When the heat in your home starts to fall, you should be on the lookout for some chilling signs of furnace failure. These warnings include uneven air distribution, noisy operation, noises, and cracks in the heat exchanger. Even if your furnace has only just started to act up, these are all warning signs that your system could be failing. In this article, we’ll discuss these signs and their possible causes.
Short-cycling furnaces
When your furnace is short-cycling, it is a sign that a bigger problem is at hand. If left unchecked, short cycling can cause your furnace to wear down faster, leading to major repairs or replacement. In extreme cases, short cycling can even lead to the entire furnace breaking down, resulting in an energy bill spike that will only make matters worse. To avoid this problem, call a professional to schedule service.
Noises
One of the chilling signs of a furnace problem is when the temperature in your home is very low. You may have to turn up the thermostat a few degrees to warm up your home again, but this is a sign that something is seriously wrong. There may be a problem with the fan motor, or the burner could be malfunctioning. If you can’t feel any heat coming from the furnace, you should call a furnace service specialist.
Condensate line clog
A clogged condensate line is one of the most common signs of a failing furnace or HVAC system. During extreme cold, debris and ice can accumulate in the line, preventing it from moving water efficiently. This water can lead to a variety of problems, including corrosion of metal parts and damage to drywall and other materials. It can also cause musty odors and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC equipment.
Cracked heat exchanger
Among the chilling signs of furnace failure, a cracked heat exchanger is one of the most common. This component is one of the most crucial parts of your furnace. As its name implies, it is responsible for the efficiency and longevity of your furnace. But, it is also susceptible to corrosion and rust. The constant heating and cooling cycle of your furnace can cause stress cracks.
Cold air
Often, the cold air that blows out of a furnace is the result of a gas valve malfunction. The pilot light is used to ignite the burners and keep the system warm. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace won’t blow hot air, so cold air is a sure sign of a failed furnace. Thankfully, this problem is easy to fix. Follow the instructions on the furnace’s manual to relight the pilot light.
Recurring service calls
Performing regular maintenance on your furnace can minimize recurring service calls. You should also change your air filters frequently, which can reduce the risk of furnace breakdowns. Performing regular maintenance on your furnace will also help keep it in optimum condition and avoid costly repairs. Recurring service calls due to furnace failure could mean that there’s a bigger problem. Changing the air filters regularly will reduce the likelihood of furnace breakdowns and keep your equipment operating at its peak performance.
Dusty vents
If you’ve recently noticed dusty vents in your home, it may be a sign of furnace failure. A dirty furnace can cause moisture and damp air to accumulate in your home, a sign that your furnace needs to be replaced. Another chilling sign of furnace failure is condensation on windows or walls. If this happens, call your furnace repair professional right away. The sooner you can get your furnace back in working order, the better.
Cycles on and off
You may have noticed your furnace cycling on and off often. If this is the case, your furnace may be overheating, resulting in short cycling. This could be caused by a blocked exhaust vent, interior vent, or dirty air filter. If you notice frequent short cycling, call a professional to inspect the furnace. Short cycling is also a symptom of a malfunctioning thermostat. Short cycling can also be caused by a faulty hot surface igniter or a blown-out pilot light. Contact the best Plumbing Services in San Fernando Valley for your plumbing needs.
