What is Your Furnace Trying to Tell You?

Updated: April 9, 2024

It’s that chilly time of the year when your furnace should be high on your list of priorities. It needs to be functioning and working properly!

Too bad the appliances we so rely on in our home can’t speak and tell us what’s going on. Fortunately, there are many signs and indicators that there is a problem.

You know how young kids can’t always tell you what they need, but you can usually identify when something is wrong if you are paying attention? Well, it is the same with your furnace.

Here are some issues that indicate your furnace may be having a problem:

• Strange noises – Your furnace should run quietly. Period. If you’re hearing whining sounds coming directly from the furnace itself, it could be a loose belt or an indication that your belt or seals are wearing out. If your furnace is squeaking or clunking, you should have it serviced.
• Blowing out cold air – There could be several reasons for your furnace blowing out cold air instead of hot air. For instance, your pilot light may be out, or something might be wrong with your thermostat. This problem often originates with the thermostat and is a quick fix if caught early.
• Shuts off and on often – If your furnace is turning on and off erratically, there could be a problem. This is referred to as short-cycling. Short-cycling can be caused by overheating, forcing the system to shut itself off, or a thermostat malfunction. Either way, it should be serviced if these issues are recurring.
• A strange smell – Commonly, when you turn on your furnace for the first time of the season there to be an unusual smell, but it should dissipate quickly. If you smell gas you should leave the home immediately and have the system checked.

There can be other issues that arise with your furnace, but these are some of the most common. Keep your eyes, ears and nose peeled for signs like noises and smells that may indicate a problem with your furnace. The quicker you get it checked out, the better.

If you live in Houston or the surrounding areas of Katy, Spring or Belaire, please call one of our licensed furnace technicians to check out the problem.