When the weather turns cold, you rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and cozy. But a malfunctioning system can take your comfort away in an instant. Unusual noises, gas leaks, and odors are warning signs that a professional should be called in to handle the problem quickly and safely. For more information, click on Coquitlam furnace repair.
1. Clogged Filter
When a furnace filter becomes too dirty, it can restrict airflow. This can cause the fan to work harder than it should to heat the house. The increased energy consumption can result in higher heating bills.
Dirty filters can also make it difficult for the heat exchanger to dissipate excess heat. This can damage the heat exchanger, pilot light, gas valves, and pressure switches.
To test how dirty your furnace filter is, hang a white sheet over one of your return vents. As air blows through the ductwork, it will pass by the sheet and blow whatever is in your filter onto the sheet. This is a good indicator that it’s time to change your filter. This simple task can make a huge difference in your home’s comfort.
2. Cycling Between “On” and “Off” Modes
If your furnace turns on and off frequently, without ever reaching the desired temperature, this is known as short cycling. A professional is required to diagnose this issue because it may indicate a serious mechanical problem that requires immediate attention.
If this occurs, you should first check that the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the breaker is not tripped. A tripped breaker often indicates that the circuit powering the furnace is not sufficiently sized for its load and should be replaced by a certified electrician.
Malfunctioning limit switches and pressure sensors can also cause furnaces to turn on and off quickly, so it’s important to have these parts replaced promptly. Regular maintenance and proper sizing of HVAC systems can help to prevent these problems.
3. Blower Issues
When your furnace’s blower is malfunctioning, it’s important to prioritize maintenance to keep the system running smoothly. Nonetheless, sometimes unusual noises and gas leaks/odors signal more complex underlying problems that require professional intervention to resolve effectively.
First, visually inspect the blower motor and capacitor. Look for signs of wear or damage, and test them using a multimeter to ensure that they are functioning within their specified parameters. If these tests produce incorrect readings, they may need replacement. Additionally, the limit control switch on your furnace might need to be repaired or replaced. If all these steps fail to address your problem, contact an HVAC expert for help. They can troubleshoot the problem and recommend a solution. They can also perform routine maintenance to avoid more serious blower issues in the future.
4. Loud Rumbling
Loud rumbling noises may indicate that gas is building up before ignition, which can cause mini explosions within the combustion chamber. This can damage the heat exchanger and create a fire risk. This issue will require professional attention as soon as possible.
Rattling sounds indicate that mechanical parts are not playing well together, like a loose blower wheel or dry bearings in the fan motor. This can affect your furnace efficiency and lead to uneven air distribution throughout the home.
Clicking sounds are normal when the unit turns on, but continuous clicking might mean that something is stuck in the fan blades of the blower or that the fan motor needs lubrication (a special kind of lubricant is required). This is best left to a professional technician.
5. Strange Smells
When a furnace is working correctly, it heats up the air and circulates it through your home’s ductwork and vents. Sometimes, the unit can emit strange odors. If you smell a burning, dusty or gasoline-like scent coming from your vents, it’s time to shut off the system and call an HVAC professional for help. These odors indicate that there is gas leakage, which could present health risks to your family.
You can also expect a burning or dusty smell at the beginning of the heating season, since the furnace needs to burn off layers of accumulated dust. However, if the smell persists and is accompanied by smoke, it’s a sign of a larger issue that requires specialized furnace attention as soon as possible.