No furnace problem is too small to get fixed right away. It’s critical to address small problems as soon as they appear so they don’t snowball into bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive ones.
However, we understand that many people don’t know what to look for when it comes to furnace problems. That’s why we’ll teach you, so you can know what to watch for and what to do if you notice something is wrong.
Here are 6 signs that you need furnace repairs! If you notice any of them occurring in your home, be sure to contact an HVAC professional right away.
Electrical Problems
It’s important to keep an eye on your electrical system throughout the year not only because it can be affected by your furnace, but also because it can have a pronounced effect on the safety and energy efficiency of your home.
A healthy furnace utilizes your home’s electrical system without issues. If it’s working properly, you won’t notice anything. However, if you do notice electrical issues in your house, your furnace could be the culprit.
If your furnace is working extra hard because of malfunctions, you will start noticing certain problems such as breaker trips, electrical buzzing and humming, flickering lights, and other electricity irregularities.
All of these electrical issues are signs that your furnace is working harder than it should and it is causing your electrical system to work harder as well.
Not attending to these kinds of problems can result in further damage to your home’s electrical system, even posing a risk for dangerous things like fires.
The Smell of Gas
Gas leaks are one of the most severe safety issues any homeowner can experience. Though rare, they can be dangerous and even deadly. So, homeowners with gas furnaces need to be extra vigilant about them.
If you smell something similar to rotten eggs in your house near your furnace or other gas appliances, it’s likely you have a gas leak—a severe problem. Here’s what you need to do in that case.
Turn off the gas main and call your gas company’s emergency hotline immediately. Gas leaks can lead to fires if you’re not careful and can be detrimental to your health. The sooner you get the leak repaired, the safer your home will be.
Due to how dangerous they can be, you should NEVER try to repair or address a gas leak on your own. ALWAYS call a professional, right away.
Furnace Water Leaks
Your furnace naturally produces condensation while it operates. It has an internal system to address this and drain the water properly. However, if you notice that there’s water pooling up in large amounts by your furnace—you have a problem.
A furnace leak is not only a problem because it means that your furnace isn’t working properly, but it also means that you are at risk of water damage.
If left untreated, it can soak into the foundation, the walls, and the flooring of your home. Over time, it can lead to mold and mildew growth throughout your home, not just around the furnace.
What do condensation leaks mean for your furnace? They mean that a condensation line or drain is not working properly. Your furnace could become less efficient as a consequence, raising your utility bills as it uses more power.
Keep an eye out! If you notice a leak, contact a professional.
Furnace Isn’t Keeping Up with Thermostat
This is an obvious furnace problem. If your furnace isn’t keeping up with the temperature settings on your thermostat, it’s not working properly. In this case, you need to have it inspected and fixed as soon as possible.
Your furnace could be failing to keep up with your thermostat for a few reasons. First, it could have faulty wiring or an issue with the thermostat sensor itself. Additional problems could range from simply having a dirty filter to needing a new blower motor, among other things. In any case, call a professional!
Thermostat issues can cause more issues than cold nights.
If your house doesn’t stay warm enough—especially if you’re away from home—you could experience complications like frozen or burst pipes. These can be catastrophic issues, resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.
Frequent Cycling
If the furnace turns on and off frequently, there is probably a problem with the heating system. The problem could be the result of a malfunctioning thermostat, improper air circulation, or a clogged filter.
Your furnace should run consistently until your home reaches the temperature on your thermostat. Once it does, it will turn off until your home’s temperature gets lower than the setting.
Under normal conditions, your furnace should run for 10-15 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per hour. This varies by the temperature setting of your thermostat, outdoor temperatures, and energy efficiency and size of your home.
However, if your furnace is cycling a lot more than this, you have a problem. Pay attention to how long and how often your furnace runs. If it’s constantly running or shutting on and off, call a professional.
Loud, Banging Noises
All furnaces make some noise when they turn on, due to the blower motor kicking in and moving air throughout your home. These noises should be very minimal, and shouldn’t be that noticeable.
Excessive noises usually stem from loose parts and components. The longer they clank around, the more damage they can cause to your furnace.
If your furnace makes loud, banging noises when it starts up, get it fixed right away to avoid expensive issues down the road.
Hoosier Indoor Air Can Help
The furnace issues we’ve talked about can be easily prevented with routine maintenance. However, things happen, and emergency repairs can be necessary. In any case, we’re here to help.
Whether you need emergency heating repairs, new furnace installation, or seasonal furnace maintenance, Hoosier Indoor Air is here to help keep you warm during the cold Indiana winters.
We’ll take care of your HVAC needs so you don’t have to worry about them, allowing you to just focus on living your life.
One of the ways we do this is through our Comfort Guard™ maintenance plan!
This service includes more than just routine maintenance. It also offers discounts and perks for heating and cooling repair services—and more—for just $18 per month!
Our certified HVAC technicians are standing by and equipped to handle any type of heating problem in your home. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can serve you, call 317-466-7437 or book a visit online.
