As we head deeper into fall and the temperatures begin to drop, making sure the furnace or Heat Pump in your house is working properly should always be a priority. Unfortunately, if the routine maintenance isn’t up to date, there is a greater chance for something to go wrong.
How do you know if your heating system needs some extra attention? There are signs you can look out for — some subtle, some not — that can signal it is time to call in the experts.
Here are a few signs that your furnace or heat pump may need repair.
A Lack of Heat
Since your furnace or heat pump is meant to heat your house, having a lack of heat at the registers can signal a problem.
While it may be something as simple as a dirty filter, your heating system could also have detached ductwork, a faulty thermostat, or even a clogged blower motor. If so,schedule an appointment for service.
A special note for heat pumps. Many heat pumps have an electric backup heat kit installed – sometimes called “emergency heat.” This heater element is designed to run when the heat pump can’t keep up – like in unusually cold weather. But because it comes on automatically, the heat kit may mask a problem in the heat pump by providing heat all the time instead of primarily the heat pump. Pay special attention to the “emergency heat” indicator on your thermostat and look for large increases in your electric bill!
Loud, Strange Noises
Rattling, knocking, or the sound of an airplane taking off should not be coming from your furnace or heat pump. Rather, it is meant to run quietly in the background of your life. So, if you do begin hearing new noises, know that something isn’t right.
What causes these strange noises? It could be anything from noisy blower motor bearings, to loose ductwork, or a failing inducer motor. There are many reasons you may be hearing these noises and it is so important that it gets addressed right away.
Unable to Maintain Temperature
When you set your thermostat to a certain temperature, you count on your furnace or heat pump to get it there. When it doesn’t, it is a good indication that something may be going on with your heating system.
Even if your system still runs and heats, not being able to reach the designated temperature on the thermostat signals an issue.
The culprit could be a restricted air filter, heat pump that is low on refrigerant, or a malfunction in the thermostat, among other things. Or, perhaps the system is just in need of a good tune-up. That said, for times when your area is experiencing record low temperatures, any heating system will struggle to achieve 70 degrees.
Unusual Odors
It is not uncommon for your furnace or heat pump to give off a slight odor, especially the first time or two it operates each year. However, you should not smell natural gas, exhaust, or burning odors – ever!
A burnt odor is abnormal and can signal that something is causing the electrical components to melt inside the unit. This is often due to blower motor failure, wiring issues, exhaust motor failure, or control board malfunctions.
Smelling gas is a huge red flag and should never be dismissed. Leaks in piping, issues with the gas control valve, and plugged exchangers are just a couple of the many issues that could be the culprit.
Turn off the furnace and contact your gas company immediately if you are smelling gas. For burning odors, turn off the furnace or heat pump and reach out for repair services right away.
Leaking Water
Did you find a pool of water around your furnace? Condensation and water are a normal part of the unit’s functioning — especially in a furnace designed to be highly efficient. Except, it should be collecting this condensation and then draining it outside your home.
As the condensation accumulates it can lead to the buildup of water. This can be caused by several different things, such as:
- Clogged drain traps
- Leaking pipes
- Plugged secondary heat exchangers
Not addressing the issue can cause bigger problems with the unit and with your home.
Does Your Furnace or Heat Pump Need Repairing?
The cooler weather will be here before you know it. If you happen to notice any signs that your furnace or heat pump isn’t operating as it should, take action before it turns into a bigger problem. Of course, being proactive and having your heating system serviced now can ensure that it is ready to keep you warm all season long.
ATC Cooling & Heating can help with all of your furnace and heat pump needs. Contact us today to schedule your service.
