Any heating technician will admit it’s good to know when to call for furnace repair. There are often warning signs when a heater needs to be serviced. If you notice them, promptly scheduling furnace repair in Wauwatosa can prevent additional damage or avoid a breakdown this winter.
Call a local repair company whenever your furnace exhibits the following signs:
Loud, Unusual Noise
Lots of people think it’s normal for HVAC appliances to make noise. This is true to some extent. But if the furnace starts making loud squeaking noises, the blower motor’s bearings are likely worn out, or the inducer motor may be failing.
If the combustion chamber is dirty, gases may become trapped and ignite. Small explosions in the chamber will trigger loud banging sounds. These can do lots of damage if the problem isn’t fixed. And, if a part is loose or broken, you may hear grinding or scraping noises.
The Burner Flame Turns Yellow
In a gas furnace, a blue burner flame is normal. It means the gas is burning correctly. However, if the flame turns yellow or orange, gases aren’t burning completely. This indicates the furnace isn’t working right and can also point to a carbon monoxide leak. Call a repair company right away to fix the issue. If the CO alarm goes off, immediately evacuate your home and call for help.
You Can Smell Gas
A pungent gas odor means something is wrong with your furnace. The first thing you should do is turn off the main gas valve. Otherwise, there’s a risk of a dangerous fire or explosion. Once the gas line is shut, call the gas company and then your HVAC contractor after the utility fixes the leak. Also, call for help if you notice a chemical or rotten egg odor from around your furnace.
The Furnace Won’t Turn On
If the unit doesn’t respond when you turn on/adjust the thermostat, your home won’t get warm. First, check that the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. These are simple reasons your furnace may not be working, and easy to fix. If there seems to be another reason your furnace won’t turn on, call an HVAC contractor.
The Furnace Fan Won’t Turn Off
If the thermostat isn’t set to “auto”, it may run continuously. Check whether it’s set to “on” and adjust if necessary. But if the unit continues running despite the set temperature being reached in “auto” mode, there could be a communication issue between the heater and thermostat. Call a technician to determine if the source is mechanical or electrical.
You’re Not Get Heat
A furnace’s job is to produce hot air. If it’s not, a dirty air filter, clogged duct, or faulty motor may be to blame. The thermostat may be malfunctioning, especially if the temperature in your home isn’t consistent with the temperature setting (this can also be a furnace sensor problem). A technician must evaluate the system to determine if you need furnace repair in Wauwatosa.
The Temperature In One Room Is Drastically Different Than Another
The heat produced by your furnace should reach all rooms evenly. If some rooms are too hot while others are too cold, you may have a bad furnace. Blocked air ducts are another possibility. Cleaning the ducts is often an effective way to address uneven temperatures.
Short Cycling
If the system keeps turning on and off, there may be a hidden problem. It can be as simple to fix as a dirty filter. A host of other issues can cause short cycling, which if not corrected, can make your home uncomfortable and shorten the life of your furnace.
There Is a Water Leak
A water leak from your furnace isn’t as dangerous as a gas leak but must be repaired. There could be a faulty valve or damage to the metal shell, especially if there’s pooled water, accumulated steam, or water dripping from your basement walls. The water may also be coming from the AC due to a blocked condensate drain or a mechanical problem.
Your Home Is Getting Dustier
People don’t typically associate dust with the furnace. But unusually high amounts of dust can mean your heater is working harder. A dirty air filter is one reason this can happen. Replacing the filter should resolve the problem. But if you keep seeing more dust, have a professional evaluate the system.
Call Over the Moon for Furnace Repair in Wauwatosa
Our furnace repair technicians can help troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair any type of furnace problem in Milwaukee area homes. If you notice any of the issues above or experience higher energy bills for no reason, don’t hesitate to request service. We also do yearly maintenance to keep your furnace running, improve efficiency and safety, and help it last longer. Call 262-240-6397 to schedule repairs or maintenance.