6 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

A functioning furnace is a key component of any home, especially during the cold season. Furnaces may malfunction or experience issues that need the attention of a repair expert. Identifying signs that your furnace needs repair can help prevent irreparable damage and keep your home warm and safe. Here are six signs that you need furnace repair:

1. Unusual Noises

Furnaces are designed to work quietly and should not produce loud noises during operation. Some noises, like a hum or an ignitor clicking, are normal. Any loud and continuous banging, squealing, or rattling sounds might indicate mechanical issues. Squealing sounds may suggest a loose or damaged belt while banging noises often suggest delayed burner ignition. Rattling sounds often indicate loose or broken parts within the furnace. 

2. Inconsistent Heating and Frequent Cycling

If some rooms are colder than others or the furnace cannot keep the temperature constant, there could be an issue. Uneven heating is often caused by dirty filters, faulty thermostats, or problems with the furnace blower. Solving these issues confirms that each area of your home gets the required heat during the cold season.

If your furnace switches on and off constantly, this may indicate short cycling. Short cycling occurs when the furnace fails to go through a complete heating cycle. Short cycling occurs due to overheating, a faulty thermostat, or inadequate airflow. This behavior decreases the comfort of your home and can put extra strain on the furnace. This may lead to its early failure.

3. Strange Odors

When turning on the furnace at the beginning of the season, a faint burning smell may be present. This happens when the accumulated dust on the furnace’s internal parts burns, and the smell should fade in a few hours. Strange odors, such as metallic, chemical, or sulfuric, are often a sign of a more severe problem. These smells could be due to issues like a gas leak, an overheating component, or mold in the ducts.

4. Weak or Insufficient Airflow

The primary role of a furnace is to distribute warm air throughout your home. If the air coming from the vents is weak or insufficient, there could be an issue with the blower motor. Dirty air filters or duct blockages could also cause insufficient airflow. Decreased air circulation impacts comfort and puts pressure on the furnace, resulting in further strain. Replacing the furnace air filters or vacuuming vents and returns may help improve airflow. 

5. Difficulty Starting the Furnace 

If your furnace does not start when your home’s temperature drops below the thermostat’s minimum, this can indicate an ignition problem. Faulty pilot lights or electronic ignitions often cause ignition problems. Other possible causes include wiring issues or faulty parts that have degraded over time. A trained HVAC technician helps identify the cause, replace necessary parts, and restart your furnace.

6. Yellow Pilot Light

The pilot light’s flame should be blue, showing that the fuel is burning efficiently and safely. A steady yellow or flickering pilot light can indicate a problem with the gas-to-air mixture or the presence of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe health issues. If the pilot light changes color, shut off the furnace to avoid gas inhalation. A furnace repair specialist can inspect the system to eliminate gas leaks or uneven burning. 

Hire a Furnace Repair Company 

Identifying when your furnace requires repair helps promote a comfortable and safe home environment. Schedule regular furnace maintenance and repair appointments to identify damaged parts or malfunctions early. This helps enhance the furnace’s efficiency and increase the system’s lifespan. Contact a reliable HVAC technician today to book inspection or repair services.