Furnaces should not make a lot of noise, so rattling and banging sounds are red flags that something is wrong. Uneven heating, where some rooms feel warm while others are ice cold, is another sign that your furnace needs repair.
A yellow flame on your gas furnace is a clear indication that it’s emitting carbon monoxide. This is a serious safety issue and requires immediate professional attention. Contact FURNACE REPAIR CINCINNATI for more information.
1. The Furnace Isn’t Heating
The furnace is one of the most essential systems in your home. Therefore, it’s a huge inconvenience when the system stops heating. Luckily, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the problem on your own before calling in a professional.
Check your thermostat settings. Make sure the temperature is set to “heat” and that the fan mode is set to “auto.” If your thermostat isn’t receiving power, it won’t be able to turn on the furnace. Replace the batteries, tighten any loose electrical connections, and reset the thermostat if necessary.
If you have a gas-powered furnace, check the flue pipe for any blockages. A clogged flue pipe could cause gases to pool inside the pipe and leak into your home. Look for any manual dampers that may be stuck and manually open them if needed. If you find the manual dampers are ajar, consult with a professional to have them fixed or replaced.
Other reasons why your furnace may not be heating include a dirty air filter, which restricts airflow and limits the amount of heat that can flow through the system; an extinguished pilot light (check the owner’s manual for instructions on how to relight it); a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker; or an electronic ignition problem. If you haven’t already done so, replace the air filter and check that all the components are functioning properly.
2. The Furnace Is Making Loud Noises
If you notice any changes in the sounds your furnace makes while it runs, it’s important to take action. While most furnaces will produce a low hum when they’re running, loud or sudden noises are a warning that there could be a problem with the fan or other components. If you’re hearing loud cracking, steady rumbling or high-pitched screams, shut off the power to your furnace immediately and call for professional repairs to avert serious damage.
If the noises are rattling, it suggests that there is a loose component inside the furnace. The cycle of heating and cooling can cause parts to loosen over time, making it important to have them tightened or replaced by a professional before the problem escalates. If you’re hearing scraping noises, it may mean that the ball bearings are wearing out or the blower wheel has come loose.
If you’re hearing banging or booms, turn off the gas and electrical power to your furnace, evacuate your home, and contact emergency services immediately. These sounds indicate stuck ignition and can be deadly if not addressed promptly. It’s best to hire a licensed technician to diagnose the issue and perform necessary repairs to ensure your home is safe for your family to return to. This is a good time to ask an HVAC specialist about upgrading to a newer model. The latest models offer improved efficiency and quieter operation.
3. The Furnace Is Turning On and Off Too Quickly
If you notice that your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than usual, it’s likely due to a problem known as short cycling. This issue can lead to premature wear and tear on your system, as well as higher energy bills.
One of the most common reasons for short cycling is a dirty air filter that needs to be replaced. A clogged filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through the blower wheel, which causes it to overheat. A professional HVAC technician can clean or replace the filter to help prevent this problem.
Another reason your furnace may be cycling on and off too often is a dirty flame sensor. This sensor determines whether the furnace’s pilot light is lit. If it’s not, the gas valve is shut off to prevent a possible gas leak. If the flame sensor is dirty or corroded, it can cause your furnace to overheat and shut off. A professional HVAC technician can clean or replace it to fix this problem.
If your furnace is turning on and off too quickly, you should also check the color of the flame inside the burner. A blue flame is normal, but a yellow flame can indicate a carbon monoxide leak, which is dangerous and requires immediate professional attention. If you smell a burning smell or see pooling water around your furnace, turn off the power and gas, evacuate your home, and call for emergency services.
4. The Furnace Is Overheating
Over time, most furnaces experience some level of operational wear and tear. This often leads to a number of issues, including overheating. Overheating can lead to the breakdown of critical components such as the blower motor and electrical wiring. It also forces the system to work overtime, which can drive up energy costs.
If your furnace is turning on and off more frequently than usual, or if it shuts off before the heating cycle is complete, this is a sign that it’s overheating. This condition is known as short cycling and it can be caused by a number of different problems. Often, it’s the result of a dirty air filter, which restricts airflow and prevents the heat exchanger from dispersing heat throughout the home. Changing the air filter regularly will help reduce this problem.
Sometimes, overheating is caused by internal damage or debris. In this case, the furnace may need to be thoroughly cleaned. This is typically a job best left to professionals, but can be done in conjunction with a routine maintenance tune-up.
Overheating can also be caused by closed vents or by obstructed airflow. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to contact a professional for furnace repairs right away. Doing so can help prevent permanent damage to the system and ensure that your home is adequately heated. It’s also a good idea to check your carbon monoxide detector, as overheating can lead to a deadly gas leak.
5. The Furnace Is Making Strange Smells
While most of the time your furnace runs quietly and efficiently, if you smell strange odors, it could indicate problems with your unit. Strange odors like burning plastic, mustiness, and sulfur are often signs that you need to schedule a furnace repair.
A musty odor could mean that there is mold in your ductwork or on the furnace itself. This is a big problem, as mold can degrade air quality and even make people sick. The first thing you should do if you smell musty odors from your furnace is to turn it off and open a few windows.
If you smell a burnt metallic odor, there could be electrical wires that have overheated and started to melt. This is dangerous, and you should call a professional right away.
Another dangerous odor is smokey odors from the furnace. This can happen when the furnace chimney (also known as a flue pipe or exhaust vent) becomes clogged. The combustion exhaust needs to go somewhere, so it gets pushed into the ductwork.
If you smell a chemical odor that’s similar to formaldehyde, there is likely a crack in the heat exchanger component of the furnace. This can dramatically increase the risk of fire and spread carbon monoxide fumes throughout your home. If you smell this odor, turn off your furnace immediately and get a qualified technician to check it out.
6. The Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
A rumbling sound requires immediate attention as it could indicate a carbon monoxide problem. Turn off the furnace and call a technician right away. A humming sound may be normal as most furnaces make this noise when the burner ignites and the blower starts to run. However, if the sound is constant throughout the operation cycle, this may suggest that the fan belt needs replacing.
A whistling sound is typically caused by restricted airflow, just as a whistle produces when you blow through your mouth. A clogged filter is often to blame, as this prevents air from flowing freely through the system. You can solve this problem by changing the filter, cleaning the return and vents and opening your dampers.
Banging sounds can be caused by the expansion and contraction of metal parts, or by dirt in the burners. If these problems are not addressed, the ductwork can become banged against the walls of the house and create a loud sound that travels through the home.
A clunking sound may also mean there is an issue with the blower motor. The blades of the blower may be rubbing against the housing, which will cause a clunking sound. This is a serious problem that requires a professional repair. A continuous buzzing sound may be a sign that the inducer motor is worn out or that other components in the furnace need to be replaced. A qualified technician will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best solution for your furnace.