How to Tell If Your Furnace Needs Repair

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If you’ve noticed a puddle of water by your furnace, you’ll want to call for Furnace Repair right away. This could indicate that there’s a problem with the condensation system, and if not remedied immediately, can lead to water damage in your home and mould. This problem can be caused by a number of things, including a broken condensation line, a clogged drain, or a humidifier malfunction.

A clogged filter means that your furnace has to work harder to keep your home warm, leading to lower efficiency and shorter lifespan. It’s also a fire hazard, so if you notice that your filter is clogged more frequently than usual, it’s time to replace it. It’s important to vacuum and clean around your furnace, as well. This will help to prevent dust and lint from building up, which can cause your burners to fail.

Thermostat Problems

A thermostat that isn’t functioning correctly can lead to your furnace wasting energy and overworking itself. Thermostats are designed to detect the temperature in your home, and depending on its reading, will either turn on the furnace or shut it off when the air has reached a comfortable temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat may be picking up the wrong temperature, or failing to turn the furnace on at all.

You’ll know when the time comes to upgrade your furnace if you’re dealing with a consistently high heating bill, which is more than you’d expect for the season. It’s also worth examining the areas of your home where cold air is seeping in (you can use caulking, weather stripping, rolled-up towels or other MacGyver rigging to do this, but make sure that you’re completely off the gas and power to the heater).

Your carbon monoxide alarm is going off. This is a very serious problem and can be deadly, as carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. Ensure that you have your furnace professionally inspected right away, as the culprit is likely a cracked heat exchanger.

A grinding or scraping sound from the blower may mean that your ball bearings are worn out and need to be replaced, which is another job that’s best left to an experienced technician.

If you’re noticing extreme temperature differences between rooms in your house, this is another sign that you should call for an inspection. It might be an issue with the blower or your ductwork, but it’s better to find out before it becomes worse.