Having a home heating system is a necessity for staying safe and comfortable through the cold snaps that the Madison winter can bring. As a homeowner, it’s essential to pay attention to your furnace’s operation to know when there’s a problem. Below, we’ll discuss nine furnace red flags that you shouldn’t ignore.
When you need prompt emergency furnace repair in Madison, simply call Action Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric, Inc. for fast assistance.
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608-837-36381. Weak or Uneven Airflow
When it doesn’t feel warm in your home, it’s natural to put your hand up to your supply vents. If you notice there’s very little or even no hot air coming out of them, it’s a key sign of a system malfunction. The issue could be with a failing blower motor or a clogged air filter. In the event of the former, it’s necessary to get a prompt assessment from one of our technicians before your furnace completely fails. No one wants to be stuck without heat, especially during Madison’s first freeze, which can result in frozen pipes that burst. To prevent frozen pipes, schedule maintenance early.
2. Odd Operational Noises
Another one of the many furnace warning signs in Madison is odd noises. Sounds like banging, rattling, clanging, grinding, and even squealing are all indications of a system problem. As part of our expert furnace safety tips in WI, we recommend shutting your unit off and getting professional service. Often, the noise will signal a worn-out component that may break and cause more system damage.
3. Short Cycling
Short cycling is a term used in the HVAC industry to describe when a system frequently turns on and off. A typical furnace will cycle two to three times per hour. Anything more signals a problem. In fact, short cycling that causes surprise failures is one of the most common furnace problems homeowners face. Continuing to run your unit when it’s short-cycling could lead to excess wear of its internal components. Some furnace short cycling issues include a clogged air filter, blocked ductwork, and a failing sensor.
4. Unusual Odors
Other than when your heater starts up for the first time of the season, it shouldn’t produce any odor. If you smell a persistent odor coming from all your vents, it could potentially signal a problem with your unit. Some key odors include burning smells from overheating components, musty odors from mold growth, and rotten egg smells from a gas malfunction. It’s best to shut your unit and the gas supply line off. You should treat this issue like a no-heat emergency in Madison, WI.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Oil, natural gas, and propane all pose a potential carbon monoxide risk from your furnace. This is because the natural combustion process of fuel creates toxic fumes, like carbon monoxide. When there’s a problem with your system or its venting, these toxic fumes can back up inside your home instead of going outdoors.
If your carbon monoxide detectors are going off, it’s an emergency. Immediately shut off your heating system and open your doors and windows. You should promptly exit your home to let the carbon monoxide escape. It’s best to have one of our professional technicians thoroughly evaluate and repair your system before attempting to use it again.
6. Soot or Rust Around Your Furnace
One red flag that may not seem like a big deal at first is soot or rust around your furnace. The reality is that this is one of many cracked heat exchanger symptoms. When there’s cracking in the exchanger, it will allow exhaust gases to escape into your furnace and leave behind visible residue. This is why it’s crucial to receive furnace maintenance before winter in Madison, so our expert technicians can catch these potential safety issues.
7. Yellow Flame
The flame on your furnace should always burn a nice, bright blue color. This indicates proper combustion. If you notice the flame is yellow instead, it’s a key indication of a serious problem. Yellow indicates improper fuel combustion, which can leave your family susceptible to toxic carbon monoxide exposure. It will also reduce the operating efficiency of your furnace, leading to higher fuel bills to produce the same amount of heat.
8. Reduced Heat Output
Over time, you may notice that your furnace isn’t heating your home as it used to. In fact, you may try to compensate by using space heaters during Madison’s first freeze to stay warm. While space heaters do have their place, they can greatly increase your home’s risk of experiencing a fire. Instead, it’s best to have one of our technicians evaluate your furnace to determine why its heat output is lower.
9. Inconsistent Ignition
A well-functioning furnace will ignite every time it turns on. If you notice that your furnace struggles to start and doesn’t get a clear ignition on start-up, it’s a key indicator of a malfunction. The issue could be related to a malfunctioning thermostat or a faulty ignition component. It can be tempting to ignore this issue if your furnace eventually gets going.
However, doing so could put excessive strain on your furnace’s internal components. This strain will eventually cause your furnace to stop altogether, which can spell disaster for your family and your home. One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes in Wisconsin is to get prompt repair service when you experience inconsistent ignition with your furnace.
What to Do Next
- Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Know where your gas and electric shut-offs are
- Schedule professional furnace maintenance
- Replace furnace air filter
- Program your thermostat
Expert Heating Repair Service
Action Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electric, Inc. offers expert heating repair services for the Madison, WI community. You can also count on our technicians to assist with all your home heating maintenance, installation, and replacement needs. Call us today to get prompt emergency furnace repair in Madison, WI.
