As the summer months start to wane away and we start to move into colder temperatures, many homeowners are starting to be concerned about the state of their furnace. Fortunately, most heating systems are incredibly durable - much more so than in years past - but that doesn't mean that they're bulletproof. Regular maintenance and prompt heating repairs are the only way to ensure that your furnace is in tip-top shape.
Still, every furnace can encounter issues, so if you notice any of the following problems, it's a good idea to schedule heating repair services before the temperature drops even more.
Heater Not Turning On
Since the main function of your furnace is to heat your house, if there's no air at all blowing out of your vents, then you need to have it looked at as soon as possible. A furnace that isn't blowing any air can be caused by a number of different issues, such as a pilot light that has gone out, air vents that have become disconnected, or a faulty energy supply. None of these are issues that need to be tackled by the average homeowner; instead, have a professional look at it to make the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Heater Blowing Constantly
Instead of your furnace not turning on all, you may have the opposite problem: your furnace blowing all the time. The most normal cause of this issue is a faulty regulator switch. This little device corresponds with the thermostat in your house, and tells the system when the temperature inside the house is right. If it's broken, the furnace will continue to pump hot air into the house until it's manually switched off. Another possible alternative is holes in your air vents, causing air to leak out of your house. Not only will your energy bills skyrocket, but you won't be able to get the temperature house warm at all.
Weird Smells and Sounds
The first time you turn on your furnace after a long summer, you should notice a burnt smell in your vents. This is completely normal; after several months of sitting, the furnace will burn off all the dust and dirt that is accumulated on its fan blades. You don't want to sense a burning smell after that though, as that could be an indication of an electrical problem or even a motor that is about to go out completely. Also, if you hear clinking in your unit, that could be a result of a part that has come loose. Either way, it's a good idea to get a heating repair tech to come and check it out to make sure there are no major issues.
