Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

With winter in full swing here in South Jersey, the last thing you need is a furnace that emits troubling noises when it kicks on.

Blowing lukewarm air into your living space, cycling on and off frequently, and driving energy bills sky-high are equally concerning.

You know something is off, but you are unsure how serious the problem is or if it is a problem. Is the furnace in your Linwood, home just quirky, or does its odd behavior signal an impending breakdown?

Familiarizing yourself with some common signs of furnace trouble can help determine when to call a professional for help. Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning compiled tips in this blog to help you understand when your furnace has a problem.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Think about all the warning signs you interpret everywhere, every day. Lights dimming repeatedly in your home on an extremely hot day may signal an imminent brownout. The tire icon on your car dashboard lights up, prompting you to check air pressure. The water in your toilet bowl rises dangerously close to the rim when you flush, sending you searching for a plunger.

Your furnace sends out warning signs, too. Ignoring them can lead to a costly breakdown during frigid weather, leaving you in the cold and your house at risk of frozen pipes. Paying attention to the signs can help you address problems before they escalate. Here are a few:

Strange Noises

Rattling, banging, and high-pitched sounds are signs of trouble. An ignition delay could cause a gas explosion, causing a boom or bang sound. Inefficient gas burners can indicate a pressure issue or other problem with the heat exchanger or burners.

Rattling or squealing noises may signify loose parts, worn-out bearings, or blower motor problems.

Weak Heat

Your furnace runs, but its heat is lukewarm at best or nonexistent. Possible causes are a faulty thermostat, blocked flue, faulty heat exchanger, or malfunctioning blower fan.

Frequent Cycling

If your furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual, creating heating cycles that last just a few minutes, it needs professional attention. A faulty thermostat, ignition system problem, or dirty air filter can prevent your furnace from maintaining a consistent temperature. Check your air filter for dirt and replace it if necessary.

Short cycling stresses your heating system and leads to premature wear on components.

Unusual Odors

If you notice a rotten egg smell, shut off the gas and call a professional HVAC technician immediately. There is a good chance your furnace or a gas supply pipe has a gas leak. Your local natural gas provider will repair the leak if it originates in the gas line leading to your home.

A burning odor is another serious red flag that indicates an electrical issue. Your furnace may be overheating and could be a fire hazard. Turn off your system and get professional help.

Our qualified technicians at Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are available day or night for emergency repairs. We make your comfort and safety a priority by responding promptly to diagnose and fix your furnace.

Uneven Heating

You notice temperature variations from room to room or feel hot and cold spots within the same room. The problem may stem from a faulty thermostat, leaky ductwork, or airflow issues caused by a clogged air filter or other air duct issues.

Restricted airflow can strain your furnace. Be sure to check your air filter monthly.

Beyond furnace and ductwork issues, inadequate insulation and cracks around doors and windows can cause cold spots throughout your home. Apply weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows to prevent drafts, and consider adding more insulation.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning

If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, remove everyone, including pets, from your home and call your local fire department. The fire department can measure the carbon monoxide level in your home, find the source of the leak, and advise you when it is safe to re-enter.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poisoning from carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, sends more than 100,000 Americans to hospital emergency rooms annually.

Typical carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, upset stomach, and confusion.

Our HVAC experts at Broadley’s can repair furnace issues that lead to carbon monoxide leaks, such as a cracked heat exchanger or blocked exhaust vent.

Increasing Energy Bills

Increased energy consumption, which triggers higher utility bills, could indicate your furnace is losing efficiency. Equipment age and condition affect how efficiently your heating system performs.

Your furnace may need worn parts replaced, maintenance, or a more efficient replacement.

Maintenance Matters

Knowing furnace red flags can help you determine if your system needs repair.

However, if you maintain your furnace annually, you may never need to use your newfound HVAC knowledge. An annual tune-up is the best way to prevent mid-winter breakdowns and repairs.

Although we recommend an annual furnace tune-up every fall, any time you can fit maintenance into your schedule will set your heating system up for success. Here is why:

• Efficiency:  Your furnace is more efficient when it is clean and maintained.

• Lifespan: Preventative maintenance extends the life of your furnace.

• Detection: Maintenance can detect problems before they spiral out of control and require costly repairs.

• Safety: Maintenance includes a safety inspection to ensure your furnace is free from leaks, electrical issues, and failing components that could lead to health and safety hazards.

Need maintenance reminders? Our Broadley’s Family Comfort Plan includes scheduling reminders to help you keep your HVAC tune-ups on track. Our four-tier plan also offers filter replacement, repair warranties, diagnostic savings, and many other benefits.

Call the Pros for Furnace Repairs

Make Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning your go-to for HVAC maintenance, repairs, and installation in Linwood.  Our experts can help you save money on energy bills while keeping your furnace in top condition. Stay comfortable and safe this winter. Call us at 609-228-9453 or
request service online.