Winter in Michigan is no joke, so when your furnace starts showing signs that something is wrong, it’s important to take them seriously. They may simply be alerting you to the need for a little furnace maintenance, but they could also be signs you need furnace repairs from experts like the team at HVAC Comfort. Here are a few things to listen and look out for:
The Furnace Makes Strange, Loud Noises
Every piece of machinery makes its own unique sounds that eventually fade into the background once we get used to them. The whooshing sound the refrigerator makes when the ice maker calls for water may startle us at first, but once we get over those first few water calls, we rarely hear them again. Any new noises, however, will likely draw our attention. The same is true for our furnaces.
If your furnace starts making a squealing noise that gets progressively louder, it’s a sign that the blower fan is having trouble spinning because the bearings in the blower motor are getting worn. To avoid needing emergency furnace repairs, it’s best to call for furnace services when you hear this sound. If you wait, the bearings can burn out, and your fan will stop entirely.
You Notice the Air Isn’t Moving
This problem is also related to your furnace’s blower motor, but it won’t alert you with a squealing sound. If you notice that your vents aren’t delivering any air to your home, the run capacitor in your blower motor has likely failed. Another sign of a bad capacitor is when the furnace stops and starts at irregular intervals. Either way, you should call for furnace services from an HVAC professional, who can determine whether you need furnace repairs to your capacitor.
You Can’t Control the Temperature
We basically communicate with our furnaces through thermostats. When you increase the temperature on your thermostat, you’re essentially asking it to send a message to your heater to warm things up. If your space doesn’t get warmer, though, there’s a chance your thermostat can’t send the message. Loose wires or dust buildup in the thermostat can impact its connection to the furnace. When you call for furnace services, an HVAC professional can check your thermostat and tighten the wires or clean out any debris. If the issue involves more than just your thermostat, they can diagnose any furnace repairs that may be needed.
The Air From the Furnace Isn’t Warm
In the middle of a Michigan winter, cooler air coming from your vents will grab your attention quickly. It’s often a sign of dirty or faulty burners in your furnace. You may also hear a loud pop or bang when it starts up, which is a result of burners not igniting quickly. You can also look at the flame in your furnace—if it’s unsteady and yellow instead of strong and blue, it’s a sign that the burner isn’t generating enough combustion. In any case, this situation requires your quick attention, as faulty burners can cause serious problems and may require emergency furnace repairs.
The Pilot Light Won’t Stay On
If the pilot light on your furnace suddenly goes out, or if you have trouble keeping it lit, it may simply need an adjustment, or it may have a thermocouple problem that will require a furnace repair. The thermocouple is what opens and closes the gas line that fuels your furnace. When it’s not functioning properly, the pilot light will often let you know it’s time to call for furnace services.
HVAC Comfort: The Experts You Can Rely on for Furnace Repair
Don’t let furnace problems leave you out in the cold this winter. No matter the symptom your furnace is experiencing, you can trust the experts at HVAC Comfort to diagnose the problem and keep your home comfortable. If you’re noticing any of the problems above and need furnace maintenance, furnace repairs, or even furnace replacement near Oakland County, contact us today.
Originally Published: January 15, 2021
Written By: HVAC Comfort Team