The holiday season brings many merry and joyful things we’ve come to count on. Some of these are spending time with family, eating holiday foods and treats, and having a warm and cozy home. Perhaps of all these things, you’re not so certain that your furnace will see you through the holiday season. If you suspect your furnace might leave you in the cold this winter, it’s a good idea to know the signs you may need furnace repair in Montclair, NJ.
No matter what type of heating system you have, it’s better to schedule service at the first signs of trouble. Getting repairs taken care of will save you money and keep you safe. Read on to learn about the 5 signs you need furnace repairs and why it’s so important to be able to recognize them.
#1 Increased Utility Bills
Here’s a great incentive to start keeping tabs on your monthly heating bills. Increased utility bills that can’t be explained by increased usage are a sure sign that your furnace isn’t performing as well as it could be. Don’t throw away money on excessive heating of your home. Instead, put that money to better use by addressing the issues that are causing it and getting the necessary repairs done.
#2 More Than One Repair Per Year
Needing multiple repairs in a year is a sign that a furnace is on the decline. Just like paying higher utility bills, paying for repairs that could’ve been avoided shouldn’t be necessary. Think about how many repairs you’ve had over the last couple of years and consider how much they’ve cost you. If the expense of maintaining your current furnace is only going up, perhaps it’s time to cut those losses and consider a replacement unit.
#3 Strange Noises
A furnace that’s operating smoothly and efficiently should make very little noise. The only noises it should make are when it turns on and off and the sound of air flowing through the vents. Unusual noises such as squealing, screeching, hissing, and popping are signs that something is wrong. A noisy furnace could quickly become a safety hazard or fail to heat your home properly, so it’s important to have these noises checked out by a trained professional.
#4 Strange Smells
The smell of dust is normal when you turn your heater on for the first time after not using it for a while. But any ongoing smells such as the smell of gas, rotten eggs, or burning should be checked out at once.
#5 Yellow Pilot Light
The pilot light in your furnace should be a steady blue color. If you have a pilot light that’s yellow, orange, or flickering, it could signal a potentially hazardous problem such as a carbon monoxide leak or a cracked heat exchanger. If you notice your pilot light is any color other than blue, call us immediately to schedule service.
While we encourage you to know more about your furnace, we don’t encourage you to open it up and try fixing it yourself. Furnaces should only be worked on by trained professionals—like us!
Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today for your furnace repairs!