How Your Body Can Tell Something Is Wrong With Your Furnace

The winter months have settled in, and you’re likely using your gas furnace more than ever! It would be especially problematic if your heating system were to fail during this time. Your furnace is crucial for keeping your family safe and warm throughout the harsh winter. Since your heat is so vital, it’s essential to ensure your furnace is functioning correctly at all times. Just as you feel the cold when the heat stops, you might sense issues with your furnace before a complete system failure occurs. Here’s how you can use your senses to pick up warning signals from your furnace:

Hearing

It’s normal for a furnace to hum softly, but it should otherwise be relatively quiet. If you hear loud or unusual noises, it’s a sign that something might be wrong with your furnace. Loud banging noises, rattles, or groans warrant a call to an HVAC professional for maintenance. These sounds often indicate that a part has become loose or detached, which can lead to larger, costlier problems over time.

Vision

Check your furnace’s pilot light. It should be visible and should have a blue flame, indicating that the gases inside your furnace are perfectly balanced. If the pilot light is yellow, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong. A yellow pilot light suggests that harmful carbon monoxide may be leaking into your home. Carbon monoxide is dangerous and can be fatal, so contact a professional immediately if you notice a yellow flame.

Scent

Do you smell oil or gas when you turn on your furnace? While it’s normal to detect a faint odor the first time you switch it on for the season, persistent smells indicate a problem. This could mean there’s a leak or fault in your heating system. Gas and oil are highly flammable, so unusual smells could point to a potential fire hazard. Schedule an inspection as soon as possible if you notice these odors.

Take a look at your electric bill! If you’re shocked by a sudden price increase, it’s a clear sign that your furnace is wasting electricity. A malfunctioning furnace requires more power to operate, which will be reflected in your utility bill. Schedule professional maintenance from an HVAC expert as soon as possible. Whether you need a repair or replacement, you’ll save money in the long run with an efficient furnace.