It’s that time of the year again. Temperatures are dropping, and the cold weather will be here before you know it. Now is the time to ensure your furnace is clean and ready to operate. If you get your furnace cleaned and checked now, before you need it, you can avoid getting stuck with a cold house and no heat when the first winter cold snap hits. When you are using your furnace, if you notice any of these potential trouble signs, call an HVAC professional right away. Getting a professional to fix the problem before it becomes an expensive repair or replacement will save you money and prevent you from struggling to stay warm this winter. The most common signs of trouble with your furnace are:

Unusual Noises Coming From Your Furnace

Are you hearing banging, whistling, or scraping sounds coming from the furnace? Your furnace isn’t haunted, but it could have an issue that needs to be fixed. Strange sounds coming from the furnace could be from loose parts, air in the lines, or worn-out components. 

Inconsistent Heating or Cold Spots in the Home

Old houses often have inconsistent heating for various reasons, but if your home typically stays relatively consistent and suddenly develops drafts, cold spots, and other temperature fluctuations, it could mean that your furnace is failing. It needs to be checked by a professional before you get left freezing without any heat. 

Short Cycling or Constantly Running System

Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off frequently. It wastes energy and causes excessive wear and tear on your furnace. Excessive wear and tear can cause your furnace to wear out more quickly. And it can raise your energy bills.

Rising Energy Bills

A problem with your furnace could cause a big increase in your power bill. If your furnace isn’t operating efficiently, it will use more energy just to keep the temperature in  your home consistent. If your energy bill goes up, get a professional to check your furnace and make sure there isn’t a furnace issue impacting your energy use. 

Strange Odors or Poor Air Quality

If you’re changing your furnace air filter as recommended, your home should not develop a funky smell or have poor air quality. Sometimes, homeowners notice a stale or moldy smell coming from the furnace or heating vents. It could be mold growth, dust buildup, a broken filter, or potentially a gas leak. Always call a professional HVAC company to check your furnace if you notice a weird smell because a gas leak could be severe and needs to be fixed immediately. 

Get Your Furnace Ready For Winter Now

The experts at Accutemp Engineering are always here if you have a furnace emergency. But you can also call and schedule an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and checked now, before the cold weather arrives. That way, you can head into the winter knowing your furnace is working the way it should, and you won’t end up out in the cold.