No homeowner wants to deal with an ineffective furnace in the middle of winter. Luckily, heating systems often exhibit more subtle signs of inefficiency before they completely break down, giving you a chance to invest in furnace repair before you’re completely left out in the cold. If you know what to look for, you may be able to save money overall and keep your home more consistently comfortable throughout the winter months.

How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs to Be Repaired

1. Loud Noises

You probably don’t need to be concerned with the quiet noises your furnace makes regularly. However, extra sounds like banging or squealing are not normal, so they can indicate problems. High-pitched sounds often signify a worn-down fan or belt, and banging sometimes signifies mechanical components that have come loose.

Let your HVAC contractor know what type of noise you’ve heard and where it seems to be coming from so they can fix the problem quickly.

2. Extra Dust Buildup

As your furnace pushes air through your ventilation system, it also tends to pick up dust and other small solid particles. Your filter is designed to catch these particles. 

Without the proper filtering and cleaning, dust and debris can cause clogs and prevent airflow, which may lead to more serious furnace repair costs. If you notice extra dust in your home even with regular cleaning, especially around vents, change your filter first.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, call a professional to discuss duct cleaning and other air quality options. Duct cleaning will prevent the buildup of dust and debris throughout the system.

3. Yellow Pilot Light

Most working furnace pilot lights should appear blue. When it doesn’t receive the right mixture of gases, it may start to appear yellow. This is sometimes a symptom of extra carbon monoxide buildup, so you should request service right away to make sure your family is safe. It may also require adjustments to your ventilation system to ensure that gases are able to dissipate properly.

If you need furnace repair for any of these reasons, call Living Comfort HVAC. Based in Liberty Township, OH, the HVAC contractor serves customers throughout the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. The team offers a variety of residential HVAC services, including installation of new systems, emergency repair, preventive maintenance, and inspections. The family-owned company brings 35 years of industry experience to the table and offers personalized service to each family they assist. View a full list of services on the company’s website. To request a free quote, call (513) 833-3876.