No one pays any mind to their gas furnace until it breaks down. And when that happens, your cozy home becomes cold and miserable. Like any other appliance, it can break down after wear and tear over time.Â
Maybe you haven’t had a furnace problem before. If so, it’s important to pay attention when you start smelling or hearing things, as it often signals a problem. To learn what the signs are, keep reading—we’re going to break down possible issues and when it’s time for a gas furnace repair.
How to Know Your Furnace Needs Repairing
No Heat or Inconsistent Heating
When your furnace stops producing heat, you have a problem. If your furnace is on, but your home is cold, or one room is warmer than another, it could be a clog.
Check your thermostat and make sure it’s set correctly. Also, check your air filter for clogging. If everything looks good but you’re still having issues, call a technician for gas furnace repair.Â
Strange Noises
Gas furnaces work quietly, so loud sounds are never a good thing. Listen for:
- Rattling or Scraping: It could be a problem with the blower wheel or fan motor.
- Whistling: You probably have dirty or clogged air filters.
- Banging or Popping: Your burners may be dirty, or there’s delayed ignition. It could also be a gas buildup.
Blower Runs Constantly
A constant-running blower can be caused by a faulty limit switch, a broken thermostat, or a malfunctioning relay. It’s generally not super dangerous, but it can lead to higher utility bills.Â
Before calling a technician, adjust the thermostat and see if the blower turns off. If it doesn’t, call a professional to check it out.
Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
The pilot light in your furnace should be a steady blue flame. If it turns yellow, flickers, or goes out, there’s most likely a problem with your gas supply, the thermocouple, or the burner. A yellow light is highly concerning as it could show carbon monoxide. If you see a yellow flame, turn off the furnace immediately—you need gas furnace repair.
Frequent Cycling On and Off
Is your furnace turning on and off? This can mean a lot of things. Look at your filter or thermostat first, and try replacing the air filter if it’s dirty.Â
Unusual Smells
Having a “new furnace” smell is normal. But if you notice a lingering smell, this could be very dangerous. Furnaces and smells can be a lethal combination, so if you smell burning or gas, turn off the furnace and leave the house. Call a pro to make sure it’s not a gas leak.
Increased Utility bills
Suddenly getting high utility bills in the mail? Don’t ignore this! This can mean that there’s a problem with the burner, heat exchange, or air filters. You can nip this in the bud by calling a technician, and they can recommend a number of solutions, including cleaning or replacing a part.
Constantly Adjusting the ThermostatÂ
If you’re always checking the thermostat and needing to adjust it, something is up. Check to see that it’s calibrated, and change the batteries.Â
Final Thoughts
If you want a cozy home, your furnace needs to function at its best at all times. While most furnace issues are minor, ignoring the signs can lead to real problems that will cost you. Whether you see a yellow flame, experience fluctuations in temperature between hot and cold, or hear odd sounds, contact us for gas furnace repair or oil furnace maintenance and work with a professional who will prioritize your comfort and safety.