No matter what quality furnace you have, there is going to be a time where you need furnace repair service. There are a lot of pieces and moving parts within a furnace that can wear down and break over time.
But as a homeowner, one who isn’t terribly familiar with furnaces and how they work, you may not know quite what to look for. That is why you should be aware of four of the most common signs that you need repairs done on your furnace.
1. Difficulty Starting
Perhaps the most obvious sign that you are in need of professional intervention is if your furnace has difficulty starting. There is also the chance that it starts up but struggles to keep running or requires you to try to start it multiple times a day.
Generally speaking, this means that there is either a damaged or disconnected component somewhere. If damaged, replacing the part should be enough to resolve the issue. But troubleshooting the problem as an amateur can be difficult, which is why you should be bringing in a professional to look at the issue.
2. Weird Smells
Generally speaking, you won’t smell your furnace if it is working properly. It is only when you start to smell out-of-the-norm smells that you should be worried about what’s going on with your furnace. Any odours should normally dissipate when the unit starts running.
But if it smells like fuel or even eggs, then you have an issue with your furnace. The range of issues can be pretty comprehensive, ranging from excessive dust in the unit to even a gas leak. But if you smell anything abnormal, call for furnace repair service right away and have it checked out.
3. Not Heating Properly
Another of the most common signs that there is something wrong with your furnace is if it can’t provide proper heating. After all, the main goal of the furnace is to provide heating. If it can’t do that one job well, there’s a pretty good chance that something is wrong.
Most of the time, it is smaller issues such as a faulty thermostat or leaking ductwork. But if your furnace is failing to provide adequate heat to your home, there are too many things to speculate on. A repair technician can get in, find the cause of the problem, and implement a fix.
4. Making a Lot of Noise
Keep in mind that almost no furnace is silent. They are going to make some level of noise but there is a difference between the base level of noise and loud, persistent noises. The latter can be troublesome and indicate a major problem.
Pay attention to any sounds that you hear. Being able to describe those sounds can help your technician troubleshoot the issue and perform the right fix. Whistling and squealing, for instance, may be indicative of a fan or belt issue. Just keep your ears open and call a repair service right away.
