Do You Need Furnace Repair?

Know the Signs of a Malfunctioning System 

 

On the coldest nights of the year here in Southern California, no one wants to worry that their furnace might not be working properly. While we’re used to warmer weather in the San Gabriel Valley, the temperature does dip low sometimes, and an efficient, well-maintained furnace will keep your home cozy …. while keeping your energy bills low. 

However, like any other mechanical equipment,  furnaces do sometimes break down. Know the signs telling you it’s time to call in an expert, and you’ll save money in the long run, avoiding higher than normal energy bills and possibly more serious problems with your HVAC in the future. 

Here are some common problems that a heating and air conditioning professional can solve.

Weird Furnace Smells

You may have noticed when you first turn on your heating for the year that there’s often a slight burning smell blowing through the vents. This is burning dust from months of disuse, and it’s perfectly normal, provided the odor dissipates quickly. However, if you begin to notice other smells coming from your system, it’s definitely a red flag. Whether it’s a critter nest in your vents or even a gas leak, a strange odor coming from your furnace should not be ignored. 

Heating Doesn’t Turn On, or Is Slow to Start 

Is your system slow to start or does it require multiple restarts throughout the day? It could be as simple as a problematic thermostat or a loose wire. Have one of our Air-Tro technicians take a look.  Don’t risk unnecessarily high utility bills by letting this problem go. Forcing your system to work harder than it needs in order to achieve the same temperature means using more energy than you’d ordinarily have to, not to mention more wear and tear on your equipment.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm Sounds When Using Heat 

This may seem like an obvious one, but the fact needs to be repeated: if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off when your furnace is on, it’s time to turn off the heat entirely and call your HVAC technician for an inspection. Your health and safety are too important to risk otherwise. 

Dust, Dirt or Other Air Quality Issues

Changing your air filter may present the quickest fix to this problem, or it may require a little more detective work to solve. Duct leaks, a dirty furnace or a critter infestation may be to blame. Have a technician take a look. 

When it comes to heating issues, here’s the most important thing to remember: don’t let the little problems become big ones. Your system is a complex set of components and electronic controls. When one part fails or starts acting up, it can set off a chain reaction that leads to other breakdowns and bigger, more expensive issues. Get it checked, get it solved, and keep your home a comfortable haven for all. 

 

Need your furnace inspected? Call Air-Tro today for help. We’re the name the Southland trusts for all their HVAC needs. (626)357-3535.