Springtime is just around the corner–especially for those of us in Southern California who’ve never actually experienced a “real” winter. That said, you know as well as we do that a cold spell can surprise us, and even if it just lasts for a few days, you’ll want a fully functional furnace system to see you through. Plus, don’t you want to have a great furnace in place for next year, too?
If you had professional maintenance completed on your heating system this past fall, and also took care of any pending repair issues at that time, then you probably have little to worry about in terms of unexpected furnace repair needs. It’s a good idea, though, to be aware of signs of a furnace in disrepair, so that you can rely on it now and in the future. Read on to learn what some possible end-of-season furnace repair needs are, and call us if you notice any of these symptoms!
Unexpected, Strange Noises
If you are utilizing a furnace as your home heating system, then you’re always going to hear some noises coming from it as it runs. This can include that air “whooshing” through the vents, the slight rattle of ductwork as the temperature changes and fluctuates inside of it, and other small noises here and there.
What you should not hear are any sounds that are out of the ordinary from what you usually hear. This can include banging, clanging, excessive clicking as the system cycles down, or even hissing, screeching, or clanging which can indicate a loose component.
The clicking and the hissing can both be signs of a cracked heat exchanger allowing carbon monoxide gases to leak out and potentially expose your household. This is a particularly harmful problem to have, so please call us right away if you discover it.
Odd Smells
The only time you should ever detect any odor coming out of your furnace is maybe at the very start of the heating system. This is because if the furnace vents or coils are dirty, then the dust may be burning off the jets and heat exchangers, creating a smell. This smell should dissipate within a few days (if not before then).
If you detect an acrid or burning odor, however, especially if you’ve been using your furnace relatively frequently in the last couple of months, it’s a sign of an urgent issue, such as damaged electrical components or something of the like. The best thing to do in this case is to shut off your furnace until you can have a professional come take a look.
Lukewarm Air
The air coming from your ventilation system as you run your furnace shouldn’t increase or decrease in temperature. “What do you mean?” you might be asking.
We mean, that the air itself that comes from your furnace, and the air conditioner for that matter, is one consistent temperature. Your furnace runs until the temperature of the room matches your thermostat settings.
On a mild winter day, a homeowner may brush off lukewarm air coming from their vents as just a sign that the temperature in their home is already reached. But this is never going to be the case. Lukewarm air coming from the vents is definitely the sign of a problem, and you should give our team a call!
When you need quality furnace repair in Torrance, CA, look no further than Greenleaf Heating & Cooling. Contact us today!