A properly installed, tested and maintained furnace will generally operate without any untoward incidents. However, even the best maintained and serviced equipment can face problems. While some of these problems could be minor, there may be issues that are more critical and require immediate attention. Given below are some of the problems that you could face which require a certified HVAC professional to take care of.
Unusual and Loud Noises
Your furnace may be running fine, but sounding unusually loud. The sound could be either from the ductwork or from the actual furnace itself. While this may not seem like an emergency, you should get the noise checked at the earliest by a trained professional to save the furnace from any damage and a huge repair bill in the future.
The System is Turning On and Off Rapidly
There can be many reasons for a furnace turning on and off rapidly. One of the most basic issues could be a dirty and/or worn-out air filter. An old filter causes stress on the compressor and could lead to major mechanical failures. Other reasons could be issues with the belts or the blower motor.
The Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
This could happen due to many reasons. If the light on the system is flashing red, it is time to call the professionals for servicing the furnace. However, if the light is not on, the problem could be with the blower motor, the thermostat, the run capacitor, the transformer, or the furnace control board. Any of these issues will require the services of a trained and qualified professional.
The Flame Isn’t Blue
If the color of the pilot flame on your furnace is not blue, there is an issue with the system. A flame color closer to yellow could be due to a combustion problem. This is a major problem as a combustion problem could lead to an excessive buildup of carbon monoxide. Difficult to detect, since it has no smell, color or taste, carbon monoxide is known as a silent killer. Excessive buildup of carbon monoxide in a poorly or non-ventilated space can poison people and pets. If you find the pilot flame color to be anything but blue, here is where you call the professionals to check your system. Another issue that causes burners to malfunction is a combination of soot and condensation. You must get the burner assembly cleaned annually and replaced if required.
The Bottom Line
The furnace system is an investment that provides comfort and adds value to your house. The system must be regularly maintained and kept in good working order through servicing by trained and qualified HVAC professionals. Irrespective of the type of problem, it is wiser to call in the professionals to look into and resolve the issues. A furnace is not a simple piece of equipment and requires careful handling. Trying to save money by attempting to carry out servicing or repairs by yourself, could be dangerous for you and those living in the house.
