Top 5 Signs You Need Furnace Repair Before Winter Hits

Even as an attentive homeowner, you might not know how to tell when your furnace is malfunctioning. The early signs of a problem can go unnoticed until the system fails altogether. 

If you know about the early warning signs of common heating issues, you’ll be able to get prompt repairs. This will help you save money and avoid the loss of heat in the winter.

1. Unusual Sounds and Odors

Many people assume they’ll need a furnace replacement when they hear unusual furnace noises. That’s not always the case. You might need only minor furnace repair services, such as fixing a damaged blower motor, a malfunctioning capacitor, or damaged ductwork.

Consistent furnace and boiler maintenance will prevent most odd odors. If you do notice that your heated air has an unpleasant smell, an HVAC technician can locate the source. Depending on the type of odor, you might have an electrical short, melting plastic components, or a fuel leak. 

Due to the seriousness of these potential causes, it’s important to schedule professional service right away.

2. Natural Gas or Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Furnace repair becomes a safety issue when it involves leaking fuel or fumes. You can recognize a natural gas leak by a hissing sound or the scent of rotten eggs. However, a carbon monoxide leak is harder to identify. Keep a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and replace the batteries every six months.

When you call a technician to repair a furnace with a leak, make sure you mention the presence of fuel or fumes. This will let the technician know that you’re reporting an emergency situation. It will also help them diagnose the HVAC problem. The technician can focus their attention on areas that commonly leak fuel or fumes.

3. Inconsistent Heating or Cold Spots

As long as you keep up with furnace maintenance, your heating system should sufficiently heat your entire home. Cold spots can indicate a duct leak. Poor heating throughout your home could mean your furnace isn’t cycling efficiently. 

Don’t wait for your utility bills to skyrocket. Schedule furnace repair right away to restore your heat.

4. Water Leaks or Pooling Water

Even though it might not affect the unit’s ability to function, you should schedule furnace repairs as soon as you notice a water leak. This usually means your system has a clogged condensate line. 

A clogged line leads to pooling and water damage. In addition, the water can short out electrical wires and corrode the furnace’s components. Prompt repairs help you prevent advanced damage throughout the system.

5. A Discolored Pilot Light

When installing a new HVAC system, a technician will prepare the fuel line. This involves securely connecting the furnace to the line to prevent leaks. Over time, a variety of problems can affect fuel flow and turn the pilot light yellow. This situation requires immediate repairs for heating efficiency and your overall safety.

There are several potential causes of a yellow pilot light. Sediment buildup, a clogged air intake valve, or a bad fuel regulator are some of the most common. An experienced technician has the training and equipment needed to isolate and repair the underlying cause.

Don’t Put Off Furnace Repair

In addition to new system installations, Steadfast Heating & Air provides heating repairs. We’ll diagnose your furnace problem and fix the issue before winter arrives so you can rely on consistent and reliable heat throughout the season. Contact us to schedule service today.