Furnaces are essential appliances in every home’s HVAC system, even in warmer climates like sunny Florida.
When they malfunction, prompt heating repair services are important to get them functional again.
As the furnace controls more than how warm the interior of a home gets, HVAC companies suggest that homeowners watch for indications that their furnace is experiencing problems before the unit can fail.
Call a local heating contractor to take a look when noticing these signs.
1. Pilot Light Will Not Stay On
Though newer furnaces do not have pilot lights, heating companies still see plenty of them in older homes with older furnace units.
A pilot light that will not stay on and preventing the furnace from working could have multiple causes.
Whether due to a malfunctioning thermocouple, a blocked gas line, or not receiving enough gas or oxygen, an HVAC service should be called to inspect the pilot and get it functioning correctly again.
2. Loud Noises
Unusual loud noises like banging or squeaking are a prime indication that the furnace has parts that are wearing down.
A local heating contractor can quickly identify which part is causing the problem and replace it, restoring the furnace to its reliable and quiet functionality.
3. Yellow or Orange Furnace Flame
A furnace that is running well and receiving the correct ratio of gas and oxygen to the burners will produce a blue flame.
Heating services warn that orange or yellow flames mean there is an imbalance that should be corrected or that the burners are dirty and require cleaning.
In either case, the gas/oxygen ratio must be corrected for safety reasons as well as to protect furnace efficiency.
4. Cycling On and Off
A furnace that short-cycles by turning on and off while trying to bring a space up to the required temperature could be experiencing several problems that require attention.
Heating companies often see short-cycling as a sign that either the furnace is dirty and needs to be cleaned, the thermostat is malfunctioning, or the fan motor is failing.
Frequent on-and-off cycling should be corrected quickly, as it puts the furnace under added stress which can increase the likelihood that it will fail.
5. Does Not Heat
A furnace that does not heat at all requires immediate attention from an experienced heating contractor, as there is an obvious problem preventing it from functioning.
Whether related to the thermostat, pilot light, vent system, or something else, no heat or cold air flowing through the vents means repairs should be sought.
6. Flue is Rusting
Although a rusting flue may not seem like such a concern, it can become a safety and health hazard inside the home if not corrected.
Furnace flues and heat exchangers are two metal furnace components that heating services often see rusting, causing them to leak.
They should be inspected often and replaced to prevent the leaking of poisonous gases into the home.
7. Rising Utility Bills
When other issues are not so obvious, another more easily noticed sign of furnace troubles is increasing utility bills.
Homeowners paying more for their electricity or gas with no explanation should have their furnace inspected by a local heating company for any of the issues mentioned above, all of which can affect furnace efficiency.
Pay Attention To Furnace Warning Signs!
As reliable as home furnaces usually are, many will experience minor issues throughout their service lives.
The easiest way to know when a call to a heating contractor is needed is to simply watch for these signs.
A respected local cooling and heating service can diagnose and resolve the problem to get a furnace running safely and efficiently again!
