Sorry to say, but Summer is coming to an end and the months will be getting colder soon. Berks County homeowners rely on their furnace to keep their homes warm during the cold season and to prevent unexpected issues like burst pipes. In spite of this, your furnace can become damaged without your knowledge because it is shut down for half of the year.

You should schedule furnace repairs as soon as possible when you encounter a problem with your unit. The following are seven signs that your HVAC system needs to be inspected and serviced.

Abnormal Smells

It is possible for furnaces to smell like the fuel they use, especially the first time they are turned on after a long period of time. As the furnace runs, most odors dissipate. However, if you notice a strong smell of fuel around the unit, an odor that appears suddenly, or a scent that doesn’t go away over time, you may have a furnace problem.

Gas leaks and excessive dust can cause these smells, among other things. Determine the cause of the odor by having an HVAC professional assess it.

Difficulty Starting

The furnace may become more difficult to start and keep running as it ages. It is likely that you need to repair your furnace if you have to restart the unit several times throughout the day.

Damaged thermostats or disconnected wiring often cause these functionality issues. The problem should be resolved by replacing the affected part.

Discolored Pilot

Make sure your pilot light is the right color. Blue is the color of a healthy pilot light. A yellow pilot light can indicate a ventilation problem.

When gases like carbon monoxide do not dissipate as they should, the color changes. If you do not address this issue, you could experience health problems or even make your unit more flammable.

Not Enough Heat

The unit is not doing its job is one of the most obvious signs that a furnace needs repair. If your furnace is producing no heat or only a low level of heat regardless of your thermostat settings, schedule repairs.

Poor heat is most commonly caused by leaky ductwork and thermostats that are not communicating correctly with furnaces.

Noisy

It's impossible for a furnace to be silent, but loud and persistent noises indicate a serious problem. Make note of the sounds you hear and describe them to your HVAC contractor when he or she inspects the system. Belt and fan issues can cause whistling and squealing, while broken and loose internal parts can cause banging and groaning.

Poor Air Quality

The air quality in your home is directly affected by your furnace system. Dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles may circulate throughout your home along with heated air if your system is poorly maintained. There may be more floating dust in the air, as well as frequent coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. The amount of foreign particles can also cause symptoms like itchiness, watery eyes, and headaches if you or someone in your family has allergies.

It is sometimes as simple as changing the furnace filter to resolve furnace-related air quality problems. Professional cleaning may be necessary in more severe cases.

Tripped Carbon Monoxide Detector

There is a carbon monoxide detector in your furnace that alerts you to the presence of toxic gases. The furnace should be turned off immediately if the detector goes off, and your home should be ventilated by opening the windows. But first make sure you contact emergency services to make sure the home is safe before doing so. Carbon Monoxide is very dangerous and can overwhelm you in minutes.

Determine the source of the gas by consulting your gas company and an HVAC contractor. Don't wait until your furnace breaks down if you notice any of the warning signs listed above. As soon as possible, schedule an assessment and the necessary repairs.

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