There’s no question that Skokie winters are cold. Even the most mild of winter conditions in our area require a fully functional, efficiently operating heating system. So, if your furnace has started showing signs of struggle as we close in on the end of the heating season, it can be very disconcerting.
Of course, if you had maintenance done this past fall, and followed up on any repair needs that we alerted you to, then you probably won’t have any problems with your furnace. But if it’s showing any signs of disrepair, the best thing you can do for your system is give us a call. But what are these signs?
Read on as we uncover some of the most ominous furnace symptoms out there.
Loud, Disruptive Noises from the System
Do you hear something like clanging, banging, or rattling? If you hear any of these concerning sounds coming from your furnace, it’s time to call our team, now. Any noise outside of the subtle sound of air moving through your ductwork and room vents is worth paying attention to. Taking care of whatever is causing these noises now prevents system breakdowns later.
Your Furnace Is Short-Cycling
Short-cycling describes the process in which your furnace turns on, runs for a very short time without actually completing a full heating cycle, then switches right back off—only to repeat this process over and over again. When this occurs, it’s not only the symptom of an existing problem, but the cause of more problems.
Dust Buildup in the Home
This sounds like an indoor air quality problem, because it is one. But it’s a problem that might be caused by your furnace, or rather the ductwork. What happens is that improperly installed, or damaged, ductwork can allow outside contaminants inside, such as dirt, dust, and other debris.
You’re Struggling to Keep Warm
Have you noticed that no matter how much you adjust the thermostat, you just can’t seem to get warm? This may be due to a miscalibrated thermostat, or leaky and damaged ductwork. Alternatively, however, it might be a problem with the furnace system itself that needs to be fixed by a professional.
Burning Smells
In the fall, or even at the beginning of winter, when you first turn your furnace on you may smell a slight burning odor. This is relatively common as dust is burning off of the burners, jets, coils, and your vents. The odor should dissipate within a couple of days, if not sooner.
If you smell burning now, as we near the end of the heating season, it’s a clear sign of a problem. You could be looking at burning electrical components or overheating components within the furnace. This is not only damaging to the system but can become a safety hazard if not dealt with right away. Fortunately, all you need to do is give our phone number a call and we’ll be there to help, ASAP!
Contact Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning today for professional heating repair in Skokie, IL.