Furnace Maintenance

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

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

 Any struggle turning on a furnace is often an indication of underlying issues. When it takes several attempts to start a unit or your furnace keeps restarting, you more than likely have disconnected wiring, dead batteries, or a damaged thermostat.

   The color of your pilot light can be quite revealing. A healthy pilot light should ideally be bluish. If it is yellow, it is possible 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 both a health and fire hazard that warrants immediate professional attention.

  Perhaps the most recognizable 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 incorrect. Our technicians can check for ductwork leaks, thermostat malfunctions, and furnace defects.

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

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

  We greatly advise changing your air filters once every 3 months at a minimum. If you have pets and/or allergies, you must 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.

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

 Over time, repairs will wind up costing more money and frustration than the heater is worth. Maintaining and repairing old systems with hard-to-find replacement parts can be a constant battle. 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 distinguished, if your furnace falls into the 15+ year category, it is sensible to consider an upgrade. Rather than 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 running at peak performance, your energy bills will inevitably increase. Regular maintenance and repairs can dramatically increase 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.