Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving the Huntsville Alabama area for more than thirty years. We are a factory trained, factory certified HVAC dealer. It is our goal to be the best service provider for your home’s heating and air conditioning needs. As cold weather approaches, we would like to provide a few pointers regarding things to look for as warning signs that your heating system might need a professional inspection before freezing temperatures get here.
Prevention of Unforeseen Problems
One of the best ways to prevent issues with a heating system is to schedule a furnace inspection shortly before cold weather hits. Many problems can be detected during this inspection and prevent costly repairs. Unfortunately, an inspection does not guarantee a season free from problems. Homeowners should know the common and serious furnace warning signs so they can protect their home and family members when problems arise.
Common Issues with Furnaces
Some of the common issues with furnaces are not a big deal; in fact many of them can be fixed by the homeowner. An example of a less serious problem is experiencing obstructed airflow. This problem generally arises when furniture or other items are blocking HVAC vents. Another time an obstruction occurs is when a filter becomes seriously clogged; cleaning or changing the filter generally fixes this problem.
A broken or faulty thermostat is also a common issue. If a furnace is not keeping a home warm, or if it is coming on and shutting off with great frequency, the thermostat may be the cause. Changing the thermostat will likely fix this problem. Switching to a smart thermostat has been shown to save home owners up to 15% on their heating and cooling bills.
Old age is yet another reason a furnace will not function properly. Repairs or replacement might be necessary if a furnace is over ten years old. Warning signs that indicate a more serious problem include a noisy furnace or gas odor. When the smell of gas is present, or when hearing obnoxious noises when a furnace is operating, homeowners should act immediately and shut the furnace down until the problem is diagnosed. If other signs are present that seem to cause the furnace to not work like it normally does, the flame and burner should be inspected.
Burners that get clogged with dirt will have a yellow to orange colored flame. The flame may also flicker and be unstable. Though dirt build up is usually the cause of the odd colored flame, other problems may be present. A furnace should always have a clean blue flame that is consistently stable.
When to Contact a Professional
When noticing signs that are not easy to diagnose or fix, it is time to contact a professional HVAC contractor such as Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning. To arrange an appointment, call us at 256-536-0967 or email us at [email protected].
