Is your heating system acting up? Obviously, you need furnace repair if the equipment breaks down completely. To avoid inconvenient emergency services, watch for these eight warning signs that you should schedule heating repair sooner rather than later.
- High heating bills: While rising fuel costs could be partly to blame, check each statement to compare your energy usage from the same month last year. If the amount is steadily increasing, this is a sign that your heater is losing efficiency and needs repair.
- Hot and cold spots: If some rooms are too cold while others are too hot, your furnace could have air circulation problems. Constant drafts indicate your furnace is no longer heating effectively. Overly dry air is another comfort problem you might want to address.
- Loud operation: A squealing, rattling, rumbling, or grinding furnace may be having trouble. The noises could indicate a poorly lubricated blower motor, loose furnace panel, ignition problem, or shot motor bearings. Don’t wait for a complete breakdown—call an HVAC contractor for furnace repair right away.
- Strange smells: Watch out for musty, sour, smoky, or burning plastic odors that seem to come from your furnace. A rotten egg smell is particularly hazardous, as it could mean you have a gas leak.
- Short cycling: Does your furnace turn on and off intermittently without completing full cycles? The system could be overheating, which you can fix by replacing the dirty air filter. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to schedule heating services.
- Poor indoor air quality: A cracked furnace heat exchanger could introduce carbon monoxide into your home. Unexplained health problems such as frequent headaches, nausea, disorientation, and flu-like symptoms are signs of prolonged exposure to CO gas. Before calling a technician, open windows and doors to air out the interior and evacuate your family. Keep in mind that a cracked heat exchanger warrants a total furnace replacement.
- Flickering yellow burner flame: Check the flame while the furnace runs to see if it’s a steady blue color. If the flame flickers or appears yellow, this is a sign of excessive carbon monoxide, which may endanger your family. Take this warning sign seriously and seek immediate furnace repair.
- Lack of maintenance: If you can’t remember the last time you maintained your furnace, it’s wise to schedule an inspection, even if your heater seems to be operating normally. Routine maintenance is a proven way to prevent breakdowns and may save you money on future repair costs.
If you see any of these signs or simply want to check the health of your heating system, turn to Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We have over 40 years of experience providing Utah heating repair, replacement, and maintenance. Our fully vetted, background-checked technicians are sure to complete the job to your satisfaction. To schedule services, please call 801-877-2184 if you live in Utah County, or reach us at 801-877-2536 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.
