the wrong temperatures when you compare them with a different thermostat. If your heater is short-cycling, there may also be an issue with the sensors on the furnace that give the thermostat incorrect signals.
Call Air Force for Proficient Heating Repair Services
Are you finding that some of these signs of a heater needing repair are resonating with your home’s heating situation? Contact Air Force Heating & Air today. Our professional and experienced repair technicians will help save the day in no time at all, restoring the warmth and coziness of your home.
