Five Signs That You Need Furnace Repair Service

The furnace that you use to heat your home may be experiencing problems that can sometimes go unnoticed until major repairs are needed. Learning how to identify these problems early will allow you to call furnace repair specialists sooner to resolve the issues and save your furnace. In addition to an obvious lack of heat, here are five other signs that you need furnace repair service.

1. Unusually High Utility Bills

Utility cost spikes could happen for different reasons, but a faulty furnace may be to blame. If your furnace is experiencing any mechanical problems, your unit may have to work harder than it normally should to produce the hot air that's needed to heat the inside of your home. Heating repair experts can perform a detailed inspection of your furnace to find out if any issues are causing your unusually high utility bills.

2. Unpleasant Smells

Odors that are coming from your furnace could be the result of burning dust or other ordinarily harmless causes, but you shouldn't ignore certain smells. A smell of rotten eggs could mean that there's a gas leak in your furnace or along your furnace's line that should be repaired quickly. A metallic smell often indicates a problem with the unit's wiring, and your furnace should be shut off completely until you can have it repaired if you notice this smell. A burning plastic odor is another telltale sign of a failing furnace.

3. Strange Sounds

A noisy furnace usually means trouble. Banging, rattling, or squeaking noises can result from a variety of mechanical problems that should be addressed by furnace repair experts. Clicking, popping or hissing sounds may also be coming from your furnace if your unit is starting to fail.

4. The Pilot Light Is Not Blue

The pilot light that your furnace uses should have a blue color to it. If the pilot light has a flame that's yellow instead, furnace repair work will likely be needed. You should also check to make sure that the pilot light doesn't flicker. If you notice any problems with your pilot light, your furnace may be emitting excessively high levels of carbon monoxide, which could put everyone in your home in danger if the issue isn't resolved by heating system repair professionals quickly.

5. Recurring Illnesses

If you or anyone else in your home keeps getting sick for no apparent reason, a failing furnace could be the culprit. Persistent headaches, coughs, and nausea are among the problems that furnaces can cause when they need repairing. Cracks that form in your heating system because of old age or other corrosive effects may be causing low levels of carbon monoxide to filter into your home, which can lead to recurring illnesses. An inspection of your heating system should be scheduled immediately if you suspect that your furnace is making people in your home sick.

A furnace that gives you problems can impact the health of your family and the quality of your home if it isn't fixed in a timely manner. Furnace repair experts who have all the right tools to resolve different furnace issues can work to make your furnace function the way that it should.