Sounds coming from your furnace are usually a pretty big indication that something is wrong. But when you take sounds out of the equation, there are other quieter signs you can pay attention to that indicate furnace problems, too.
Noticing any of the four concerns listed below means that you need to give our team a call for furnace repair in South Central, PA. You can keep reading to learn more about some of the less obvious signs that your furnace may be experiencing issues that require repairs. Staying ahead of these issues is the best way to prevent furnace breakdowns this season.
What are subtle signs your furnace needs repair?
Subtle signs that your furnace may need repair include unusual odors like burning or sulfur, difficulty starting up, uneven or insufficient heating, and a yellow or flickering pilot light. These quiet warning signs often appear before a breakdown and should be addressed early to avoid costly repairs or safety risks.
Unusual Smells Coming from Your Furnace
Unusual smells of any kind coming from your furnace are always a red flag. Odors coming from your furnace can mean that something is overheating or burning up. If you have a gas furnace, there’s also a concern of gas leaking out. The smell of rotten eggs, sulfur, or formaldehyde are a major sign that you may have a gas leak. Turn the system off, leave your home, and call for help immediately.
Trouble Starting Your Furnace System
Your furnace should never struggle to turn on for a heating cycle. If it seems like your furnace is working hard to turn on or taking longer than usual to turn on, it’s worth getting checked out. Don’t ignore these furnace warnings. Your furnace should turn on effortlessly whether it is brand new or 10 years old.
When your furnace has to work harder to turn on, it can use more energy and even pose safety risks for your family. Even if your furnace does eventually turn on, something is preventing it from doing so right away and that is a problem.
Furnace Produces Little or No Heat
You also want to pay attention to the heating output. Your furnace should provide consistent heat across your entire home. If you find yourself steadily setting the thermostat higher and higher to achieve the same heating results, your furnace may need repairs. It should be able to keep up with your heating needs all season long across its lifespan.
There may be an airflow issue or something wrong with either the electric burners or the gas igniter that is preventing your furnace from producing enough heat. Inconsistent temperatures from room to room may be a problem with the attached ductwork. Both problems are worth addressing to improve your comfort and help you save on energy costs.
Discolored Pilot Light Signals Issues
If you have a gas furnace, you want to pay attention to the color of the pilot light. If it turns on and is any color other than bright blue, then there is a problem. There may be dust and dirt buildup inside of the ignition chamber that is changing the flame color, among other potential problems. It’s a clear sign to schedule furnace maintenance before problems grow.
You might not think that flame color matters, but it really does. Not only are you potentially sacrificing comfort, but you’re also putting your family at risk. Allowing the problem to continue may mean that your furnace breaks down unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are some of the “silent” signs that my furnace might need repair?
Answer: Some less obvious indicators include bad odors from the furnace (especially sulfur or rotten egg smells), a furnace that takes unusually long or struggles to start, lack of consistent heat throughout the home, and abnormal pilot light color, for gas furnaces.
Question: Why is a strange odor coming from my furnace a warning sign?
Answer: Unusual smells can signal overheating components or burning inside the furnace. If you have a gas furnace, smells like rotten eggs or sulfur may indicate a dangerous gas leak, which requires immediate attention.
Question: What does it mean if my house isn’t getting warm even when the furnace is running?
Answer: Reduced heating or uneven warmth may point to issues with airflow, a failing igniter or burners, in a gas furnace, or ductwork problems. Consistent heating output is expected, recurring cold spots or needing to raise the thermostat often likely means a problem.
Question: How important is the color of the pilot light in determining furnace health?
Answer: For gas furnaces, a healthy pilot light should burn bright blue. If it appears yellow, orange, or discolored, that might signal dust or dirt buildup in the ignition chamber, or potentially dangerous combustion problems, so it’s worth having the furnace inspected.
Question: Is it a problem if my furnace is slow to start heating cycles?
Answer: Yes. If your furnace struggles to turn on or takes longer than usual to start a heating cycle, it’s often a sign of internal problems. That extra strain can decrease efficiency, increase energy usage, and may pose safety risks over time.
Contact Regal Plumbing, Heating and A/C to schedule an appointment for furnace repair and other home services. Committed to Service, Committed to You, Since 1974.