When Do I Need Furnace Repair Services? | Newark, IL

When Do I Need Furnace Repair Services? | Newark, IL

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Although routine maintenance is very important and may extend the life of your heating system, furnace repair will be necessary at some point. A furnace is not a part of the house that should be taken lightly or taken on as a DIY project. Homeowners in Newark, IL are already well into winter weather during December, but the weather in January and February can reach bitterly cold temperatures. It isn’t a good time to be without a functioning furnace. Professional furnace repair is also important because unaddressed issues in the heating system can cause serious problems. Debris in air filters or ventilation can be a fire risk. A poorly ventilated or malfunctioning furnace can also release toxic gases into your home.

Poor Performance

We all want our homes to be comfortable, but there are additional reasons to keep your furnace in good shape. A well-maintained furnace uses less fuel than a poorly maintained unit. This is good for the environment and household energy bills.

Thermostat

If your home seems to be either too hot or too cold, or if indoor temperatures fluctuate too often, the problem may be your thermostat. A worn-out or outdated thermostat may read temperatures incorrectly, which means your furnace can’t possibly keep your home at preferred temperatures.

Dirty Sensors or Poor Airflow

Blocked or dirty sensors can interrupt signals transmitted to your furnace. This problem also prevents your furnace from maintaining desired temperatures. You can attempt to clean sensors yourself or schedule an appointment with a furnace repair technician. Dirty or clogged filters are another possibility if heating performance is an issue. Your furnace can’t produce heat properly without free air circulation. Clogged filters are a common culprit of blocked airflow.

Even dirty air ducts can reduce airflow and impact performance. If everything seems to be clean and in good condition, you’ll have to look for other possible issues. Storing large items too close to your furnace or installing a furnace in a small, cramped area can also interfere with airflow. Inspect outdoor air intake on a regular basis. Leaves, snow, or debris can block intakes and stop your furnace from drawing air.

An overheated furnace may shut itself down too quickly and fail to reach set temperatures. However, overheating can also be dangerous. It’s best to call on repair professionals as soon as possible if your furnace is overheating.

Unusual Noises

Strange noises are a common reason for seeking furnace repair services. People describe these noises like banging, squeaking, scraping, popping, or rapping. Most furnaces do make some sort of noise during operation but don’t ignore new or disruptive sounds.

Loud Bang

A very loud noise that may sound like a gunshot could indicate gas build-up that may crack the heat exchanger. This sound is most likely to occur shortly after the furnace is turned on. Shut your furnace down immediately if you hear this sound and call a furnace repair technician as soon as possible. Burners covered in dust and grime can delay ignition. This is dangerous because the gas could build up then explode when the ignition finally switches on. Furnace repair professionals usually inspect and clean burners as part of routine maintenance.

Banging and Booming

Ducts can produce loud banging and booming sounds if the material is expanding or contracting. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent this, such as sealing and insulating ducts, adjusting the dampers, replacing air filters, or replacing undersized ducts with the appropriate size. Contact your local furnace repair service provider in Newark, IL, to inspect, clean, or replace air ducts.

Clanking and Scraping

Clanking and scraping noises may indicate a problem with the blower wheel. The fan may be loose and hitting the house casing. Sometimes wheels and fans can be repaired, depending on the amount of damage. Replacement is the only option if the broken piece was keeping the motor and blower assembly together.

Rattling

Loose panels or screws produce a rattling sound. Sometimes loose components can be fixed fairly easily, but make sure to shut down the power source before attempting repairs. If the problem isn’t a loose panel or screw, you may have a crack or leak in the heat exchangers. This is a serious issue because faulty heat exchangers can let carbon monoxide leak into your home. Turn off your furnace right away if you suspect a problem with the heat exchanger.

You should have also had carbon monoxide alarms in your home for an additional layer of safety. Each level of the home should have its own alarm, and you may want to consider installing an alarm outside each bedroom. Many hospitalizations for carbon monoxide poisoning occur during the night when people are sleeping. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas and will not jar a person out of sleep

Rumbling

Rumbling noises could mean your furnace is due for a cleaning. Grimy gas burners or a poorly adjusted pilot light may also cause rumbling. Furnace flames are blue when they’re burning fuel cleanly and efficiently. Red, yellow, orange, purple, or green flames mean something isn’t right. Impurities may be entering your furnace somehow. It’s nearly impossible for untrained homeowners to identify the exact cause of the changing color, so this is definitely a job for furnace repair experts.

Squealing, Whining, Whistling

Squealing, whistling, or whining noises may be caused by small issues, such as a damaged blower belt or belt-driven burner. Dry shaft bearings and other moving components are other possible sources. Although these issues aren’t as serious, they should still be taken seriously and fixed as soon as possible.

Contact Just In Time for furnace repair and maintenance in Newark, IL. A team of experienced professionals is always ready to handle any HVAC questions, repairs or installations. Just In Time also offers 24/7 emergency services when an exceptionally severe or potentially dangerous problem occurs.