A furnace becomes necessary for indoor comfort when the temperatures are unbearably low. However, it can be frustrating when your furnace breaks down suddenly, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Further, you may notice increased energy use and a system with minimal heat output during operation. If this is the case, it is imperative to engage an HVAC contractor to diagnose your unit, identify the issue and repair the cause of malfunction for optimal and reliable performance. Below are signs your unit is malfunctioning.

Inconsistent Temperatures 

If you notice hot and cold spots in various parts across your house, your heating appliance could be malfunctioning. Occasionally, this can happen due to a defective thermostat that fails to communicate properly with the furnace control board. Consequently, it may send erroneous signals to the system, causing it to short cycle. As such, your unit will strain to attain the set temperature, leading to inconsistent temperatures. On the other hand, clogged filters can cause dust and dirt to bypass them and collect on the blower. Ultimately, this results in the blower working hard to push air for circulation, causing uneven heating.

Increased Bills

When your monthly energy bills do not correlate to your furnace usage, the system could be defective. This may result from the filters accumulating too much dirt and debris, obstructing airflow. As a result, the furnace will strain to draw adequate air for heating, increasing energy usage. Alternatively, your duct system can deteriorate over time, leading to detached connections. If this is the case, it may lead to heated air leaking into the unconditioned spaces, increasing your energy bills significantly. Finally, damaged insulation on your ducts and interior may hinder your home from retaining heat. As such, your furnace will find it hard to reach a comfortable temperature, forcing it to overwork.

Loud Noises

Your furnace will make relatively low sounds, such as minimal bangs, when ducts expand and contract. However, your system has an issue if these sounds escalate into loud noises. For example, you may hear loud and frequent bangs when the ignition is delayed, causing a small gas explosion. On the other hand, rattling noises indicate a loose component, whereas squealing noises indicate a lack of lubrication on the motor bearings.

Odd Smells

If you have an oil furnace, you may notice a faint oil smell lingering after a tank refill. Unfortunately, if this smell does not dissipate after a short duration, you may have an oil leak. Furthermore, you may notice a burning plastic smell due to an electrical malfunction. Finally, musty smells across your home may indicate a leak in the plumbing lines close to air ducts. Note that when this happens, the damp spots allow mold to thrive, resulting in musty smells.

You should know that a malfunctioning furnace will cause inconvenience and result in untimely system failure. Therefore, you should schedule regular maintenance with a furnace repair expert from a reliable HVAC  company to service your system for peak functionality.

To learn more, contact a company like Brothers HVAC, LLC.

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