5 Signs Your Furnace Needs a Repair

It's frustrating when your furnace gives out, especially if it's on a weekend or late at night. You can help avoid the cost and stress of an emergency repair by proactively monitoring your home's heating system to catch small issues as soon as possible. Here are five things to look for that can let you know it's time to call in a professional to fix your furnace.

1. Loud Noises During Operation

If you hear pinging, whistling, or other loud sounds when your furnace is running, it could indicate a problem. Sometimes issues with the fans or belts can create loud squealing noises. Knocking sounds may indicate that an internal component is broken. A Tampa heating repair technician can inspect your equipment to determine what is making the noise and recommend a fix or replacement.

2. Dust Accumulation Around Vents

If you notice dust building up around your vents, it could mean that the air filtration part of your furnace is malfunctioning. Sometimes, all you need to do is replace a clogged air filter with a new one. However, there could other internal issues in your furnace affecting the filtration. A professional technician can assess the problem.

3. Rising Utility Bills

Your energy costs may rise at certain times of the year when you use more electricity or when your provider raises the rates. However, if your heating costs consistently rise during the months when you run your furnace, it could indicate a problem. If there is an issue with your heating system, it could cause it to run constantly or cycle on and off too frequently, which can lead to high utility bills.

4. Insufficient Heating 

One of the most obvious signs something is wrong with your furnace is that it fails to heat your home. It's especially concerning if your furnace runs constantly but doesn't keep your home at the right temperature. If certain rooms are cooler than others, it could be a problem with the air ducts. However, inconsistent heating can also indicate a furnace malfunction. An HVAC provider can assess your home and determine why the heating system isn't working properly.

5. Persistent Odors 

When you first turn on your furnace in the fall or winter, you may notice that a few odors. Usually, a furnace smells like dust and/or fuel for a little while when it first starts up. If the odors don't go away quickly, however, you may need to check for problems.
It's best to fix furnace problems as soon as they appear before your unit fails completely. Some signs of a problem may include sounds, odors, dust, and high utility bills.