Has your furnace stopped working and now you are considering if you need a heating repair? Is it functioning less efficiently than usual? Are you smelling a burning scent or hearing strange noises?
There are plenty of issues that can present themselves when it comes to heating your home. And when you’re unfamiliar with the inner workings of your heating system, these issues can be overwhelming.
Six Of The Most Common Issues That Call For A Heating Repair
- Improper maintenance
- Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
- Pilot light Issues
- Burning Smells
- Unusual Noises
- Thermostat Problems
Improper maintenance
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, maintenance is everything. Just like any piece of equipment, your heating system requires regular maintenance. The only way to get the full lifespan out of your heating system is to routinely put the time and effort into maintaining it. Neglecting to schedule inspections, or clean key components like burners, air filters, and air ducts will only result in a broken or inefficient system.
Dirty or clogged air filters
On the topic of improper maintenance, dirty or clogged air filters are issues that can easily be prevented by setting the time aside to tend to your heating system. Dirty filters will result in restricted airflow to your furnace. What might seem like a minute issue can actually lead to short cycling, inefficiency, and total furnace failure. How to prevent this? Check your filter often and set a reminder to replace it at least once every three months.
Pilot light issues
Many furnaces use a pilot light to ignite the gas burner, but problems tend to arise when this light goes out. A faulty pilot light can be caused by a dirty flame sensor or drafty room—and easily fixed by cleaning the sensor or eliminating the draft. But if your pilot light continues to go out, this can be indicative of a more serious problem like a gas leak. Immediately evacuate your home if faced with a gas leak, and call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours).
Burning smells
It’s normal to feel alarmed when faced with a burning scent in your home—and for good reason! If your heating system smells like it’s burning, you will want to take action immediately. A serious problem like a cracked heat exchanger or overheated motor can often be to blame. You will want to call a licensed HVAC professional to diagnose and repair the issue. Never attempt to fix this yourself.
Unusual noises
Unusual noises are another key indicator of your furnace needing a repair. A properly functioning heating system will not make banging, popping, or screeching noises. If you’re hearing these noises, this is usually the result of an accumulation of dirt and debris, or a loose component in the system. As always, you will want to call a professional HVAC expert to determine the exact cause of the issue, its severity, and the appropriate repair solution.
Thermostat problems
Thermostat issues are common for furnace owners. If the heat emanating from your furnace doesn’t match up with the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat, your thermostat itself may be the issue. Remember to have your thermostat checked by a professional every few years to ensure it remains operating at full capacity.
Home heating issues can be stressful, but when you neglect key signs that your heating system is in need of repair, you run the risk of the system failing entirely. Our team of experts at CampbellCare have been offering the solutions to any and all HVAC issues since 1981. Contact us today!
