Now that the colder weather has arrived, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that your furnace needs service. Here are a few things to look for:
High energy bills
If you are surprised by a large winter power bill, it could be a sign that your furnace is in need of maintenance. Your heating system will operate inefficiently when its parts are worn down or clogged by dirt. If your heating system is using more power than usual to heat your home, it’s a sign that it has become less efficient and needs to be inspected by a professional.
No heat
Whether your furnace is old or new, unexpected problems can prevent it from heating your home efficiently. If your system doesn’t produce heat, it’s time to get some professional HVAC maintenance. Before you call, remember to check and make sure the circuit breakers that power your system are working.
Strange sounds or smells
Listen carefully to the noises coming from your furnace. If you hear a loud bang when you turn it on, it could mean the burners need to be cleaned. If you hear whistling or howling noises while it’s running, it could mean the fuel supply to the burners is being restricted. The professionals at Gentry can diagnose furnace noises and perform the necessary maintenance and repairs to keep it heating your home all winter long.
Gas smell
Smelling dust when you turn on your furnace is normal — dust on the heating elements and in your ducts burns off as your home heats up. But unpleasant odors like burning rubber, oil, or smoke aren’t normal. These bad odors should be investigated, as they could indicate a serious safety hazard. If your furnace continuously produces strange odors, shot off the gas valve on your unit, and call the experts at Gentry to solve the problem before it gets worse or impacts your health.
Thermostat issues
Your HVAC system should keep all the rooms in your home at a comfortable temperature when the weather gets cold. If some rooms in your home are much colder than others or you’re constantly adjusting your thermostat to stay warm, your heating system needs to be evaluated. If the design of your home is to blame for some rooms being colder than others, it may be time to consider zoned heating.
Older equipment
Even the best HVAC system will break down over time. Most air conditioning systems and heat pumps break down more frequently and begin to lose efficiency after 10 years. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start planning for HVAC repairs or replacement.
If your furnace needs service, give Gentry Air Conditioning in Southlake a call today!
