When is the last time you thought about your furnace’s health? If you’re like most people in the Grand Rapids, MI area the answer to that question is never- until it starts malfunctioning. If your furnace is still under 10 years old, you most likely would not want to invest in a furnace replacement so soon. With the proper maintenance, a furnace can last up to 15-20 years. So, what are the four major signs you should be looking for to determine if your furnace needs some repair work? Vander Hyde has compiled a list of furnace repair warning signs for you.
1. The Temperature Has Dropped
The first sign that your furnace may need repair is the most obvious – your house doesn’t stay warm. The main purpose of a furnace is to provide heat for your home, so if it is blowing cold air, you have a problem. There could be a variety of reasons why your furnace is not heating appropriately. Fortunately, the solution for this can be as simple as having your pilot light out. So, take a peek inside and call your local heating specialist. Other quick ways to troubleshoot a cool furnace are to check your thermostat is functioning and make sure the air filter is clean. These can also impact your furnace’s ability to heat the home.
2. You Smell Gas
The second sign you have a furnace that needs a repair- you smell gas. If you have a furnace that doesn’t run on natural gas or propane, then relax. If you have a gas run furnace – this is the most serious issue you can encounter. Detecting the aroma of gas in your home could be a matter of life and death, so swift action is required.
A gas leak is very serious business and should be addressed by you before any repair service is called. If the odor of gas is so easily detected that there is no question of exactly what is happening, you could be in immediate danger. Before any repair services are called, you should:
- Open all the windows in your house
- Turn off the furnace immediately
- Switch off the gas lines to stop the gas flow wherever it may be
- Evacuate the premises until you can no longer smell the fumes
Gas can ignite with the smallest spark, which would make for a much larger problem than just your furnace.
With all of this being said, you will want to make absolutely sure that a gas leak coming from the furnace itself. Most of the time there will be a hissing noise coming from the furnace or one of the gas pipes if a gas leak is an issue. There are a few different smells that resemble the odor of gas, and it may also be coming from another appliance in the house. Make sure it is the furnace causing the issue and then call a heating technician immediately.
Fortunately, almost all gas leaks in a furnace come from the unit’s heat exchanger. This essential part of the furnace may be broken, but it can be easily replaced by a local heating specialist. Consistent service and maintenance are key to keeping your furnace running smoothly.
3. Pooling Liquid
A puddle of liquid collecting under the heating system is another one of the furnace repair warning signs. There are two types of liquid that would most likely be pooling around your furnace: water and gasoline. Either liquid left unchecked is bad news. Water leads to rust, corrosion, and mold. It can damage the area that holds your furnace and could be costly to clean and resurface. Gasoline is even more dangerous, for left unattended it can be a threat to your entire house. With any spark in the area, the gas could catch and a fire could break out. Be sure that you have the tools necessary in your house to combat the threat of a fire if it happens. A fire extinguisher and a phone close by are essential in case of emergencies.
With the presence of either liquid, your best bet would be to shut off your furnace. Water and gas are both harmful to your furnace and should be addressed immediately. Then call your trusted heating technician to schedule a furnace repair and stop any further damage.
4. Unusual Noises
Your furnace should not be making any noises besides the predictable humming noises you’ve come to expect. If any high-pitched squeals, thumps or bangs happen consistently, the noise is most likely from a loose part in the furnace. The longer this is left to moving around or broken, the more damage can be done to other parts of the furnace. This means more expensive furnace repairs or a possible replacement if there is irreparable damage. Scheduling a furnace repair at the first signs of trouble will save you money in the long run.
Why Choose Vander Hyde?
Vander Hyde certified heating and cooling technicians offer the best in HVAC repair and installation to residents in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Forest Hills, Grandville, Holland, Muskegon, and surrounding areas. In the event you need furnace maintenance, give us a call and we’ll come out right away.
Call 616-319-2125 for a No Cost, Professional, Onsite Estimate!