When furnaces start to malfunction, they typically give you clear signals that it is time to address any problems. However, some signs of distress may not be as noticeable – and should not be ignored. To keep your home comfortable during cold seasons and avoid expensive repair bills in the future, it’s important to be aware of the signs your furnace is going out.
Common Signs Your Furnace Is Going Out
Knowing the tell-tale signs that your furnace is on its way out can prepare you to do something about it. All furnaces will start to lose efficiency as they age, so it’s important to recognize these signs and take proactive steps to maintain your furnace.
A few of the most common signs that your furnace has seen better days include:
Higher energy bills: If your heating bills appear to be consistently high and you can’t explain why then it could be time for a furnace tune-up. An inefficient furnace will cost you more money in energy costs each month.
Strange odors: If you smell a foul odor when the heat comes on, or if the smell doesn’t dissipate relatively quickly, then an internal malfunction may be at play.
Increased dust: Accumulated dust throughout your home is an indication that there’s something wrong with your system and it needs attention from a professional HVAC contractor.
Too much or too little heat: If you find yourself constantly adjusting thermostat settings without much success, it may indicate an internal problem with the system’s components like dirt or clogged filters or problems with the blower motor.
Strange noises: Excessive noises like pops, creaks, and rattles coming from deep within the unit are all indicators that repairs are needed right away.
If any of these noisy victims ring true in your home, contact a certified HVAC technician at AC repair Toronto who can diagnose and repair any issues before they get worse—and prepare yourself for costly repairs!
DIY Troubleshooting Tips
For any homeowner, the last thing you want is for your furnace to stop working in the middle of a cold winter night. Fortunately, there are some warning signs that can clue you in on whether your furnace is going out so you can take steps to fix it before the situation worsens. Below are several DIY troubleshooting tips to help you identify and address potential problems before they spiral out of control.
Check Your Thermostat – The thermostat controls how your furnace operates, so if it’s not responding it could be an indicator that something else is wrong with the unit. Make sure all wires connecting the thermostat to the furnace are connected properly. If not, try replacing them or calling a professional technician.
Check Pilot Lights and Flame Sensors – If your unit isn’t turning on, your pilot light might be burned out and require relighting. The flame sensors should also be checked to ensure they’re functioning correctly; if they fail to detect a flame from burner combustion then air will not be heated in the exchange process due to insufficient pressure levels for proper operation. These issues can often be corrected with manual intervention or by seeking professional assistance from a licensed technician.
Inspect Air Intake and Return Grilles – Another possible sign that your furnace may need repair is if the air intake or return grilles have become clogged with dust or other debris because these components play an important role in returning heated air into living areas. If this happens, make sure both grills are cleaned immediately using a vacuum cleaner so airflow is not impeded and pressure levels in the unit remain balanced for effective functionality.
Professional Diagnosis & Repair
If the signs of furnace trouble are too subtle to identify yourself, it is time to call in a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the issue. This individual can both determine what is wrong and offer an estimate of how much it will cost to repair. Other services offered by the technician may include assessment for performance, energy efficiency, or annual maintenance.
Once problems have been identified, it may be necessary for the technician to begin repairs right away. The earlier this happens, the sooner repairs can be completed and your furnace back up and running at optimal levels. Repairs might include cleaning dirty fan motors or burners, clearing blocked ductwork, or replacing worn-out parts.
If you’re uncertain, take a few minutes to contact a professional HVAC technician near you and get more information about what they can do. Choosing the right service provider is key – make sure they offer NATE certifications – an industry mark of excellence – so you know your unit will be serviced with care and diligence by experienced technicians who are dedicated to delivering top-notch performance each visit!
Preventative Maintenance
Change filters every 1-3 months. Check manufacturer instructions for specific filter replacement recommendations.
Have a professional inspect the system annually to clean and tighten electrical connections, lubricate any moving parts, and check for proper airflow in the furnace burner assemblies.
Ensure burners are clean and free of debris at least twice each year – once at the start of the heating season and again in the midseason.
Vacuum any loose dirt or particles from around the blower motor fan assembly; this improves efficiency by reducing blower motor drag on electricity while increasing air flow delivery through your HVAC system.
Confirm that all drain pans and condensate lines have been cleared of debris or obstructions; otherwise, condensation could accumulate, creating water damage and encouraging mold growth within your home or office’s interior.
Schedule annual preventive maintenance visits with a certified HVAC contractor who can give you complete peace of mind about the safety and efficiency of your appliance.
Conclusion
When your furnace is going out, it’s important to act quickly to avoid a complete breakdown of your heating system. It’s best to be able to identify the telltale signs that your furnace is going out and address them as soon as possible.
Be on the lookout for any strange or unusual sounds coming from your furnace, an increase in energy bills, an uncomfortable temperature in the home, or if the pilot light goes out. If any of these symptoms occur, contact a professional HVAC technician right away and they can help diagnose and repair the problem before it becomes too costly. Taking preventative steps now can keep your family comfortable and warm all winter long.
