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It’s difficult to talk about modern-day home heating without talking about a furnace. But just as it’s a source of solace in the cold winter, it could also be the bane of your problems if not well-maintained. Lucky for furnace owners, there are many ways to detect any defects in your furnace before the dreaded months of cold.
Here are some of the warning signs that your furnace has a problem:
- Higher Than Usual Energy Bills
A sharp increase in heating costs could indicate that your furnace needs maintenance. The sudden and inexplicable increase could mean the furnace works harder than prescribed to maintain optimum temperature. Some of the most common causes of these inefficiencies may range from a clogged filter to a malfunctioning thermostat, all the way to the furnace’s age.
- Inconsistent Heating
Sometimes you may notice different temperature readings in the rooms in your house or that the temperature fluctuates frequently. It’s a clear sign of inconsistent heating, which is an even more evident sign that your furnace may have a problem. In fact, it’s one of the main reasons to hire a professional to repair your furnace. Getting a professional HVAC (Heating, Ventilator, and Air Conditioning) technician is advisable to diagnose and fix the issues to ensure your furnace is back to optimal operation.
Some of the most common furnace defects that cause inconsistent heating include a dirty air filter, a problematic thermostat, and malfunctioning blower motors. It could also result from dirty burners, faulty ignition, or when the furnace is too big for your home.
- Strange Noises And Smells Coming From The Furnace
Banging, screeching, or rattling sounds from your furnace could indicate loose components that need tightening. It could also be pointing to an electrical issue. These are serious causes for concern.
In some instances, the furnace might not emit strange noises but strange smells. It could range from a musty smell to a burning smell. The former could result from mold growing in the furnace, while the latter could indicate a faulty motor.
You shouldn’t ignore these strange noises and smells when doing your maintenance routine, as they could easily lead to significant problems if left unattended.
- Yellow Flames Emanating From Your Furnace
A properly working furnace should always produce a blue flame. Yellow flames may be a clear indication of a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, and sometimes death.
If you notice a yellow pilot flame (a small, continuous flame that ignites the main burner of a gas furnace or water heater), immediately turn off the furnace and contact a furnace maintenance professional. Having a carbon monoxide detector at home is also advisable to alert you in case of a leak.
- Frequent Repairs
The need for frequent repairs for your furnace may indicate a series of things, including the advanced age of the furnace, poor installation, lack of constant maintenance, overuse, or even low-quality parts. When you find yourself constantly replacing and repairing parts of your furnace, have an HVAC expert inspect it to determine the root cause of these frequent repairs and know whether you need a new furnace already.
- Poor Airflow
Airflow refers to the movement of air through the furnace’s heating system. Proper airflow means even heat distribution, while improper airflow points to a flaw in your furnace. Some of the most common causes of airflow issues include a dirty air filter, which can be clogged by dirt or debris. This restricts airflow and causes uneven heating. Other potential causes of poor airflow could be:
- Blocked vents or registers: Vents or registers can be inadvertently blocked by furniture or other objects in the house. It can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency of the furnace.
- Duct issues: leaks, holes, or disconnected ducts can cause air to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home. It could easily lead to uneven temperature distribution in the house.
- Blower motor problems: If the blower motor is malfunctioning or not working at total capacity, it can reduce airflow. It will inevitably cause the furnace to overheat.
- Incorrect fan speed setting: If the fan speed is too low, it can reduce airflow and cause poor heating performance.
In addition to uneven heating, such scenarios may result in reduced heating efficiency and poor indoor air quality. If your fan has airflow issues, contact a professional to ascertain the cause and learn about the available remedies.
Parting Shot:
Whenever you notice the signs of furnace problems mentioned and discussed above, don’t hesitate to contact a Heating, Ventilator, and Air Conditioning expert. It could be the difference between having the heat you need this winter or feeling helpless in the cold. Take prompt action to avoid any further issues that will only lead to costly repairs.