In St. Louis, it is that time of year where the temperatures start falling, with winter on our doorstep. Thinking ahead, the last place you want to be in the middle of a snow storm is putting in an emergency phone call to your HVAC experts because of unrecognized furnace problems. Below, we review some common indicators that your furnace or heat pump is headed for a breakdown.
If you have furnace problems that need to be resolved or you just need to schedule an annual tune up, contact Galmiche & Sons today. Our heating & air conditioning expert technicians can solves any furnace problems that come up and will set your system up for a stress-free winter.
Furnace Problem Signs to Watch For
As the outside temperatures drop and your furnace or heat pump starts to run more frequently, you may be missing some vital red flags warning you that your system is not running at optimal efficiency. Below, we list some early warning signs that you should look out for that may signal coming furnace problems:
- Odd smells – When you first turn on your furnace after it has been off for several months, it is common to smell a sharp, burning smell from the vents. The cause of this is usually just the dust that settled on the heat exchanger or heating elements over the summer burning off. However, if the odor continues, it could be an indication that motors are running down, or wires are burning.
- Room temperature not warming up – So you have started your heater up for the season, and your home is just not warming up like you thought it should. A common furnace problem like this may indicate that there is something restricting your furnace from reaching its full running power. If that is not the reason behind the poor heating, you could also be looking at a problem with the ventilation system. At this point, it is a good idea to have a professional technician work out the issue.
- High utility bills – Naturally, when you start using your furnace regularly after a season off, you can expect to see some reflection in your utility bills. However, a furnace problem is likely on the horizon if the bill in your hand is significantly higher than normal. Extremely high utility bills may indicate a malfunction of your HVAC system, therefore, you can benefit from having a professional come in to look at it.
- Heater turns on and off frequently – If your system is short cycling, it could be caused by a number of issues. The first thing to do is check your air filter. If that is clogged, it could be the culprit. If that is not it, there could be a problem with the heat pump or furnace. Problems like this are best tended to by seasoned professionals.
The Best Way to Avoid Furnace Breakdowns: Regular Furnace Maintenance
The easiest way for you to avoid running into furnace problems, especially during a time when a broken furnace means dealing with frigid temperatures, is to schedule regular fall maintenance for your system. Skipping a regular tune-up means a higher risk of breaking down at the worst time possible. Do not put it off, and risk becoming one of those people that has to wait for emergency repair in the middle of a cold, blustery night.
Contact Galmiche & Sons to Address Your Furnace Issues
Furnace problems can be a big headache, leaving you and your family out in the cold. But, it does not have to be that way. In St. Louis, Galmiche & Sons will keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long. To take care of any of your heating & air conditioning needs, give us a call. We can be reached by phone at 314-993-1110 and look forward to helping with all of your furnace issues.
