How To Know When You Need Your Heater Repaired

Top Signs You Need Heater Repairs

Here at Next Level HVAC, we hope you’re never stuck without heat in the dead of winter or even when the temperature is just slightly chilly. Though furnaces aren’t designed to last indefinitely, the good news is that they almost always give you multiple warnings before they break down. The key is to learn what the common indications of furnace problems look like so you can schedule furnace service right away.

The sooner you schedule your furnace repairs, the sooner we can come out and fix the problem before it becomes even more serious than it already is. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’ve had your own home for years, here’s how you can know when you need your heater repaired.

Your Home Is Cold no Matter What Your Thermostat Says

Is your thermostat cranked up to 80 degrees, yet you still feel cold? This is a telltale sign that your furnace requires emergency repairs. There is also the possibility that you just need to change your filter because it’s too clogged up.

When the filter gets clogged, it can cause the unit to overheat (which will force it into safe mode and only blow cool air). You can quickly find out if that’s the underlying problem by changing your filter. If the problem rectifies itself, you’re good to go! If, on the other hand, your house remains cold, it’s time to schedule your furnace repair service.

Your Pilot Light Is Burning Yellow

If your pilot light is burning yellow instead of blue, leave your home right away! This is an indication that your furnace could be producing deadly carbon monoxide gas. Once you leave your home, call your gas company right away. Common indications of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• Chest pain
• Headache
• Double vision (or blurry vision)
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms, get out of the house and go to your nearest emergency room or contact 911 right away.

Strange Noises Coming From Your Heater

If your heater is wearing out, you might notice strange noises coming from the unit. Many homeowners describe these noises as popping, rattling, or squealing sounds. When you hear noises like these, contact us for a furnace service appointment.

Increased Energy Costs

One of the most noticeable (and dreaded) signs of a worn-out furnace that needs repairs or replacement is skyrocketing energy costs. If your gas or power bill suddenly spikes without an obvious explanation, it may be because your HVAC system is no longer working efficiently. If we can fix the underlying cause of the problem, we will. There is a possibility, however, that you may be better off getting a newer, more efficient furnace (depending on how old your current furnace is).

Short Cycling

Though this isn’t considered an emergency heater problem, if your furnace is short cycling (turning off and on erratically), you should consider having it checked out by a professional. Short cycling is often an easy fix, but if it’s left untreated, it could cause long-term damage to your HVAC unit.

Unpleasant Odors

The final indication that you need furnace repairs is if you notice unpleasant odors coming through your air vents. If you smell burning rubber or smoke each time your furnace turns on, don’t ignore the issue or simply try to cover it up with air fresheners and sprays. There could be something wrong with your heater’s electrical components. If you don’t address the problem right away, you could potentially have to deal with a broken-down furnace in the weeks or months ahead.

Schedule Your Furnace Service Today

The best type of furnace service is the preventative kind. For more information about how to make sure your HVAC system works properly all year, contact us today.