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Polcomfort is a professional heating/air conditioning HVAC contractor in Hamilton, Ontario. We offer high-quality heating and cooling services for residential clients.
7 Ways to Know if You Need Your Furnace Repaired
If you notice any combination of the warning signs that your furnace needs repairs from the list below, don’t wait for your furnace to give out because it’ll result in more damage and it will cost more to properly repair your HVAC system. Make sure to schedule an assessment and any necessary furnace repair you may require as soon as possible.
Unusual Furnace Smells
A gas furnace can have the same scent as the fuel it uses, especially when you turn it on for the first time that year. Most furnace odours dissipate as the unit runs. A strong smell of fuel, one that suddenly appears or doesn’t go away over time, around your furnace is one of the top signs your furnace needs attention. A strange smell can have a number of causes from a gas leak to dust inside the unit.
Difficulty Starting the Unit
As your furnace ages, you may begin to have trouble turning the unit on and keeping it running. If you have to try multiple times throughout the day to start your unit or if you find you have to restart your furnace throughout the day, you might need repair. These functionality issues are often a sign of disconnected wiring or damaged thermostats.
Discoloured Pilot Light
The pilot light is a great indicator of your furnace’s health. A healthy pilot light is typically blue in hue. A light that is different in colour, especially a yellow flame, may indicate a ventilation problem. The colour can change when gases like carbon monoxide don’t dissipate as they should. This issue can cause health problems for you and your family, or even make your unit combustible if not addressed.
Inadequate Heat
Poor heat production or cold air are key signs that your furnace will need repairs because it’s no longer functioning properly. If your furnace is producing no heat or only a low level of heat regardless of your thermostat settings, you need to schedule repairs. The most common causes of inadequate heat is a leak in the ductwork or faulty thermostats that don’t communicate correctly with your furnace.
Strange Noises
No furnace runs completely silent, but loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Pay attention to the sounds you hear, record or make note of them, so that you can accurately describe these sounds to your HVAC professional when they come to inspect your system needs. Squealing or whistling noises may indicate belt or fan issues, while banging or groaning can result from broken or loose internal components.
Poor Air Quality
A poorly maintained heating system may move dirt, bacteria, dust, and other foreign particles throughout your home. You may begin to notice more dust floating in the air, as well as frequent coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments including aggravating seasonal allergies, resulting in itchiness, watery eyes, and potentially a headache.
Tripped Carbon Monoxide Detector
Your furnace is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector designed to alert you in the event of a gas leak in your heating system or to the presence of other toxic gases. If your detector does go off, turn off your furnace immediately and open the windows of your home for ventilation. Next, consult with your gas company and an HVAC professional to determine the source of the gas.