The Difference Between Regular and Emergency Furnace Repair
Furnaces typically work without any issues, especially if they are less than 3 years old. Regular maintenance decreases the likeliness of running into a trouble with your furnace as well. However, there may be times where a furnace just isn’t working right, so it is important to understand the difference between a regular furnace repair need and an emergency repair need.
If you live in the Tri-state, you understand what kind of emergencies can occur in the dead of winter. There are instances in which you may be in need of emergency furnace repair or system replacement. With some general investigation, you should be able to determine whether your furnace only needs some minor attention, or if it will take a licensed expert to solve the problem.
How To Know If You Should Call In A Professional
1. The Problem Seems to be With the Electrical Components
Electrical components play a vital role in how your entire home functions. You are reliant on the electrical system in your home to provide power you need to continuously run your heating or cooling systems.
If your lights flicker when your system is running, it may be a good indicator that it is time to call a professional to come diagnose your unit. A solid understanding of even the basics of your electrical system can provide you with the knowledge you need to spot potential hazards, but you should still consult a professional.
View the video below if you’d like to see some basic information about every home’s electrical system and also basic electrical system safety.
ESFI.org – Electrical Safety Foundation International, Home Electrical Safety, via Youtube
If you are uncertain about exactly what is the problem with the electrical system, do not try and repair the system yourself. Electrical systems can be dangerous to tamper without the proper knowledge and training.
2. The Furnace System is Making Loud or/and Unusual Noises
Even when a furnace appears to be running without any issues, they can start making loud or unusual noises, seemingly out of the blue. If you are certain the noise is coming through the ductwork, you may need to insulate your ductwork in order to bring down the noise. If the furnace itself is to blame for the noise, it could be one of several things:
- Pilot light is improperly adjusted
- The blower motor lubrication ports need oiling
Sometimes, the nature of the noise can hint at what the underlying problem is.
a. Popping/Pinging Noise: This could perhaps be due to thermal expansion. That is, the ductwork is expanding or contracting due to the change in temperature.
b. Squealing Noise: Perhaps a belt that connects the fan to the motor is slipping or may need replacement.
c. Rattling Noise: There may be loose panels that should be tightened.
d. Grinding Noise: Possibly motor bearings in need of repair. Definitely call a service professional if this is happening to you.
3. The HVAC System is Repeatedly Turning Itself Off and On
If your issue with your furnace seems to be that it continuously turns itself off and then on, you may have a worn out air filter. Try remember when the last time you had your air filters replaced, as that could hint at whether it actually is an air filter or not.
If the filter is new and the problem is still occurring, it may mean that your system has a more serious underlying issue. It is recommended to call a service professional at this point, as continued use without addressing the issue could stress the compressor and lead to a mechanical failure.
