If you’ve ever had a furnace break down on the coldest day of the year or an air conditioner on the hottest, it’s not because the universe has it in for you. At these points, in such harsh conditions, these machines are running almost constantly. As such, if they’re heading for a breakdown anyway, it makes sense that one is going to happen at the worst possible time. But machines like furnaces typically give warning signs they’re about to leave you huddling around the hearth for warmth. Today, we’ll cover five common signs a furnace repair might be in your immediate future, and why addressing them is key to avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
1. Inconsistent Heating
Are some rooms in your home warm while others are chilly? This can be a clear sign your furnace is struggling. Uneven heating can be caused by several issues, such as clogged air filters or a malfunctioning thermostat. Clogged filters block airflow, which reduces your furnace’s efficiency and results in inconsistent temperatures. And if your thermostat isn’t calibrated correctly, it can cause the furnace to run longer in some areas while leaving others underheated.
What to Do:
Regularly change your air filters and ensure your thermostat is properly calibrated. If the problem persists, it could be time to call a professional to inspect the system.
2. Unusual Noises
Furnaces shouldn’t make a lot of noise, just that gentle rumble that lets you know the system has switched on and will soon be sending warming air through your ductwork. So if you hear unfamiliar sounds—including banging, squealing, or rattling—it’s time to pay attention.
The following furnace sounds can be indicative of an upcoming furnace repair:
- Banging
Your furnace’s burner is having trouble igniting. Alternatively, there may be a buildup of gas in the combustion chamber. - Squealing
Your furnace may be having problems with its fan belt or motor. - Rattling
Your furnace may have loose components or debris in the system.
What to Do:
Don’t ignore strange sounds. Your furnace is trying to tell you something. Call in a technician to inspect it and identify the source of the noise to avoid further damage.
3. Frequent Cycling
Frequent cycling, or “short-cycling,” occurs when your furnace turns on and off repeatedly in short intervals. This not only reduces the system’s efficiency but causes additional wear and tear on components. Short-cycling may be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, clogged filters, or ductwork blockages that prevent the furnace from running at full capacity.
What to Do:
If your furnace is cycling more than usual, check the filter first. If it’s clean and the problem persists, it’s time to consult a professional for some official furnace troubleshooting. This may include inspecting the thermostat, checking airflow, or inspecting other key system components.
4. Rising Energy Bills
A furnace that’s struggling to perform efficiently will consume more energy than needed, leading to higher heating bills. If your energy costs have been steadily increasing despite steady usage, your furnace could be the culprit. Common causes of increased energy consumption include dirty air filters, worn-out components, or a system simply not operating at its peak.
What to Do:
Schedule regular maintenance to ensure your furnace is running efficiently and to potentially avoid a furnace repair. Regular maintenance typically includes a component cleaning, an air filter replacement, and a tune-up—all of which will help ensure the system is operating optimally.
5. Strange Smells
Like with strange sounds, it’s important to pay attention to any strange smells emanating from your furnace and/or ductwork. Some odors are harmless, but others signal serious problems:
- Burning
This smell could merely indicate some harmless dust burnoff, but if the odor persists it could mean a malfunction in the electrical components or some sort of overheating. - Mustiness
This smell may point to mold growth in the ductwork, which could be harmful to your health in the long-term. - Gas
You know what this smells like. Gas leaks are nothing to mess around with. If you don’t immediately find a benign cause (in your blogger’s household, it’s often one of the burners on the range being accidentally bumped on) call the gas company or a furnace repair pro to come out and track it down immediately. Leave the house in the meantime.
What to Do:
This is all Furnace Troubleshooting 101. Unusual smells from your furnace, like unusual sounds, are trying to tell you something, i.e., it’s time to call in a professional.
Keeping a Big Furnace Repair at Bay
Finding your furnace not working in the middle of winter is something you don’t ever want to find. (Huddling around the hearth isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.) Furnace issues can range from minor annoyances to serious safety concerns. Addressing them promptly can save you money on energy bills, extend the life of your furnace, and prevent a costly furnace repair or replacement down the line. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Holtzople for a thorough inspection or repair.