Having your furnace break down in the winter can be a nightmare. Before a furnace stops working, it usually gives one or more signs that there’s a problem. If you notice any of these issues, have a contractor inspect and repair the furnace as soon as possible.
Furnace Is Hard to Start or Cycles On and Off
If it’s difficult to get your furnace to turn on, or if it keeps shutting off before it completes a full cycle, there can be several causes. An experienced contractor can identify the source of the issue and repair or replace damaged parts.
Your House Isn’t Warm
If your furnace doesn’t do an adequate job of keeping your house warm, or if certain areas are persistently cold, there might be a leak in the ductwork, a problem with the thermostat, or another issue. An inefficient furnace can also cause your utility bills to rise.
You Smell an Unusual Odor
It’s common for a furnace to produce an odor when it has gone unused for several months and you turn it on for the first time in the fall. The smell should dissipate with time. If it doesn’t, or if you notice an odor that wasn’t present before, your furnace might need to be cleaned, or there might be a more serious issue, such as a gas leak.
You Hear Unusual Noises
You shouldn’t expect your furnace to be completely silent, but if you hear loud noises, or if the furnace starts to make a sound that it usually doesn’t, it can mean that a component is worn out, damaged, or loose. If an unusual noise stops abruptly, that can also indicate that there’s a serious problem.
Your Home Has Poor Air Quality
If you don’t replace your furnace’s filter on a regular basis, dirt, dust and allergens can circulate through the ductwork while the furnace is running. That can cause members of your family to experience headaches, allergic reactions and other health problems.
Flue is Rusted
A gas furnace produces carbon monoxide that gets ventilated through a flue. If water causes the flue to rust and keeps it from transporting carbon monoxide outdoors, the deadly gas can escape into your house.
Pilot Light Changes Color
If your furnace is powered by natural gas, the pilot light should be blue. If it’s yellow, that can mean that there’s a ventilation problem and that carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
If your furnace malfunctions and releases carbon monoxide, your CO detector will go off to alert you to the danger. Immediately turn off the furnace, open windows, get everyone out of the house, and have the furnace inspected and repaired.
Pay Attention to Your Furnace
If you suspect that there’s a problem with your furnace, schedule a service call as soon as possible. It’s generally easier and less expensive to deal with an issue in the early stages than it is to make major repairs later.
