Signs of a Failing Furnace
There are a number of signs that indicate your furnace is in need of repair, and in some more severe cases even potentially a replacement. Knowing what to watch for now could save you from a bigger emergency later.
Do you smell burning? The very first time you turn on your heater for the year, you will likely detect a burning odor. Not to worry—it’s likely the result of dust or debris that has accumulated on the furnace burners and is just burning off.
If, however, the burning smell persists, then you could be dealing with an issue of overheating, or potentially a problem of the electrical nature. Be sure to contact a qualified HVAC technician as soon as you notice this issue.
Is your furnace cycling on and off too quickly? This process is known as short-cycling, and is a much bigger problem than you may realize. If you’ve just had the system installed this year and you’ve had this problem from the beginning, then this can be the result of too large of a system.
However, if you’ve had no problems with the furnace and then suddenly short-cycling starts occurring, you might have a faulty thermostat or thermocouple. Another possible cause for short-cycling is that the combustion temperature is unsafe, and the thermocouple is not operating as it should, as a result. Our team is happy to look into what’s causing the problem so we can resolve it for you.
Do You Hear Strange and Unfamiliar Noises?
Nobody knows better than you do, the normal operating sounds of your HVAC systems. There are certainly noises your furnace makes when turning on and off that shouldn’t alarm you.
What should raise a red flag, though, is any strange or unfamiliar noise coming from your heater. If you hear grinding, screeching, or banging, it’s time to schedule services right away. These can all indicate a serious problem with the operation of your furnace or even potentially unsafe operation.
Be Aware of Your Carbon Monoxide Risk
In the case of a gas-powered furnace, you want to be aware of your risk of exposure to carbon monoxide. Today’s systems are built with safety in mind, but this tasteless and odorless gas exists nonetheless, and is important to know about.
Increased exposure can lead to illness and even fatality. Investing in proper maintenance and furnace services reduces this risk, and a carbon monoxide detector is also a wise investment.
