FURNACE REPAIR WARNING SIGNS
When the winter starts, you need to make certain that your furnace is working properly, but even if you've undergone routine maintenance, there is still the chance that something could go wrong. Furnace failure seems to always happen when you need it most, but if you know what to look for, you can often have repairs performed before an issue becomes too serious. With that in mind, there are a number of clear warning signs that any home owner with a furnace should be on the lookout for.
Paying attention to the state of your furnace will help you recognize if there is anything that needs to be done before the situation becomes any worse, or you find yourself in need of replacing it. Luckily, it is generally rather easy to tell when something is beginning to go wrong with a home furnace, so you should be able to get repairs before it turns into an emergency.
Blowing Cold Air
If your furnace is blowing cool or room temperature air through when it is turned on, there is a problem. This can be the result of a number of issues, but whatever the cause, repairs are most certainly mandatory. Your furnace not producing heat or producing much less heat than it normally does is a sure and easy sign there is something wrong.
Cracked Safety Exchange
If there are cracks in the safety exchange of your furnace you need to act quickly and have it repaired right away. Should you notice this sign, you will not want to use your furnace, keep it off until you have had a professional repairman visit your home. Cracks can mean that poisonous carbon monoxide is seeping into your home when the furnace is in use, mixing with the air you breathe.
Loud Noises
Incessant banging, groaning, and other sounds that make your furnace sound like it is haunted, are all signs that something has gone wrong with it mechanically. This may be a simple solution, but there are a host of problems other than a slipped belt that can result in this. Furnaces aren't quiet by their very nature, but an increase in noise generally means it is time to call the repairman.
Yellow Flame
If the pilot light for your furnace is burning yellow then that means there is a heavy amount of carbon monoxide in its system. This is a dangerous health hazard if left unchecked, so should be addressed immediately. Your furnace's flame should always be burning a bright blue, any other color suggests something is amiss.
Energy Costs
If your energy costs are rising and your use remains about the same, then you should have your furnace checked. A furnace that is struggling to keep up, or has simply fallen into disrepair, will use a lot more energy than one that is running efficiently.
Keep an eye on your furnace before and throughout the winter, as letting your system fall into disrepair can prove a danger to both you and your household. Instead of growing lax, perform a basic inspection of your furnace and keep an eye open for any potential problems. If you haven't done so, you should also have a contractor come out and perform a tune-up to make certain that everything is working correctly and it is running efficiently.
Finding the right contractor for the job doesn't have to be difficult when it comes to having your heating system repaired. When you next find yourself in need of furnace repair services, turn to the experienced professionals at Steve Basso Plumbing, Heating & AC, LLC.