When it’s cold outside, most retreat indoors to find refuge in a toasty home or apartment. Unfortunately, if your furnace is not operating efficiently, it won’t be keeping you comfortable warm and could cause your monthly energy bill to rise. According to the heating contractors at All Star Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Circleville, OH, below are some common signs that point to a poor HVAC unit.

Heating Contractors on Telltale Signs of a Bad Unit 

1. Odd Smells

Though a furnace exhibits many harmless smells, some indicate damage to the system that could be dangerous if not repaired. For instance, a chemical odor points to a formaldehyde leak due to a crack in the heat exchanger. An electrical burning smell could result from an overheating component. Rotten egg odors are also known to emanate from a furnace system and are usually caused by a gas leak.

2. Increasingly Longer Heating Times

Heating times can vary from one home to the next depending on several factors, including the square footage, insulation, and the size of your HVAC system. However, it shouldn’t take multiple hours to warm up. If you notice that your furnace is constantly running without providing sufficient warmth, have a heating contractor inspect your system for damage and determine if you need an upgrade.

3. Blowing Cold Air

If your unit is blowing cold air, you have a problem. First, check that your thermostat fan is set to “auto” and not “on.” If it is, the issue could be due to the furnace overheating. This can often be resolved by changing a dirty air filter. Otherwise, it can be a symptom of the pilot light going out.

If your furnace is exhibiting any of these signs, contact the heating contractors at All Star Heating and Air Conditioning Services to locate the source of the problem. They have been providing system repairs and installations to the Central Ohio region for 17 years. For emergency service or a free estimate, call them today at (740) 477-8778. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.