We take few things for granted more than a properly functioning furnace, yet all mechanical systems need maintenance and occasional repair to ensure they continue doing their jobs. To help you know when to contact a qualified HVAC professional to inspect or repair your furnace, below are common signs that your furnace needs to be inspected.

Signs of Furnace Problems

No or Insufficient Heat

The primary job of a furnace is to produce heat that spreads throughout the house. Sometimes, furnaces stop producing heat altogether, produce limited heat, or do not distribute the heat to all rooms in the home. Each can indicate a different problem, but all three require a professional to inspect your furnace.

Furnace Does Not Start or Stay One

Furnaces sometimes do not start at all, and other times, they start and shut down a while later. Your furnace should turn on immediately when you adjust your thermostat and remain on until your home reaches the target temperature. Call your favorite HVAC service provider if one or the other does not happen.

Thermostat Does Not Work

Sometimes, your furnace turns and produces heat; however, adjusting the thermostat does not produce the desired increase or decrease in room temperature. This condition often indicates a problem with your thermostat or its connection to your furnace. Both conditions require a trained HVAC technician to review the situation.

Furnace Smells When Turned On

While it is not unusual for your furnace to emit a smell when it has not run for several months, it should disappear within minutes. If the odor does not fade. or you notice a new smell during regular operation, you may have an issue with inadequate combustion or ventilation.

Yellow Pilot Light or Carbon Monoxide Detector Trips

Other signs of inadequate combustion or ventilation include changes in the color of your pilot light and the tripping of your carbon monoxide detector. The pilot light on a gas furnace is blue when operating correctly, and it turns yellow when not adequately ventilated. Likewise, tripping your carbon monoxide detector is a definite sign that you have ventilation problems. If this occurs, turn off your furnace and open windows or doors to remove the gas and ventilate your home. Also, call your HVAC service provider immediately.

Poor Air Quality

Poor air quality, such as significant dust or musty smells, likely indicates a problem with the furnace air filter or dirty ducts. Check whether your furnace air filter is dirty or has not been replaced in the last three months. (Write the replacement date on your filter each time you swap it out.) Hopefully, replacing the air filter will solve the problem. If not, you may need to consider having your ducts cleaned.

Strange Noises

As with all mechanical systems, unusual noises are warning signs of something wrong. Your furnace will usually hum due to the blower fan, but loud noises should not occur. Furnaces can buzz or rattle due to a loose screw or squeal as the result of a fan belt problem, but you should have a technician review any unusual sounds.

Water Leaks

Water often puddles on the floor near the furnace when a condensation line clogs. A backed-up condensation line is a clear sign of trouble and can damage your furnace, so you should have this issue addressed promptly.

Trusted HVAC Service Provider

It is essential to find an HVAC contractor you trust. If you need furnace repairs in New Lenox, IL, consider Update Heating & Cooling Services to help you fix and maintain your furnace and general HVAC system.