When Your Air Conditioner Won't Work

4 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair Right Away

22 February 2022 by Clara Fernandez

Every time the cold season sets in, you count on your furnace to keep the house comfortable for your loved ones and avert seasonal problems like burst pipes. But, since your heating system remains off for many months due to the warm weather, it can get damaged, and you may not realize it.

Scheduling furnace repair right before winter starts will ensure your unit functions optimally throughout the season. So, how will you know that it's time to call your HVAC technician to repair your heating unit? Here are signs to look out for once you turn on your furnace for the first time.

An Unusual Smell

When you turn on your furnace after several months, it might smell like its fuel. This odor will dissipate shortly as the unit runs. But if the fuel smell doesn't go away or you notice another unusual scent, you might have a furnace issue. 

Such odors occur due to various problems like excessive dust in the unit or a gas leak. Call your HVAC technician to assess the cause of the weird smells and perform the necessary repairs.

Ineffective Heating

If the heating unit isn't generating hot air as expected, you will need repairs immediately. Ineffective heating causes freezing during winter and can make your home uncomfortable. The problem occurs due to various reasons, including a clogged filter, blocked burner, faulty thermostat, or a malfunctioning motor. 

If you confirm that the thermostat settings are correct but the heater isn't providing enough hot air, you should get your technician. They will inspect the system, determine the cause of your problem, and fix it.

Recurrent Cycling

Whenever a furnace starts turning on and off frequently, you should know that there is an issue. This occurs due to improper air circulation, a broken thermostat, and a clogged filter. The problem can also happen if the furnace is too big for the home; it will start and stop because it meets the hot air demands within a short time. 

This is the reason why you need professional assistance before installing a furnace. Calling a technician when you notice this problem will help you confirm if the furnace is too large or if the issue is caused by the filter or thermostat.

Tarnished Pilot Light

Usually, functional pilot lights have a blue color, so if you turn on the furnace and see a different color, like yellow, you should know you have an issue. Yellow pilot lights indicate a ventilation issue, which occurs when carbon monoxide isn't dissipated as expected. This can lead to health issues and make the furnace combustible, so call a technician immediately.

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