A furnace is, perhaps, the most important HVAC equipment during winter and cold seasons. Irregular functioning or the breakdown of a furnace can cause premise users untold inconveniences including extremely low indoor air temperatures, which can cause respiratory health problems. Learning how to identify possible faults with your furnace, as well as conducting regular furnace inspection, can help you mitigate any potential problems that might disable your furnace completely.
Furnace warning signs
Age
Older furnaces are more likely to function less effectively than new ones. This, while not a definite reason to assume your furnace if failing, may be a key factor in predicting the life of your furnace, hence its efficiency throughout the years. Furnaces that have many years of manufacturer’s warranty function efficiently longer than those with short duration warranty. If your furnace is approaching eight years of service and has a manufacturer’s warranty of eight years, chances are most of its parts have worn out or do not function as effectively as when the furnace was new. However, if the furnace is approaching eight years of service with at least 20 years manufacturer’s warranty, chances are that it is still in perfect shape.
Out-of-place flames, noises or smells
It is important to learn your furnace over the years, months or the duration you have been using it. Understanding its regular functioning sounds and smells is paramount to identifying strange smells, noises and even sparks or flames. For your information, gas furnace’s flames should appear on the burner, in a steady and blue flame, and without smoke. Smoke, any flame that is not blue, and the smell of gas should warn you to switch off your furnace urgently as one or more parts of the furnace are not functioning properly, and can endanger your life.
Conclusion
A properly functioning furnace heats your indoor air, adequately, and saves you money in energy bills. You can ensure your furnace works properly at all times by looking for warning signs such as strange flames or sounds. Such abnormalities can be caused by loose, dirty and worn out parts, as well as obstructed airflow. Always contact your local HVAC contractors for your heating, furnace and other HVAC services.