After so many months and years of use, your furnace can develop problems that compromise or disrupt its normal function. These 17 signs can tell you that it needs professional HVAC repair.
1. Unusual Noises
Unusual noises can signal a problem like a broken capacitor, a loose part or a frayed belt in your heater. Moving parts in the motor that need lubricating can also cause noises like screeching and squealing.
2. Inconsistent Heating
Inconsistent heating can occur because of a mechanical problem like a blown circuit board or a faulty flame sensor. It can also indicate an issue like dirty air filters or clogged vents.
3. Higher Gas or Electric Bills
You may need to have your heater repaired if it uses more energy than usual. A leak in a gas line, clogged vents or a damaged motor can all cause your heater to use more energy than usual.
4. Frequent Cycling
A faulty flame sensor, a malfunctioning blower or a defective fan switch limit can all contribute to your furnace cycling frequently. Frequent cycling typically merits professional HVAC repair.
5. Poor Airflow
A defective motor in the blower, as well as leaky ducts and blocked registers, can result in poor airflow from your heater. Poor airflow can result in cold spots in your house and cause your system to use higher amounts of energy.
6. Defective Thermostat
The thermostat in your furnace can stop working because of loose, corroded or damaged wiring. A thermostat that is older than 10 years can also be at risk of breaking down and needing replacing.
7. Orange or Yellow Pilot Light
You should have your heater professionally repaired if it has a yellow or orange pilot light. Either color can indicate a problem like insufficient oxygen, contaminants in the gas or an incorrect gas-to-air ratio, which can lead to incomplete combustion.
8. Strange Odors
When you first turn on your heater for the season, you might notice a mild burning odor as the system burns off dust. However, strong burning odors or a sulfur smell can come from an oil or gas leak, an overheated motor or melted wiring.
9. High Humidity
Leaky ductwork, poor insulation and a buildup of condensation in the heater can make the air in your home feel more humid than usual. High humidity can also occur because of poor ventilation. Resealing the ducts, adding new insulation and using exhaust fans can help reduce the humidity level in the air.
10. Water Leaks
A water leak in your heating system merits immediate professional HVAC repairs. Your heater can develop a leak because of a clogged condensate drain, a crack in its heat exchanger or a faulty condensate pump.
11. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Alerting
If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, you need to have your heater inspected and repaired. A CO leak can come from a problem like a cracked heat exchanger or incomplete combustion, among others.
12. Rust or Corrosion
Condensation buildup and combustion byproducts can cause rust or corrosion in your furnace. Both degrade your heating system. Rust can clog and diminish the effectiveness of your burner jets.
13. Power Issues
If your heater does not turn on or off easily, it could require professional repairs. It may need a new ignition switch. Power problems can also occur because of a closed gas valve.
14. Frequent Breaker Tripping
An overload in the electrical system, a faulty breaker or short-circuiting can manifest through frequent breaker tripping. This issue can shorten the lifespan of your heater and increase the risk of fire.
15. Blowing Out Cold Air
If your furnace blows out cold air, it could have a problem like a faulty flame sensor, damaged thermostat or disrupted gas supply. You can solve these issues with professional heater repairs.
16. Dust Buildup and Allergy Symptoms
When you notice dust buildup on your furniture or experience frequent allergy symptoms, the fault can lie with your heater compromising your home’s air quality. Changing the filters, sealing the ducts and cleaning out the vents can remedy these issues.
17. Old Age
Age can put your heater at risk of breaking down and needing repairs. If yours is more than a decade old, you may need more furnace repair service and maintenance visits to keep it working normally.
At Montgomery Industrial Services, we have more than 30 years providing homeowners in the Hanover, ON area with effective furnace repairs and all other home heating services. We also work on cooling and plumbing systems and provide air quality improvement testing, products, and services. Contact us when you need a fix for your heating system!
