The more you rely on your furnace this winter, the more stress you’re going to be putting on it. That increases the odds of problems cropping up over time, which is why you need to be especially vigilant for signs that your furnace is in trouble. Earlier detection of furnace problems means faster repairs and more damage prevented. Have a look at some of the more common symptoms that your furnace is in need of repairs.
Odd Noises
If you’ve had your furnace for a while, then you know what it’s supposed to sound like when it’s operating. If the system begins to make any kind of unusual noises while it’s running, you should probably have a professional check it out as soon as possible. Odd noises could indicate any number of problems, ranging in severity and location in the system. Regardless, though, practically all unusual noises that suddenly start happening out of nowhere are signs of an issue that will require professional attention. It’s best to have these noises dealt with as soon as possible.
Falling Output
One of the first signs that homeowners notice that their furnace is having issues is dropping output. Your furnace might have trouble putting out enough heat for a few different reasons. It’s possible that the air filter in the furnace is clogged, which can happen if it isn’t changed often enough. This cuts off the majority of the air flow from entering the furnace, preventing it from circulating as much heat.
It’s also possible that the burner assembly is malfunctioning, if you’re using a gas furnace. Without the burner assembly, the furnace won’t be able to generate any heat at all. If some of the jets are still functioning, the furnace might be generating a little bit of heat. If you look at the burner assembly and some of the jets aren’t igniting, though, it’s a good idea to turn off your furnace and call for repairs.
Short Cycling
If your furnace is turning on and off every couple of minutes, without completing a full heating cycle, then you have a problem. That problem is called short cycling. Short cycling is often caused by electrical issues in the furnace, though a clogged air filter or malfunctioning air handler can also cause it by trapping heat in the system. As the system cannot complete a full heating cycle, its output will drop significantly. The bigger problem with short cycling, though, is that it causes the system to wear out much faster than it normally would. This added wear and tear will shorten the lifespan of the system significantly. If you don’t have the problem dealt with quickly, it can cause the entire furnace to break down. So, make sure that you call for repairs as soon as you notice your system doing this.
Area Heating & Cooling, Inc. provides comprehensive furnace repair services in Vancouver, WA. If you need furnace repair services, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure your furnace is in good shape this winter.
