Just this question alone might provoke a little anxiety. Hasn’t 2020 been hard enough without having to deal with HVAC trouble on top of everything?
We get it, and this is a big reason we recommend professional HVAC maintenance so strongly. Maintenance allows our team to comprehensively inspect, clean, and adjust your system components. For a gas-powered heater this is even more important, as forgoing maintenance can lead to potential hazards, which you definitely don’t need, right?
If your furnace is under 10 years of age and you’ve been staying on top of your maintenance needs, then you likely don’t have a lot to worry about. Either way though, it’s a good idea to read this blog post and figure out if your furnace is showing signs of disrepair. The sooner you call us, the less likely the problem will grow into an expensive emergency, and the better peace of mind you’ll have about staying warm this winter. Read on!
Strange Noises
Unless you just got your furnace this year, you’ve been using it long enough to know the sounds it makes during operation. You may hear a very faint clicking or rattling as your furnace turns on. This typically means your ductwork is fluctuating slightly with the temperature change. You will also of course hear the whoosh of air coming through your room vents.
But if you hear anything outside of this, it’s always almost cause for concern. For instance, if you hear heavy rattling, it may mean that a component has come loose. If you hear hissing, you might have a heat exchanger that is leaking out gasses which can be hazardous to the health of your family. Screeching, banging, and squeaking are all also noises not to ignore.
Bad Smells
When you start up your furnace for the first time each winter, you’re likely going to smell dust burning off the jets for a few minutes. This is natural. But if the smell persists or if it becomes acrid, it could be the sign of a bigger problem such as burning wires or damaged heat exchangers. Turn the furnace off right away if you detect this, and give our team a call!
Pilot Light Problems
The pilot light is vital to the functionality of your gas-powered furnace. It’s also an easy place to tell if you have a problem with your furnace. For example, a pilot light that is glowing yellow or orange instead of blue may mean you have an exhaust problem.
Lack of Heat
This is of course a pretty apparent problem. After all, the whole reason you even have a furnace is to heat your home. So when this isn’t happening, you know to call for repairs.
First though, check the thermostat. Is it in “heat” mode? We know this might seem like a silly question, but bear with us. Sometimes a family member may have different heating preferences or you may accidentally have hit the wrong button on the device.
If the thermostat isn’t the problem, then it’s time to give us a call. You could have damaged ductwork that isn’t allowing for even heating throughout your home, or there may be some other detrimental problem.
For reliable furnace repair in Santa Fe, look no further than Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. Contact us today!
