In Michigan, a furnace that works well is not a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity, and we’re about to head into the time of year when you’ll need it most of all. So if there is a problem with your furnace, you need to catch it as soon as possible and get it repaired before the issue gets worse (and more costly to repair) or the system breaks down altogether.
That means you need to know how to spot a heating system problem right away. But you’re not an HVAC expert! So how will you know when something’s wrong? Here’s a quick rundown of the most common signs that a furnace is in need of repair. Keep an eye (or ear, or nose) out for these!
Sounds
Furnaces do make some noise. But they shouldn’t make any sudden or loud noises. They should consistently make the same cycle of noises as they turn on and off. Something strange or new is definitely cause for concern. If you hear banging, clattering, buzzing, clicking, whistling, shrieking, or anything else out of the ordinary, you need repairs.
Smells
While there may be an unpleasant whiff of overheated dust when you first turn a heating system on in the fall (which can be avoided with maintenance) you definitely should not smell burning plastic or hot metal, so if you do, schedule repairs. A smell that reminds you of fish could be an electrical fire, so that requires emergency repairs. And a gas leak has an eggy smell. If that happens, evacuate and get emergency assistance!
Cold Spots
A total breakdown would mean that you aren’t getting any heat from your furnace at all. But if you’ve got some heat, just not enough, there’s a problem that should be addressed right away so that total breakdown can be avoided. Some areas being cold while others are warm might indicate a blower fan problem or other airflow issue.
High Bills
Heating is expensive. But if it suddenly seems even more expensive than usual, it might be because the furnace is having to expend a lot of extra energy just to get the same amount of work done. This could be due to a wide variety of problems and is definitely worth a visit from a technician.
Short Cycling
Here’s how a heating system works. When the temperature gets a little too cold, the thermostat sends the signal that heat is needed. The furnace starts up, heat is generated, and the blower fan distributes it through the ductwork. When the house gets warm enough, the thermostat sends the shut-down signal, and the house gradually cools off until the thermostat triggers another heating cycle.
These should happen just a few times an hour. The startup is the part of the heating cycle that uses the most energy and causes the most strain on the system. Many issues can cause frequent shutdowns, which lead to frequent startups, and cycles that only last a moment or two. This will drive up your bills without getting your house properly warm. You need furnace repair in East Lansing, MI!
Whatever problem you have, repairs will be quicker, simpler, and less costly if you get them done right away.
Contact A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for furnace services in Lansing, MI. Comfort and Character You Can Depend On.