A furnace may develop problems due to normal wear and tear, poor maintenance, or damage. A faulty furnace cannot generate or distribute heat efficiently, which makes your home uncomfortable. Call a furnace repair expert if you suspect your furnace is not functioning normally. They will fix the problem before it worsens and save you from expensive repair costs.
Below are signs that your furnace has a problem and requires repair.
1. Abnormal Smells
If your furnace produces a strange smell, it could be having a problem. For example, a musty odor may indicate mold growth inside the furnace, while a burning oil smell may denote an oil leak. Equally, a burnt wire smell can be an indication of a cracked heat exchanger, while a smoke odor is an indication of a blocked furnace chimney.
Call a furnace repair expert immediately if you notice a strange odor coming from your furnace. They will identify the cause of the smell and restore the proper function of your furnace.
2. Inconsistent or Uneven Heating
If your furnace is producing inconsistent heat levels without thermostat settings adjustment, it's an indication that it has a problem. Similarly, if some of the rooms in your home are warmer than others, it's a sign that your unit is distributing heat unevenly. Some causes of inconsistent or uneven heat distribution include a broken or clogged motor, a blocked air duct, or a dirty air filter.
3. Strange Noises
When a furnace starts running, it produces noise. It may also click or pop once in a while as it runs. That is normal and not an indication of a malfunction.
However, any other strange noise is an indication of a problem. For example, a scraping noise may indicate a broken blower wheel or motor mount, while a whistling sound may indicate restricted airflow.
Similarly, a rattling sound may signify loose parts within your furnace, while a banging sound may indicate an ignition delay.
4. Higher Utility Bills
A significant rise in utility bills without any good reason can result from a faulty furnace. Such a furnace loses its efficiency, which makes it work harder than usual to generate and distribute heat. Some problems that can make your furnace lose its efficiency include clogged air vents, broken blower motors, and dirty air filters.
Call a furnace repair expert if you suspect your furnace is responsible for increased utility bills. They will fix it and save you from incurring unnecessary energy costs. For more information on furnace repair, contact a professional near you.