13 Sep Furnaces 101: A Guide to Heating System Warning Signs
Winter is on its way in, so make sure your furnace isn’t on its way out. Get ready for the heating season by taking our test on the most common signs of furnace problems. If you answer “yes” to any question below, call a professional like the ones at Cliff Bergin & Associates for help staying warm—and a step ahead of a home emergency.
- Is your furnace blowing cold air? This is the most obvious sign that your heating system needs help. It could be anything from an ignitor to the heat exchanger so call an expert for an inspection.
- Is the air barely moving? Weak airflow can be caused by a number of things. Let us check your filter, fan, motor, and more.
- Is there water around your furnace? The problem may be as simple as a clogged condensate line, but depending on the source of the water, it may require both HVAC and plumbing expertise.
- Do you smell gas? If you smell gas, shut down your furnace immediately, turn off the gas supply valve, and call a professional—this is not a time to test your DIY skills.
- Are you hearing funny sounds? A loud clunk or metal-on-metal noise is a cry for help. The same is true if you hear your furnace constantly cycling on and off, or running continually.
- Is your thermostat working? Malfunctions can happen because of a blown fuse, loose wiring, or if your thermostat requires batteries, they may need replacing. Regardless, you won’t be able to control the temperature if your thermostat isn’t talking to your furnace.
- Did you see a spike in your utility bill? Unless there’s been a big change in the weather, your energy use should be fairly steady. If not, call a technician to find out why you’re suddenly spending too much to heat your home.
- Is your home dustier than usual? Start by changing the filter. If you don’t notice an improvement, you may want to consider calling an expert to talk about options for improving your indoor air quality.
- Is there a burning smell coming from your furnace? Typically, this is the result of a faulty blower motor, however, there could be other problems causing this odor.
- Does the furnace continually cycle? If your furnace is turning on and off repeatedly, this likely indicates that it’s over-cycling, and it’s running more often than it should. This problem could be caused by a clogged filter, improper air circulation, or complications with the thermostat.
Annual maintenance is a great way to help avoid the problems listed above, or to find and fix them before they get worse. For help with any home comfort question or concern, Cliff Bergin is a Carrier® Factory Authorized Dealer—and the better choice.