When to Call a Professional for Furnace Repair?
Furnaces can act up and many people believe that it will go back to normal if they leave it alone. However, when the winter season is approaching, you need to make sure that there’s nothing wrong with your heating appliance. This is going to keep you comfortable and prevent you from waking up with chills during the colder months. See more about getting warm in the winter days when you go to this site.
Some might be able to go with the DIY route when it comes to heating appliance repairs. However, some issues will need professional attention especially if they are getting worse. Learning when the right time is to call an HVAC technician and when it is okay to check everything yourself can help you prevent expensive breakdowns in the future. Some of the telltale signs that you need to watch out for are the following:
Unusual Noises Coming from the Furnace
Banging or squealing can be a sign that there’s a loose part that should be tightened within the system. When they are not fixed, they will continue to rattle which can be very loud and annoying to the homeowner. It can be a failing motor blower or a broken component that needs replacement.
Attempting to diagnose these noises yourself can be risky and they can result in further damage. This is why we recommend First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling to be your go-to experts when this happens as they are going to identify the root cause of the problem and provide you with a more reliable solution.
Inconsistent Heating Throughout Your Home
When some rooms have cold spots, you know that your furnace isn’t working as planned and it’s struggling to maintain the temperature that you’ve set on your thermostat. It can be a heating component that’s malfunctioning or dirty ductwork. Either way, you should call someone who is skilled in restoring the warm and even temperature of your home and prevent some members of the family from shivering during the cold days.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
There will be a time when you hear the click that will be a sign that the heating system has achieved the right temperature and it’s going to cycle off. It’s normal but the intervals will be regular. However, if it’s too frequent then this can be caused by an improperly sized furnace or a dirty air filter.
Constant on and off can increase the wear-and-tear of the entire system and reduce the lifespan of your HVAC. This could also result in high energy bills at the end of the month. When you notice that the cycle is becoming erratic, you need to call the professionals to know what’s really going on and if there’s a chance that you can get it fixed in no time.
Also, if you receive a huge bill, it can be because of an aging system or worn-out parts that can result in the furnaces working harder than usual. Professional technicians can often give you helpful advice about what to do and identify any inefficiencies so you can save more on your energy bills.
Pilot Light Problems
When the electronic ignition fails, then the entire system won’t be able to heat your home and give you the warmth that you need. The frequent struggles of the pilot light can be because it has issues with the current gas supply or a faulty thermocouple.
Since these components involve handling gas, it’s essential to call an HVAC contractor to address any pilot light or ignition problems to avoid safety hazards like gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Poor Air Quality
Furnaces can help the indoor quality of the air that the family is breathing in. If you notice an increase in dust or staleness that’s coming off from the heating system, it could be a sign that the air filters are clogged or that there is a buildup of grime within the appliance itself.
Poor air quality can worsen allergies and respiratory issues, and this is why you should address this issue in the fastest possible way. With the right heating and cooling technicians, they are going to help clean the ducts when necessary and remove any form of debris from the filters so you can notice a significant improvement in the air quality of your home.
The System Won’t Turn On
If there’s no power interruption and the furnace won’t simply turn on, then it can be a problem with the ignition or with the electrical connections of the furnace. Before calling a professional, it’s a good idea to check your thermostat settings, make sure the furnace’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped, and verify that the pilot light is lit if applicable. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s time to bring in a technician to troubleshoot and repair the problem.
Short Cycling
This can occur when the home appliance turns on for a brief period and then shuts off before it can complete a full heating cycle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as an overheating furnace or restrictions on the airflow.
Short cycling not only prevents your home from reaching the desired temperature but also puts unnecessary strain on your furnace, leading to premature wear and potential breakdowns. It can also result in a fire if not addressed properly. A professional technician can diagnose the root cause of short cycling and make the necessary repairs to ensure your furnace operates efficiently.