Furnace repair services are probably the last thing on your mind in the middle of summer. Nevertheless, there are some steps you can take before the cold months start to ensure that you have a properly functioning furnace in winter. An efficiently working furnace will make sure that you have a comfortable winter this year.
Performing routine furnace maintenance before the winter months arrive will be economical and ensure that the furnace works throughout winter. This is especially important if you have an old furnace or a faulty furnace. Here we list some of the usual problems that can occur with furnaces over time and require the expertise of a trained professional.
Unreasonable Energy Costs
A productively functioning furnace is energy-efficient and this is obvious by the energy it uses regularly. It is a sign for tenants that notice a sudden rise in their energy costs without a logical justification that their HVAC system might need maintenance or repairs. Contact a licensed furnace repair service to schedule a furnace inspection. The energy costs will only increase the longer you let the furnace run without getting the appropriate maintenance.
Broken Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger comprises of a set of coils that convert the air intake into warm air as the air passes through these coils. Having a cracked or broken heat exchanger means that there can be gas leaks coming into the house. One of the telltale signs of a cracked or broken heat exchanger is that there will be odd smells within the house. These smells will most often smell like something is burning or soot.
Overused Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are made of solid metal and they can get worn out over time or damaged if they are not installed properly. Hearing a scraping sound is one of the ways to identify worn-out ball bearings. It is also a good idea to switch off the furnace because letting the furnace run with worn-out ball bearings can cause further damage to the ball bearings within the furnace.
Damaged Blower Belt
One of the ways to identify a damaged blower belt is hearing high-pitched screeching or squealing noises from the furnace. This is an indication that the blower belt has either become loose or has worn out completely. It also means that the blower belt needs to be replaced or adjusted by a licensed furnace repairman for the furnace to work properly.
Recurrent Cycling On & Off
There can be multiple problems with a furnace that turns on and off within a short period of time. The furnace will begin to consume more power because of recurrent cycling. There could be all of the above problems with the furnace which can become the cause of the recurrent cycling. In addition to these problems, there is a risk that the thermostat is not functioning properly because it just needs to have the batteries changed. Another cause could be that there is just an extremely dirty air filter.
Choosing Between Repairing Or Buying A New Furnace
Most of the furnace problems can be fixed through timely repairs but this may not be a viable long-term solution in all cases. You might need to change a furnace if it is more than 17 years old or the furnace constantly requires repairs. If your furnace does not constantly perform satisfactorily it may need to be replaced.
