As the winter months start to drag on longer and longer, the strain on your furnace from constant use is only going to increase, and as it does, it is important to recognize that the chances of your furnace breaking down or developing one or more serious issues is only going to increase as well. Your furnace is an incredibly important part of your home’s overall function, and plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable for you and your family during the winter months. With that being the case, it is important to make sure that you are paying attention for any of the early warning signs of furnace trouble so you can make the call to a professional and get the repairs you need before your system fails completely. To help you in identifying exactly what some of these signs are, our team of professionals have taken the time to put together this short list highlighting several of the most common indicators that your furnace might be struggling so you can make the call to a professional and get the service you need right away.
Unusual Noises
Like any other mechanical device, your furnace is going to make noises while in use from time to time, but it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the types of noises that are common for your unit to better identify when something sounds off. If you begin to hear and strange of sudden noises that you have never noticed before, like groaning, banging, or any whining, it can be an indicator of a number of issues ranging from an unbalanced belt, an air leak, an ignition issue, or a sign that some part of your system needs to be replaced. If you hear any strange new noises coming from your home’s furnace, the best thing to do is call in a professional right away and have them give your system a full inspection to identify exactly what the issue is and the best way to solve it.
You Aren’t Getting Warm Air
Anytime you go to turn up your furnace dial and you notice that you either aren’t getting as much warm air as you should, or you aren’t getting any at all, it is a clear indicator that it’s time to call in a pro. A lack of heat could be an indicator of a number of different issues, especially if your system still sounds like it’s running, but just isn’t pumping out any warm air. A lack of warm air could be an indicator of many things, including a malfunctioning thermostat, leaking ducts, or even an issue with your pilot light. Whatever the case may be, it is important to call in a pro and get to the bottom of the issue quickly to help restore your home to the level of comfort you desire and prevent any further wear on your furnace.
Yellow Pilot Light
When your furnace is functioning properly, your pilot light should have a blue flame. If your pilot light flame is yellow, it is usually a sign that there is an issue in your combustion process, and your system might be producing carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide leaks can be deadly, and they aren’t something you want to take any chances with. Take a peek at your pilot light every so often during the winter months, and if you notice that your flame has gone from blue to yellow, make the call to a professional immediately and have them come out to inspect and correct the issue. Call the experts at A/C Contractors today!