We’ve had some wild weather recently which may have put your furnace to the test. While you are confident that your system can handle the cold, the truth is that it may need some extra help to get through the rest of the heating season.
Issues that lead to the need for furnace repair in South Central, PA will pop up over the years, especially after a season of hard work. If your furnace needs repairs, the best thing you can do is to familiarize yourself with the warning signs so you can schedule service sooner than later.
We can help with all of this, starting with information on the signs that you need a furnace repair.
What are the signs your furnace needs repair?
- Strange noises like banging, rattling, or screeching
- Cold air or weak airflow coming from vents
- Uneven heating across different rooms
- Unexplained spikes in energy bills
- Frequent cycling or trouble starting the system
Top 5 Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Repairs
You don’t want to wait until your furnace stops working to get repairs. The goal of understanding these warning signs—like early symptoms of furnace trouble—is to get your furnace serviced before it gets this bad. Here are some of the signs to watch for.
- There are concerning noises: Your furnace isn’t going to be silent when it runs but it shouldn’t be noisy either. That’s why you will want to take note of any concerning sounds that are made while the system is running. Be alert to noises such as rattling, hissing, loud buzzing, screeching, or booming which may be created by a variety of issues.
- The furnace is short cycling: If your furnace starts up and only runs for a few minutes before shutting off, then it is short cycling. This is a great reason to schedule repairs ASAP. A variety of issues can cause short cycling but ultimately the sooner this is dealt with, the better, as it takes a major toll on your system. Don’t wait—fix short cycling furnace fast.
- It is producing odd smells: Is there a smell that permeates the house when your furnace runs? Maybe there are scents like sulfur, rotten eggs, or even an acrid smell. These are smells that shouldn’t come from your furnace. Make sure to have your system checked if it is creating these smells.
- Energy bills have spiked: There is going to be a change in your energy bill when you use your furnace. However, it shouldn’t be a large change. Noticeably large spikes in your energy bills are a sign that your furnace is really struggling to heat your house. Don’t ignore energy bills that are concerning.
- There are cold spots in the house: Make sure to keep tabs on how well the house is actually heated. Is the temperature relatively even throughout the house or are their rooms that feel untouched? If you noticed prominent cold spots in the house then schedule furnace maintenance this season.
Have you noticed any of these issues occurring when you try to run your furnace? If so, then it is a good idea to reach out to our team of professionals for expert assessment and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main signs that my furnace might need repair?
Answer: Key signs include strange or unusual noises (like rattling, screeching, booming), frequent on and off cycling (short cycling), odd or unpleasant smells (like sulfur or burning), a sudden spike in energy bills, and inconsistent or uneven heating throughout the home.
Question: Why is my furnace making weird noises, is that serious?
Answer: Yes, unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing, screeching, or booming often indicate internal problems, for example loose parts, ignition delays, failing motors or belts, or airflow restriction. These issues should be inspected by a professional.
Question: What does frequent cycling (turning on and off) mean for my furnace?
Answer: If your furnace repeatedly starts and stops after only a few minutes, that’s short cycling. It can result from clogged filters, thermostat problems, overheating, or airflow issues, and it puts extra strain on the system, often meaning repairs are needed.
Question: Can a spike in my energy bills indicate furnace trouble?
Answer: Yes, a sudden, unexplained increase in heating energy bills often points to decreased furnace efficiency, which may be caused by worn out components, dirty filters, duct leaks, or aging parts.
Question: What should I do if I notice uneven heating or cold spots in my home despite the furnace running?
Answer: Uneven heating or cold rooms may mean airflow or ductwork issues, a failing blower, clogged filters, or other internal problems. It’s a good reason to schedule a furnace inspection for timely repair.
Schedule your next furnace repair service with Regal Plumbing, Heating and A/C. Our NATE-certified technicians always make sure to guarantee your satisfaction with every job they do.