You rely on your furnace to keep your home warm and cozy, but you probably don’t spend too much time thinking about it. Most of the time, furnaces operate smoothly and quietly in the background. However, like any machine they do occasionally need repairs and maintenance.
Pay attention to these warning signs so you can help keep your furnace running smoothly and know when you need heating repair in Des Moines, IA.
Decreased Air Quality and Odd Smells
It’s normal to occasionally smell your furnace or get a bit of dust kicked up if your furnace hasn’t been running much lately. However, frequent smells or visible dust in the air every time your furnace turns on can be a sign that maintenance is needed. If you notice frequent allergy-like symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, itchiness, and watery eyes, you may also be dealing with an indoor air quality problem caused by your furnace. A qualified HVAC professional can help you evaluate your air quality and address the problem.
Discolored or Weak Pilot Light
It’s a good idea to check your pilot light from time to time, because it can be an indicator of your furnace’s health. The pilot light should generally burn as a steady, blue-colored flame. If it’s weak or sputtering, you may have a blocked fuel line. If the flame is a color other than blue, such as yellow or orange, it may indicate that gas is building up in the area, which can cause serious problems and threaten your family’s health.
Weak or Unpredictable Heating
Most heating systems work fairly automatically. You simply set a temperature and let the system do the work. However, sometimes you may notice that your furnace isn’t turning on when it should or may turn on when it shouldn’t. Even if it does work, it may not keep your home warm. These are all signs that your heating system needs a tune-up.
Strange Noises
All furnaces make a little noise, but it should be fairly quiet and steady. If you hear bangs, squeals, or other strange sounds, it may be time for furnace repairs. Even a quiet whistling sound can indicate that you have a fan, belt, or ventilation issue.
Increased Utility Bills
It’s normal to see an increase in your utility bills if your area is experiencing particularly cold temperatures. However, if you’re seeing an extreme increase in costs or if your utility bills are rising even during milder weather, it may be a sign that your furnace is working harder than it should be. A heating system repair technician can check to see if there are any repairs needed.
Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or emergency heating system repair in West Des Moines, IA, Lazer Home Services can help. Contact us today with all your heating, plumbing and electrical repair needs!
