It's no joke when your furnace stops working, especially if the breakdown takes place in the middle of a harsh stretch of the winter. When you're facing this problem, there's some good news and some bad news. The good news is that a licensed HVAC contractor in your community will be able to visit your home, determine the problem with your furnace and have it up and running again soon. The bad news is that the severity of the breakdown could have been prevented if you'd be able to notice some early warning signs of issues with the furnace. To avoid finding yourself with a complicated furnace problem, be on the lookout for these three signs of trouble.
Lukewarm Air Coming From Floor Vents
A quick and easy way to tell that there's something wrong with your furnace is to reach down and feel the air flowing through your floor vents. Although the air might be lukewarm or even cool when the furnace immediately comes on, it should quickly increase in temperature in short order -- much in the same way as turning on the hot tap in your sink. If the air isn't as hot as you've come to expect, it could be a sign of a partial or full burnout of the furnace's heating element, which your HVAC contractor will be able to replace.
Skyrocketing Heating Bill
The shock that you experience upon opening your latest heating bill and seeing that it's significantly higher than you'd expect for the given time of year should turn into concern over your furnace. It's common for your heating bill to be much higher than usual if the furnace has a problem -- in many cases, the issue can be as simple as the furnace running longer than it should to warm your home to your desired level, and thus drawing more power than is customary.
Noticeable Changes In Sound
You should be used to the quiet background hum that is made when your furnace is operating properly. However, when it experiences a problem, it's common for you to hear strange, new noises. These noises can vary according to the particular nature of the problem. A high-pitched squealing noise can often suggest that something in the motor is wearing out, while a ticking or rattling can indicate that any number of various parts around the motor are loose or that there's a break in your air ducts.
For more information, contact Sardis Plumbing & Heating fixes your heating or a similar company.
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