Although Southern winters are milder than those experienced in other parts of the country, nearly everyone uses the heat until spring. Since your furnace goes unused for the majority of the year, having an HVAC contractor perform a tuneup will ensure it’s prepared to handle the upcoming workload. If you aren’t sure whether this work is needed, just look for the following signs.

When to Call an HVAC Contractor for a Furnace Tuneup

1. After Hearing a Loud Noise

While your furnace may not be entirely silent, it shouldn’t normally make banging, humming, rattling, or whistling sounds. A loud bang upon turning on the system could be due to a buildup of unburned oils in the firebox chamber or a crack in the heat exchanger. Both problems are dangerous and require an HVAC contractor’s immediate attention. 

2. If the System Is Rapidly Cycling

Under normal circumstances, your furnace should kick on and stay on until heat has been evenly distributed throughout the home. If it’s turning on and off too quickly, the warm air doesn’t have enough time to be absorbed by the furnishings throughout your home. Because of this, the rooms will rapidly cool down, which will cause the furnace will turn back on—perpetuating a cycle that wastes energy.

Sometimes this problem can be resolved by changing a dirty air filter, but it can also be an issue with the thermostat, the flame sensor, or vents. An HVAC contractor will quickly diagnose the problem so you can stay warm this winter without running up exorbitant energy bills. 

3. If the Pilot Light Is Yellow

Your furnace’s pilot light should be blue under normal conditions. If it isn’t receiving enough oxygen, however, it will start to dim and turn yellow. This problem is often due to a dirty air intake valve blocking airflow and stopping complete combustion from happening.

If you notice a yellow flame when testing your system, call an HVAC contractor immediately to clean and fine-tune your system. If you try to operate the furnace without cleaning it, the pilot light will most likely go out frequently. Even worse, it may allow dangerous carbon monoxide to seep into the home. 

Ensure your furnace is fully prepared to keep your home warm all winter long by calling the HVAC contractors at T.M.T. Service Repairs. For over 20 years, this family-owned and -operated business has provided a variety of home improvement services to Savannah, GA. Their team of professionals performs heating and cooling repairs for all major makes and models and offers HVAC tuneups for only $79. Call them today at (912) 656-1062 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services.