When your furnace goes on the fritz, it can cause significant problems for your home. That’s why scheduling routine furnace repairs is essential as soon as possible!
You can tell when it’s time for a repair by looking for these common signs. Often, these issues are easily fixable, which saves you money in the long run on your heating bills and ensures your furnace is working correctly.
Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
Your furnace probably needs repairs if you hear odd noises coming from it. The type of noise you’re hearing can help determine what the issue is.
Most furnaces make a low humming noise as they start to run and continue producing it for the heating cycle. If this sounds like a problem, you can immediately call an HVAC specialist for furnace repair in Chicago.
Furnaces also often make banging and popping noises as the ductwork expands and contracts. These sounds are harmless, but if you notice them more frequently or louder than usual, it may indicate a problem with your ductwork or the burners.
Rattling can be caused by a loose screw or stray scrap metal bouncing around the system. But it can also signal leaks or cracks in your heat exchanger, leading to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks into your home.
Your Heating Bills Are Increasing
If your heating bills are significantly higher than expected, it may indicate that your furnace needs repairs. It is especially true when using oil or propane to heat your home.
It is because prices for these fuels have soared to the highest levels in years. It’s also due to the increasing global demand for these resources.
The Energy Information Administration estimates that natural gas will cost an average of $900 per month this winter, up 25 percent from last year. The same goes for electricity.
These high prices pose a significant financial burden on families throughout the United States, particularly low-income households. You can do many things to lower your utility bills this winter.
Your Furnace Is Making Noises
If your furnace is making strange sounds, there could be a problem. These sounds may include humming, buzzing, clicking, banging or rattling.
Furnace noises can indicate something wrong with your burner flames, a pilot light or a flame sensor. It can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately by a professional.
When you hear a rumbling noise from your furnace, it is typically a sign that fuel remains in the combustion chamber after the cycle has completed. It is a common problem that requires HVAC contractor intervention.
Another noise to look for is a squealing or screeching sound from your blower motor. It can indicate that the belt that connects your fan to the engine is slipping. It may also need replacement.
Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling
If your furnace has short cycles, it turns on and off quickly, usually within a minute or two. It could be better and can indicate issues with your heating system.
A properly working furnace runs three to eight times per hour to keep your home at a steady temperature. It uses a blower motor to send air across a heat exchanger, comprised of tubes with burning fuel passing through them, into your home.
Numerous safety features are in place to keep your furnace running safely, including a high-limit switch and a flue limit switch. If these switches are faulty, your furnace will turn off prematurely, and you may need a repair service to replace them.
Another possible cause of short cycling is a clogged air filter. It can prevent proper airflow to the heat exchanger, forcing the high-limit switch to shut off your furnace.
Your Furnace Is Burning Blue
When your furnace is in good working order, its flames should be blue. This color indicates that your gas is combusting properly, burning cleanly and leaving no residue.
The blue flames also indicate that your furnace receives a proper oxygen supply, allowing for complete combustion. By not wasting any gas, your furnace will save you money on energy costs and lessen the amount of soot in your house.
When the flame is yellow or orange, it usually signifies an imbalance in the fuel-to-air ratio. It is a severe problem and can lead to carbon monoxide leaks in your home.
