An annual furnace tune-up provides many benefits to you, your home, and your family, such as improved airflow, improved indoor air quality, higher energy efficiency, less repair, and reduced repair costs, to name a few.
But, how would you know that your furnace needs a tune-up? Here are the 3 signs you should look out for:
1. Abnormal furnace smell
Furnaces can smell like the fuel that they use, especially when they turn on for the first time in a year. Most furnace odors dissipate as the unit runs. 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. These smells can result from a wide range of issues, from a gas leak to excessive dust inside the unit. These bad odors should be investigated, as they could indicate a serious safety hazard and you do not want to wait for a carbon monoxide leak. So if your home smells like rotten eggs or unburnt gas, contact us and schedule a furnace tune-up.
2. Persistent noise and abnormal air quality
No furnace is silent, but loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Squealing and whistling noises may come from belt or fan issues while banging or groaning can result from broken and loose internal components. Also, your furnace system has a direct impact on the air quality in your home. A poorly maintained system may move dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles throughout your home along with the heated air. Sometimes, resolving furnace-related air-quality problems is as easy as replacing the filter. So, it is ideal to get the help of a professional to avoid any health issues.
3. Inadequate heat and high energy bills
One of the most obvious signs that a furnace needs repairs is that the unit is not doing its job. If your furnace is producing no heat or only a low level of heat regardless of your thermostat settings, schedule repairs. The most common causes of inadequate heat are leaking ductwork that allows treated air to escape and faulty thermostats that do not correctly communicate with the furnace unit. Don’t be surprised by a large power bill if your heating system is using more power than usual to heat your home; it’s a sign that it has become less efficient and needs to be inspected by a professional.
Pay attention to warning signs that your heating system needs maintenance. Apart from these three major signs, if your furnace turns off and on a lot or if you see an orange or yellow light or your carbon monoxide meter hits a high, you must contact the experts at Arellano Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to avoid any health hazard to you and your family or damage to your home.
