A furnace is an integral part of any home, and having it go out unexpectedly can be one of the most stressful times for any homeowner. Thankfully, most furnaces give out certain telltale signs of failing that you can watch out for. By keeping your eyes open for these signs, you can be ready for a furnace repair service or replacement when it is time.
Starting and Stopping: If your furnace keeps cycling on and off, it is because your furnace has developed a problem. There could be an issue with your system that makes it cut off before it can complete a full heating cycle. Though this may be an annoyance, it is an indicator that you need to call in professionals to diagnose the problem. You could be dealing with a faulty fan motor or a heat sensor that needs cleaning.
Burner Flame Color: If you own a natural gas furnace, be sure to glance at the flame while it fires up. Certain models have peepholes that allow you to check the flame without having to open the service door.
If the flame on your furnace is yellow, it could be due to a dirty burner. This could also happen when the gas doesn’t burn off completely, or the carbon monoxide produced by your unit is not vented properly.
Rusted Flue: Yet another sign of an improperly vented furnace is a rusted flue. A leak from the plumbing line or your roof could also cause rust and corrosion on your flue lines. Unbeknown to most homeowners, rusted flue lines are more than just unattractive. Furnace units can produce high levels of carbon monoxide and depend on the flue lines to vent the gas outdoors. So, when your flue lines rust, the carbon monoxide can gush back into your home which can be very dangerous. Rusting flues are certainly a sign of a failing furnace and deserve immediate attention.
Moisture Build-up: If you notice moisture on the walls, ceiling, and windows in some of your rooms, it could mean that there isn’t sufficient airflow throughout your home. Damp air also indicates that there could be a serious issue with the vents or your furnace itself.
Water Leaks: A water puddle around your furnace could be a sign of a problem. If you notice a puddle of water around your furnace, you must first locate the leak. Chances are that the water condensation line has sprung a leak or has a clog. This is a relatively simple issue to fix. However, if you find that water is leaking from the furnace itself, it could mean your furnace is failing and you may need a replacement.
Other signs to watch out for include high bills and weird noises coming from your unit. If you notice any of the above signs, you may be dealing with a dying furnace. However, before you jump the gun, and start looking for furnace replacement near me, connect with a reliable furnace repair company such as American Air Conditioning & Heating. We may be able to perform a few simple repairs and get your furnace working properly again.
