If your home is feeling chilly during the fall and winter seasons, it could be time for professional furnace repair. There may be clear signs that your furnace is struggling to keep up already, which could save you from a furnace malfunction at the most inconvenient time. Common signs of furnace problems should not be ignored if you want to avoid surprises with your HVAC system. This blog will share common signs of furnace problems and ones that indicate that the system needs to be repaired. 

A Yellow Pilot Light Is On

One of the biggest signs of furnace problems is the changing of the pilot light. When your furnace is working correctly, the light will be a bright blue color, but yellow can indicate a gas leak or other problem. Carbon monoxide can leak from a damaged furnace, which is a highly poisonous gas that needs to be handled by a professional immediately. If you notice a change in your pilot light, contact an HVAC professional to check your carbon monoxide levels or replace your furnace. 

Your Energy Bills Have Risen

When a furnace is overworked or has to run consistently to keep your home at a consistent temperature, your monthly energy bills will increase. If your monthly bills have risen, it can be a sign that your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced. Professional services will help find the root cause of an overworked furnace that causes higher energy usage. Annual tune-ups will help prevent furnace problems that can affect your energy bills.

Pops, Squeaks, Or Clanks

Odd noises from a furnace or other HVAC element are an indicator of furnace deterioration. Popping, clanking, or squeaking are some of the odd noises you may hear while the furnace is running or just starting up. These often indicate that a piece is loose or that parts are worn out. Having the system checked by a professional will help tighten all bolts and parts, or check if the sounds are due to a faulty system.

Cycling Frequently

When your furnace senses that the house is too cold, it turns on to raise the temperature set by the thermostat. When your furnace is constantly cycling (turning on again right after turning off), this can indicate a malfunctioning furnace. When the furnace can’t keep up with the set temperature, it could be do to plugged filters, failed heat exchangers, or a restricted exhaust system. It can be hard to diagnose the problem with a furnace on your own, so you should work with an HVAC professional to ensure you don’t cause damage or injury when tinkering with the furnace. 

The House Doesn’t Stay Warm

If your home takes forever to heat up or doesn’t stay warm after the furnace has been running, you should have the furnace inspected by a professional. Especially during cold winter days, the longer the furnace takes to heat the home, the less time you want to spend in your home. If your home feels too cold even after cranking your thermostat, call your local HVAC expert to see if there is a larger problem that requires furnace repair. 

Burning Smell During Operation

Burnt odors from your vents or furnace are not normal and can indicate melting components inside the furnace or duct system. The safety features inside your furnace may have failed or have problems as well if you are noticing strong odors when the furnace is running. Exhaust, blower motor, and the furnace control panel may not have detected electrical burning or melting, which should make the furnace inoperational. If you notice these smells, turn off the furnace immediately and schedule a service.

Furnace Repair From Mountain Valley HVAC

Our experts can help you with any of your heating, cooling, and air quality services you may need. Mountain Valley Heating & Air has technicians who are highly experienced in different HVAC issues and can help you have a safer and more reliable home. We have been in this industry for over 20 years, which allows us to work on different models, old and new systems, and remedy problems quickly.

We also offer 24-hour emergency services for when your furnace or AC goes out at an inconvenient time. Putting off furnace or AC repairs can also put your health at risk, so our technicians will be available when you need us most. Mountain Valley Heating & Air is always ready to fix your problems and provide you with peace of mind. If you are in the Cache Valley area, reach out to our team to schedule a service today!