Generally, your heating system is going to let you know when it’s time for repair. Whether you are looking at a faulty component or a faltering system, there are certain warning signs to watch for that indicate that it’s time to call in a professional.
Common issues seen in gas furnaces include clogged filters, cracked heat exchangers, and inoperative motors. A malfunctioning furnace is not only inconvenient and expensive, but it can also be dangerous, particularly if there’s a carbon monoxide leak involved. Thus, it’s important to act quickly to make sure you get the problem taken care of as soon as possible. Here are some of the top warning signs to look for when it comes to gas furnace repair.
Gas and Electricity Bills Inexplicably Going Up / Less Heat Being Produced
If you have noticed that your utility bills have been unexpectedly rising, it’s time for a gas furnace maintenance check-up or repair. A damaged component can cause your furnace to have to work much harder to heat your home, thereby using more fuel. This is usually accompanied by a reduction in the overall performance of your furnace, where you simply aren’t able to get the home warm enough. Uneven heat distribution is another common issue, where some rooms end up too hot whereas others are too cold.
Strange Noises
There are a variety of strange noises that can emanate from your heater that indicate that repair is needed. Any banging, popping, rattling, or squealing can indicate that a component is broken or that your furnace has aged to the point where it is beginning to falter. Another thing to listen for is a blower that runs excessively, turns on and off frequently, or even at times blows cold air.
Unusual Burner Flame
Did you know that your gas furnace burner flame is supposed to be blue? In fact, a flame that is yellow or flickering can be a sign that your furnace is unsafe and needs immediate attention: meaning that it may be producing poisonous carbon monoxide. Other signs of carbon monoxide presence include streaks of soot around the furnace area; excess moisture found on windows, walls, and other cold surfaces; excessive rusting on flue pipes or vent pipes; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the vent; and an absence of an upward draft in your chimney.
Unexplained Illness in Family
As furnaces age, they run the risk of developing a crack in the heat exchanger, which can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home undetected. This can cause illness-like symptoms in residents, including frequent headaches, a burning feeling in the nose or eyes, nausea, disorientation, and even symptoms that resemble the flu. In this case, a professional needs to be brought in immediately, as prolonged exposure can cause damage and sometimes even death.
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