Not Sure What’s Wrong with Your Furnace? Read This First
We hardly notice our furnace when it’s working properly, but when something goes wrong, it can feel like the sky is falling, especially in the middle of winter. As cold weather drags on, your furnace has probably been busy these past few months. All that extra use can lead to a range of furnace problems, especially if you’ve been falling behind on maintenance. If there’s a problem with your furnace, find out what went wrong and how to fix it.
1. The Furnace Is Slow to Start and High Energy Bills
If you notice it takes longer than usual for your home to warm up and your energy bills are going through the roof, this might be a sign that you need to clean your furnace filters. When the filter gets clogged with dust and dirt, heat can’t pass through the opening as easily, which is why your home might be a little colder than usual. As you dial up the thermostat, your energy bills are going up, but you might not be feeling the warmth. Try cleaning off the filters yourself or request a tune-up from a local HVAC repair company.
2. Constant Temperature Cycling
If the temperature always seems to be in flux, it could mean that the air is having trouble getting around your home. Your vents and filters might be clogged. Or your thermostat may be malfunctioning. Feel your way around the vents in your home to see if the air is passing through. Clean your vents and filters to resolve the problem. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the thermostat.
3. The Furnace Isn’t Heating Your Home
This could refer to a range of common furnace problems. First, make sure your furnace is turned on and receiving power. If that’s not the issue, a faulty ignition or pilot light will prevent your furnace from generating heat. You could also be dealing with a mechanical problem or a clogged burner. In this case, it’s usually best to call for some backup and have your furnace inspected by a professional. Your furnace will need to be repaired or replaced.
4. The Furnace Is Constantly Blowing Air
If you feel the air coming through but it’s not getting warm, that’s usually a sign of a faulty limit switch. This is best handled by a professional furnace repair specialist.
5. Furnace Makes a Rough Scraping Sound
This sound will immediately get your attention. If you turn on the furnace and it sounds like two pieces of metal are scraping against each other, it likely means the ball bearings are worn out. Call a furnace repair specialist immediately.
All sorts of things can go wrong with your furnace when it’s blasting warm air into your home 24/7. You can avoid many of these problems with regular furnace maintenance. Have a professional inspect your HVAC system at least twice a year to prevent an unexpected breakdown.
No one wants to be without a furnace in the dead of winter. Keep your home warm and call A-1 Guaranteed for fast furnace repair in Contra Costa, CA today!
