The cozy fall weather is starting and it means you’ve probably switched to heat. Unless you’re one of those people that would rather freeze until you simply can’t stand it any longer…we know you’re out there! Whether you’ve decided to turn the heat on already or you’re waiting — this blog is for you. Today we’ll be looking at some frequently asked questions about your heater failing. Hopefully, we can provide some insight that will help you make the right decision should your heater fail on you.
Why is my heater making strange noises?
Heaters typically have two electrical fans that help them distribute the hot air into your home. These fans can become loose or clogged by debris, if this happens it can create a vibration that you may hear in your home. If you’re hearing a noise like loud banging or a boom then it’s more serious. You should call A/C Masters 24/7 emergency service to get that problem looked at as soon ASAP — (757) 847-5252.
What’s the burning smell coming from my furnace?
It’s obvious that a burning smell is not something that you want to smell in or around your home. But what if your furnace is producing a burning smell? Typically it shouldn’t be cause for concern. This usually means that there’s some kind of debris built up around the outside heat exchanger that’ll burn off after a couple of uses. If your furnace is new this burning smell is super common as the oil has to burn off during the first few uses.
How often should I replace my furnace?
It’s typically recommended that you replace your furnace every 15-17 years. However, there are obviously variables that can play into how long your furnace will last you. If you don’t take good care of it then it likely won’t last as long. If you take super good care of your furnace then you may even get a few more years! If you’re concerned about the life span of your furnace then you should ask an HVAC professional. They’ll be able to perform an inspection to better determine how your furnace is functioning.
How do I know my furnace is broken?
There are some pretty key signs that should alert you that your furnace is broken. Here are some:
- It’s no longer producing any heat
- It doesn’t produce ENOUGH heat
- It’s leaking/excessive condensation
- It’s producing strange odors/sounds
What are some common issues I may experience with my heater?
- You may have a cracked heat exchanger
- You may experience ignition failure
- You may have a faulty flame sensor
Why is my furnace not reaching temperature?
The reality is that there are a lot of factors that can affect the efficiency and functionality of your heater. Here are just a few possibilities.
- You may have a faulty thermostat or need to replace the batteries in your thermostat.
- There may be extremely low temperatures outside which can affect the functionality of your heater. They’re not meant to function in extremely cold temperatures.
- You may have dirty filters that need to be changed.
- There may be serious underlying issues that require the knowledge of an expert.
We hope that this FAQ was useful to you as a homeowner. We know that sometimes there are just too many unanswered questions that can lead to frustration. That’s why we want to remind you that A/C Masters is always here. Our experts are happy to help inspect your heater or just answer questions you may have. You can give us a call at (757) 847-5252!