Telltale Signs a Home Furnace Needs Repair

Spotting the early signs of a furnace starting to break down can spare you from a chilly winter in Woodridge, IL. The following signs all indicate that your furnace is crying out for a maintenance checkup. Responding to these signs by scheduling a heating system service, Woodridge, IL, can help residents keep their furnaces working well this winter.

Gas Smell

A smell of gas around your furnace is a sign that should never be overlooked. A sulfurous smell could indicate that your furnace has a gas leak, which can be extremely dangerous. Do not turn on your furnace or light any naked flames until you can call out a heating service to check it over.

Here are some other signs of a gas leak:

Strange Sounds

If your heating system is noisier than usual, it could be in need of repair. A clicking noise can indicate a problem with the flame sensor. Problems in the motor of an air heating system can cause squealing. Call a home heating repair company to find out exactly what the problem is and get it fixed right away.

Yellow Pilot Light

The pilot light of your furnace should always be blue. A yellow pilot light can be a sign of incomplete combustion, which produces carbon monoxide, a deadly but difficult to detect gas. Don’t delay — call a heating repair company now if you notice that the pilot light is any color other than blue.

Dusty Furnace Vents

Soot around the furnace vents is another sign of incomplete combustion. Sometimes dust is simply dust, but if it keeps building up around the vents, schedule a maintenance check as soon as possible. A dirty furnace is not an efficient furnace, so delaying could cost you money.

Failure to Reach Target Temperature

If there is a mismatch between the temperature setting on your thermostat and the actual temperature of your home, the most likely cause is a problem with the thermostat. The good news is that this is often an easy and low-cost repair. Get in touch with a heating repair service to find out how much it will cost to repair or replace your thermostat.

Furnace Takes Ages to Fire Up

Furnaces are designed to quickly come up to temperature — it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. If your furnace regularly takes an hour or more, then it is time to call a heating repair service. There are a number of faults that can cause this problem, including the connection with the thermostat, clogged ducts, and motor problems.

Furnace is Old

Old furnaces need a little more attention than modern furnaces to keep them working well. If your furnace is more than a decade old and it’s been a while since its last service, consider scheduling one today.

No matter what is wrong with your furnace, we are ready to help. Give us a call to help your furnace make it through winter!