When it comes to home repairs, we tend to focus on the obvious: broken doors or windows, chipped paint, appliances that stop working. But how do we know when there is a problem with more discrete equipment and whether or not your furnace needs repair? HVAC problems can cause a variety of issues in the home and could go undetected unless you know what to look for. Here is a list of 5 warning signs to be on the lookout for that indicate your furnace needs professional repair.
1. Leaks
Depending on where your unit is located, a leak may not be as obvious as you would like. If you notice water or other liquid leaking from your unit, you should call for repair ASAP. Whereas some condensation is normal in the summer months, pooling or dripping water or other liquid is not. Don’t try to diagnose the problem on your own, remember liquid and electricity don’t mix and this could be dangerous.
2. Unexplained Noise
If you think you are hearing things or your spouse or children claims there is a ghost in your house, think again! Loud noises, knocking or hissing could indicate a problem with your furnace. In normal operation your furnace turns on and off to regulate your home’s temperature and operates at a low hum, anything louder and you should call for service.
3. Uneven Temperature
When your furnace is functioning properly the temperature in your home should be consistent throughout. If you suddenly have rooms or areas with hot or cold spots this is a clear indication that something could be wrong with your HVAC unit.
4. Electric Bill Increase
If your eyes went wide at the sight of your last electricity bill and you are hard pressed to determine the cause, then it may be an issue with your furnace. When your furnace is working as it should, your bills should be fairly consistent every month depending on the time of year. Unwarranted spikes in cost and consumption could mean that there’s something wrong, and that means you need help!
5. Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Finally, if your gas or carbon monoxide alarms are triggered you have a problem. First, you, your family and pets need to leave your home immediately. Next, call your local HVAC contractor for emergency repair service. For the safety of your family, a furnace that may be leaking potentially dangerous gases cannot wait for repairs.
HVAC problems may not be immediately obvious to know whether or not your furnace needs repair, but it’s critical to your health, safety and comfort to recognize the warning signs and quickly call for repair. If you experience any of these issues, be sure to call ACS/ American Comfort Services to diagnose and repair your system today!
