Knowing when to maintain your furnace can be quite difficult. However, there are several signs that you should pay attention to. One of the important things to look out for is a foul smell. Your furnace may start producing a fuel-like smell when you turn it on, making your house quite uncomfortable. This issue normally occurs due to a gas leak or excessive dust inside the unit.
Besides a foul smell, your unit may produce strange sounds. After using your system for some time, it may start squealing or whistling, indicating belt or fan issues. You may also hear banging sounds, a clear sign that one of its components is broken.
If you notice a spike in your monthly energy bills, you need furnace maintenance services. Although electricity bills normally vary depending on the season or how often you use it, the difference should not be too significant.
At some point, your furnace may start producing poor air quality filled with dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles. The best way to spot this issue is if several people in your household exhibit symptoms such as headaches, itchiness, watery eyes, frequent coughs, and colds. Poor air quality may also contain a huge amount of carbon monoxide. Luckily, most furnaces are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors to alert you if your indoor air contains any toxic gas. Turn off your furnace immediately and seek professional services immediately after you realize a high carbon monoxide level in your air.
Many homeowners have also reported issues with uneven heating. You’ll find that some parts of your home are warmer compared to others. For instance, upstairs rooms tend to be warmer than the basement, but the disparity should not be too big. Sometimes you may also notice the indoor temperatures become too warm for a few minutes and then cool suddenly. Dealing with this issue can be frustrating and only be solved through maintenance.
Another problem you are likely to encounter is challenges starting your furnace. Once you manage to turn on your unit, it may turn off by itself, forcing you to switch it on again multiple times a day. This issue normally occurs due to a damaged thermostat or wiring issues.
A common question our team normally receives from many homeowners is about the benefits of maintaining your furnace. Regular furnace repair offers several benefits, including reducing your monthly energy bills, improving the health of your family members, and extending your equipment’s lifespan. Additionally, it validates your warranty and improves your indoor conditions.
As a homeowner, you should schedule furnace maintenance at least once or twice a year, depending on the type of equipment you have, how often you use it, and where you live. The best time to tune-up your furnace is just before the cold season sets in, ensuring the equipment is ready for the season.
