Even if your furnace is still pushing out heated air, there could be other signs lurking just beneath the surface that can tell you something isn’t quite right. If you’re able to recognize the following signs of common heating problems, you can schedule furnace repairs before a malfunction results in the total failure of your heating system:
Rising Energy Costs
Your HVAC system should be the first thing to check when you’re facing rising energy bills, as these often indicate the need for a furnace repair. Any sort of malfunction will weaken the system in due time, forcing it to use more energy to compensate.
You can catch problems earlier if you recognize the importance of winter maintenance. An HVAC technician can look for malfunctioning or eroded components during a tune-up.
Hazardous Gas Leaks Around Your Furnace
The possibility of a natural gas leak becomes more likely as a furnace ages. Its fuel lines will become brittle and clogged with sediment, eventually breaking or tearing. Therefore, you’ll want to regularly check your furnace to listen for hissing sounds and the telltale rotten egg odor of a gas leak.
Fixing a furnace that’s suffering a fuel leak isn’t something you should try to do alone. An HVAC technician will have the skills and equipment necessary to safely fix a gas line leak. Turn off the main gas valve and vacate your home before calling for service.
Yellow Pilot Light Flames
Although you’ll probably start your furnace for the first time in October or November, most will have theirs up and running by January, when New Jersey’s coldest temperatures can reach as low as 27 degrees. As you light the pilot light, pay attention to the color of the flame, which should always appear blue.
If you see a yellow light, suspect a carbon monoxide leak. You can catch a potential leak sooner by putting up a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace. A carbon monoxide leak usually results from a cracked heat exchanger, so you’ll need a furnace repair company to replace the component.
A Loss of Heated Air
It might be difficult to recognize the need for furnace repair when the only problem is a reduction in the amount of air coming from your ducts. But over time, the unit could cease pushing out air altogether, whether as the result of duct damage, a malfunctioning blower motor, or a clogged air filter.
Your first step should be to check the air filter. If it looks clean, inspect the duct registers for dust and cobwebs. If you can’t find any blockages, call an HVAC technician for skilled furnace repair.
Cool Air Instead of Warm Air
You might one day be surprised to find that your treated air feels cool. The first time you notice such an oddity, check the air filter and replace it if necessary. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, make sure the furnace’s pilot light hasn’t gone out.
In rare cases, you might have a malfunctioning thermostat. As a safety feature, furnaces will stop cycling when they overheat, which can lead to the system blowing cool air. You’ll need a professional to determine which of these furnace problems is affecting your system.
Trust the HVAC Experts With Your Furnace
Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling provides upkeep, repairs, and new equipment installation services. We can diagnose the heating problems you’re experiencing and offer long-lasting maintenance solutions. Contact us to schedule service for your malfunctioning furnace today.
