Furnace Maintenance

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A smelly furnace does not necessarily signal a problem. The subtle smell of fuel can be a normal occurrence, especially during the season’s first use. However, most furnace odors should dissipate over time. If you notice an abnormally strong smell of fuel, an unusual or sudden odor, or a scent that doesn’t fade, you may be dealing with a gas leak or dust buildup inside your unit. 

  If your home is inconsistently heated, hot air may be leaking through your ductwork. If frost and ice appear on your roof, heat may be leaking out of the attic. Instead of cranking up your thermostat with little results, call our technicians. We can quickly get rid of cold drafts and leaks without overworking your furnace.

  Any difficulty turning on a furnace is often a sign of underlying issues. When it takes multiple attempts to start a unit or your furnace keeps restarting, you likely have disconnected wiring, dead batteries, or a damaged thermostat.

  The color of your pilot light can be very revealing. A healthy pilot light should be bluish. If it is yellow, you may have a ventilation problem. A yellow flame indicates that gases are imbalanced and carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should. This is a health and fire hazard that warrants professional attention right away.

  Perhaps the most obvious sign that a furnace needs to be repaired or replaced is that it is not producing sufficient hot air. If your thermostat settings are cranked up with lukewarm results, something is wrong. Our technicians can check for ductwork leaks, thermostat malfunctions, and furnace defects.

  All furnaces make noise. Nevertheless, if you hear abnormal, jarring, and persistent noises, it may signal a major problem. Our HVAC specialists have a thorough understanding of the correlations between specific furnace issues and certain sounds. 

  Furnace systems can dramatically impact indoor air quality. A dirty and poorly maintained furnace will circulate allergens, bacteria, and other particles with heated air. This can cause illnesses, respiratory ailments, and allergic symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes, and headaches. Fortunately, air-quality problems are often solved by simply replacing the air filter, cleaning the ductwork, and dusting the unit.

  We highly recommend changing your air filters at least once every 3 months. If you have pets and/or allergies, you should switch your air filters every 2 months. Dirty and clogged air filters are bad for your health and the furnace itself. If caked in dirt, a filter can also prohibit airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat.

  Every furnace should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to trigger an alarm when toxic gases are present. If this alarm goes off, immediately turn off the furnace and ventilate your home. A carbon monoxide leak is something to take very seriously. Schedule a professional inspection right away.

Over time, repairs will cost more money and frustration than the heater is worth. Maintaining old systems with hard-to-find replacement parts can be a constant struggle. If you’ve invested in numerous repairs over the last 2 years, you are better off installing a new system altogether. A replacement furnace will improve efficiency, simplify upkeep, and likely include a warranty.

As already noted, if your furnace falls into the 15+ year category, it is wise to consider an upgrade. Instead of risking hazards and/or buying a heater during a stressful emergency, give yourself the flexibility of purchasing a new unit preemptively.

If your furnace isn’t at peak performance, your energy bills will inevitably increase. Regular maintenance and repairs can dramatically improve efficiency. Whether you have a heat pump, boiler, or any other type of heater, Great Northern Heating and Air has maintenance programs that can help reduce your electric bills.