Beware of These 3 Signs of a Faulty Furnace!
For those who look forward to the spooky season every year, one of the best parts of October is curling up on the couch and enjoying a scary movie (or three) on those chilly, early-autumn nights. The hair-raising thrills, the spine-tingling scares, the bone-chilling screams. It’s all part of the festive Halloween spirit.
But movie night isn’t as fun when the shivers and goosebumps result from the temperature instead of what’s on the TV screen. It’s not uncommon for home heating systems to go on the fritz as the chilly fall weather swoops in and makes them work harder, especially if they haven’t had a tune-up since last fall. And when it comes to heater problems, the sooner they’re caught, the better. So keep reading for three common signs of a broken heater!
The House Isn’t Getting Warm
Perhaps the most obvious sign of a malfunctioning heater is if the home isn’t heating up. In this case, the first thing to check is that the thermostat is on and set to “heat” mode. It’s often the case that the thermostat got switched to a different setting by mistake. If it’s a battery-powered model, it may simply need fresh batteries. Some types of thermostats may even get “stuck” in one setting and need to be reset.
Another possibility is that the furnace has lost power due to a power surge or other issues. Homeowners can check their home’s electrical panel to see if the heater’s breaker has tripped. Suppose it has, and it continues to trip after being reset. In that case, it may be because a thermocouple or limit switch is killing power to the unit as a safety measure - in which case it’s time to call a professional.
Suppose the thermostat is set correctly, and the heater has power, but the home still isn’t reaching the desired temperature. In that case, homeowners’ best bet is to call a qualified professional to diagnose the issue. They can perform an in-depth inspection of the system and the home to determine the underlying cause of the heat loss, be it leaky ducts, a faulty burner or heating element, or simply a clogged air filter. They can fix the issue quickly and safely to get the heater up and running again.
Strange or Unusual Noises
Another common sign of trouble is if the heater is making unusual sounds. Here are a few sounds a broken heater might make and what usually causes them:
- Banging or Booming - This could simply be caused by metal air ducts expanding and contracting suddenly, or it may also be the sound of excess gas combusting due to delayed ignition - an urgent problem that can seriously damage the unit.
- Rumbling - Often points to a problem with the blower wheel or a faulty gas burner.
- Rattling - May be caused by a loose or broken part in the blower assembly or a loose or damaged section of ductwork.
- Squealing or Scraping - This typically indicates a loose fan belt, a shaft bearing in need of lubrication, or an issue with the blower motor itself.
- Whistling - This may indicate a blocked duct, return vent, or simply a clogged filter.
Not only can these sounds be downright frightening on a dark October night, but they also point to issues that will only get worse if left unchecked. To avoid costly repairs, homeowners should contact their local HVAC company as soon as they notice these spooky sounds!
Mysterious Rise In the Electric Bill
Higher than average electric or gas bills may also point to a problem with the heating system, particularly if there’s no other explanation for the increase. If a faulty component or other issue causes the heater to work harder to meet the demands of the thermostat, it can significantly affect the system’s energy consumption.
Such a loss in heating efficiency and performance can be caused by several issues, including leaky ductwork, a lack of proper insulation (particularly around air ducts), a faulty thermostat, and dirty gas burners (in gas furnaces) or condenser coils (in heat pump systems). In some cases, the unit may simply be overdue for maintenance. If the heater is more than 15-20 years old, it might be failing due to normal wear and tear and need to be replaced.
If homeowners notice that their energy bills have risen more than usual this fall, it’s a good idea to have a qualified professional come out and inspect the system. They can diagnose and fix any issues hindering the unit's efficiency, as well as recommend solutions to further improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss, allowing homeowners to spend less money on bills and more on renting scary movies!
About John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are a local, family-owned and operated business serving Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas. They offer flat rate pricing, honest recommendations, and on-time arrival. Call them today for furnace repair in Lincoln, NE.
