How Do You Know If Your Furnace Needs Repair?

Professional repair services in Hamilton know when it comes to keeping your family safe and warm this winter, the first place to start is your furnace.

A furnace is often referred to as the heart of the home as it is heavily relied on during the long cold days and nights of Ontario winters. It is designed to provide heat through a number of vents and ductwork throughout the house.  

8 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

We don’t often think of the furnace until it begins to make strange noises or stops throwing heat. As certified HVAC contractors in Hamilton, we recommend looking for the following signs if you think your furnace needs professional attention.

Not Turning On

One of the more common calls for furnace maintenance is if the furnace is not turning on. This can be for a number of reasons, all of which require the services of a furnace repair professional. In most cases, a furnace fails to work due to an ongoing issue that has not been addressed despite other signs of problems.

Uneven Heating

At the flick of a switch or turn of a knob, the furnace should produce an even flow of heated air throughout the home’s ductwork. If the heat seems to be lower or absent in one or more areas of the home, it may be an indication there is a blockage within the filters or ductwork. It also may be a sign the blower motor is failing. 

Strange Noises

All furnaces make a low-tone humming noise when in operation or a small noise when turning off and on. If there are loud banging noises, clanging, clicking, rattling, or squealing sounds at any time, the furnace needs attention as soon as possible. Depending on the source, the problem may be as simple as a loose bolt, or the fan belt might need to be replaced.

Dry Air

Constant dry air in a home can be a sign the heating system is too small or too large for the structure. Having the proper-sized furnace can ensure the system is running for an adequate amount of time, not too long or too short. The dry air can also be attributed to clogged filters in the furnace.

Increased Energy Bills

Furnace repairs by a certified HVAC technician in Hamilton may be the solution to high energy costs. A furnace that is not properly heating a home can use more energy to try to keep up with the thermostat control. With increasing power bills, the furnace may require the filters or combustion system to be cleaner or the blower motor replaced.

Abnormal Smells

A furnace should not emit strange, foul, or abnormal odors throughout the home. Any smell of gas or oil could indicate a leak in the supply line or within the unit. A burning smell could be caused by an overheating blower motor, electrical wiring issue, or buildup of dust, dirt, or debris on the furnace heating coils.

Water Leaks

Just as an air conditioner releases water, a gas furnace can also produce it as a natural by-product. Signs of pooling near the furnace indicate a serious problem that does require immediate repairs. The water leak may be due to a clogged condensation tube, line breaks, or a clogged drain.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

When turned, the wall thermostat should either signal the thermostat within the furnace to go up or down. If the amount of heat from the unit does not seem to match the set temperature, the thermostat may need to be replaced. This type of issue often results in faulty wiring or a problem within the blower motor or burner.

Why Is Regular Maintenance of Your Furnace Important?

A furnace is designed to last up to 30 years with proper maintenance on a regular basis, including yearly inspections and cleaning. Like other major heating systems, age can affect the working of a furnace. HVAC technicians in Hamilton recommend new homeowners have a maintenance checkup as soon as they move in to ensure a proper inspection of the heating system is performed.

Increased Efficiency

Just as a car needs regular maintenance to improve gas mileage and run efficiently, a furnace requires yearly checkups to ensure it is in top-notch shape. With fluctuating outdoor temperatures below zero, the furnaces in Ontario homes are constantly pumping heat from the cool air. Cleaning the unit and its filters can increase the efficiency of the furnace.

Saves Money

With increased efficiency, there can be significant savings in energy bills. Taking precautionary measures such as regular maintenance services can ensure the furnace works throughout the cold winter. A furnace that needs repairs workers harder, increasing energy usage.

Extends Lifespan

As stated, a furnace should last a homeowner at least two decades if taken care of. Neglecting indications of a problem to save money can actually cost more money if you need costly repairs and/or replacement of the furnace. Regular maintenance has been proven to extend the lifespan of a furnace unit.

Protects Manufacturer’s Warranty

Regular furnace services in Hamilton and the surrounding areas offer protection from the manufacturer’s warranty that comes with every new furnace. Some warranties require a sign-off of periodical maintenance and any repairs by a certified service company for the warranty to remain valid.

Reduced Risks

With regularly scheduled maintenance and any necessary repairs performed, a furnace will have improved efficiency and lower risks for costly repairs. Having a professional heating expert provide routine inspection and cleaning of the unit can reduce the risk of dangerous and sudden breakdowns.

Why Choose Beyond the Site for Furnace Installation and Repair?

Beyond the Site can help protect your family from harmful gas leaks and save you money with our regular maintenance and inspection packages. As a full-service heating and renovation company, we can ensure your heating system keeps running efficiently all winter long. Call us today at (905) 541-5888.