Heating season is not far off now. Soon you’re going to be using your furnace to keep your home nice and comfortable. Before you get to that point, though, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs that your system is in need of repairs. The faster you can recognize that your furnace is struggling with some sort of issues, the faster you can get it fixed and the better of it will be. Preventive maintenance can reduce the chances of problems occurring, of course, but you should still know the signs that it’s time for professional repairs. The following are just a few of the more common signs that your furnace is in need of some professional services.
Low Heat Output
If your system is having difficulty providing enough warm air, there might be several different issues to blame. Many times, the burner assembly in a gas furnace can become clogged with carbon particles over months of use. The more clogged the jets in the assembly become, the more difficult it will be for the jets to ignite and generate heat. Professionals typically clean the burner assembly as necessary during a preventive maintenance appointment, which is part of the reason it’s such a good idea to schedule it on a regular basis.
Low Airflow
If your furnace isn’t blowing as much air as it normally does, then it might be because of the air filter or air handler. The air filter in the system can clog up if it isn’t changed often enough, which blocks most of the air in the ducts from flowing into the furnace. The air handler is the part of the furnace that is responsible for blowing air throughout the home during operation. If the air handler malfunctions, it will negatively impact the furnace’s ability to properly blow air through the home. You can replace your air filter yourself, but you’re going to need a professional to repair the air handler for you if that’s the source of the problem.
Short Cycling
If your furnace is turning off every couple of minutes instead of completing a full heating cycle, that’s called short cycling. Short cycling prevents the furnace from heating the home properly, but it also increases the rate at which the system wears down over time. The longer the furnace short cycles, the more prone to developing other issues it will become. If the furnace is allowed to short cycle for long enough, it will likely need to be replaced early. So, make sure that you call for repairs as soon as you notice your furnace short cycling.
Remember: there are more symptoms that your furnace is malfunctioning than just these three. Always call for repairs if you notice anything suspicious about your furnace.
