As temperatures start to drop outside, there’s nothing worse than realizing your furnace isn’t keeping your home as warm and comfortable as it should. While some furnace problems are easy DIY fixes, more complex problems require professional assistance. Ignoring warning signs of a failing furnace leads to complete breakdowns, carbon monoxide leaks, freezing pipes, and sky-high energy bills.
- Inconsistent or insufficient heat
The failure to reach the desired thermostat setting is a common sign that your furnace tune up. Or temperatures inconsistent from room to room. For example, the bedrooms might be freezing while the living room feels warm and toasty. An inefficient or damaged furnace won’t push enough heated air through your home’s ductwork. Cracks, air leaks, or blockages in the ducts themselves also impede airflow. Only a professional diagnostic test pinpoint the root cause. Overriding the thermostat setting is not a sustainable solution.
- Unusual noises
It’s normal for a furnace to make some low humming or whistling sounds when operating. However, squealing, banging, rumbling, or screeching noises indicate a problem. It might be a damaged or loose blower motor fan, worn-out bearings, debris in the blower, or a burner issue. These problems only grow worse over time. Never ignore strange furnace noises.
- Burning smell
If you sniff burning plastic or another odd odor whenever you turn on the heat, that’s your furnace screaming for help. Burning smells indicate overheating parts, electrical issues, or a problem with the fuel supply line. For example, a damaged igniter might cause gas to build up in the chamber before ignition. Eventually, this could spark dangerous leaks or explosions. Never take burning odors lightly – call for emergency furnace repair maple ridge immediately.
- High energy bills
While rising utility costs are causing everyone’s energy bills to increase these days, a disproportionately high jump likely signals problems with your furnace. The issue might be a damaged heat exchanger, undetected gas leak, wiring short, or loss of flame sensor preventing the furnace from shutting off. Schedule boiler repair north vancouver service and ask the HVAC technician to perform an energy audit determining what repairs could have maximum cost savings.
- Frozen pipes and water damage
If you notice new frozen water pipes or water spots on walls and ceilings, your “running” furnace has stopped. Some furnace failures cause a shutdown with no obvious symptoms. The only evidence is unforeseen frozen pipe bursts and hidden water leakage after pipes thaw. This type of “silent shutdown” with no comforting background furnace noise throughout your home leads to extensive and costly repairs from extensive water damage occurring over days or weeks. Never assume everything is fine just because you don’t directly experience the other warning signs highlighted in this article. Consider periodic furnace inspections and be proactive if you notice any temperature consistency issues.
