No one wants to be stuck in the cold, shivering under a blanket and waiting for their heating to come back on. But what are the telltale signs that you need an immediate heating repair Germantown MD?
We’ve put together a list of signs so you can avoid the cold and get your heat back as soon as possible.
Your furnace is making strange noises.
If your furnace starts making strange noises, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Furnaces usually only make a humming noise when they’re running properly, so if you start hearing these five (5) noises, it’s time to call a professional for heating repair Germantown MD.
Banging or Popping
If you hear banging or popping noises coming from your furnace, it’s likely due to dirt and debris build-up in the unit itself. Over time, this build-up can cause the unit to overheat and become damaged.
In some cases, the damage can be severe enough to cause a fire. If you hear this kind of noise coming from your furnace, shut off the unit and call a professional for heating repair Germantown MD right away.
Humming
A humming noise coming from your furnace is usually nothing to worry about and is simply caused by the fan kicking on when the unit is turned on. However, if the humming noise is accompanied by strange smells or smoke, it’s important to shut off the unit and call a professional immediately as this could indicate a problem with the electrical wiring.
Rattling
A rattling noise coming from your furnace is typically caused by loose panels or screws inside the unit itself. While this isn’t necessarily a serious issue, it’s important to have a professional tighten everything up to prevent further damage down the road.
If left unchecked, loose panels and screws can eventually lead to more serious problems such as gas leaks or fires.
Squealing
Squealing noises coming from your furnace are usually indicative of a problem with one of the belts inside the unit that helps move air around. These belts can become worn out over time and will need to be replaced periodically to keep your furnace running properly. Ignoring this problem can eventually lead to bigger issues such as total belt failure or an overheated motor.
Clicking
A clicking noise coming from your furnace is often caused by an issue with the igniter switch which lights up the pilot light inside the unit. This switch can become damaged over time and will need to be replaced periodically in order for your furnace to function properly.
This problem can eventually lead to an inability to start up your furnace at all which could leave you without heat during the cold winter months, so get it checked as soon as possible.
The air coming from your vents is cool or lukewarm.
This is one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your furnace. If the air from your vents isn’t warm, your furnace isn’t doing its job.
But why is that so? Is something wrong with my furnace? Do I need to schedule heating repair Germantown MD?
Let’s take a look at some of the most likely reasons why your furnace isn’t pumping out heat like it used to and what you can do about it.
Air Filter is Dirty
The air filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, so they don’t end up in your lungs. However, as the air filter does its job, it can get clogged with debris, which reduces the amount of air that can flow through it.
As a result, your furnace has to work harder to push air through the filter, which reduces the amount of heat that ultimately reaches your vents.
Blower Motor is Malfunctioning
A faulty blower motor could also be a reason. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the furnace and into your vents. If the motor is damaged or worn out, it won’t be able to circulate air as effectively, which will reduce the amount of heat that reaches your vents.
In some cases, you may notice that the airflow from your vents is reduced even when the blower motor is turned off. This is a sure sign that the motor needs to be replaced.
The Ductwork is Leaking
The ductwork is a system of pipes and appliances that delivers heat from your furnace to your vents. If there are any holes or leaks in the ductwork, heat can escape before it has a chance to reach your vents.
In addition to reducing airflow, ductwork leaks can also cause your energy bills to go up because your furnace will have to work harder to make up for the lost heat. You may be able to spot signs of ductwork leaks by inspecting the ductwork for holes or gaps.
Alternatively, you may feel drafts coming from around the edges of doors and windows near where the ductwork runs through your home. The ductwork may need replacement or heating repair Germantown MD by a professional HVAC technician.
Your energy bills are going up for no apparent reason.
If your energy bills start going up and there’s no obvious explanation—like higher usage during the winter months—it could be a sign that your furnace is working harder than it should be to heat your home.
This is usually due to an issue with the blower motor or another internal component of the furnace, so it’s best to call a professional for help.
The pilot light is out or flickering.
The pilot light is what ignites the gas in your furnace, so if it’s out or flickering, it means your furnace won’t be able to turn on properly.
There are several factors that can contribute to a flickering pilot light, but the most common culprit is simply a draft. If your furnace is located near an exterior door or window, whenever someone comes in or out, they could disturb the airflow around the pilot light and causing it to flicker.
Another possible cause of a flickering pilot light is an obstruction in the gas line. This could be anything from lint or dust build-up to an animal nest. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to take action quickly to correct the problem.
If left unaddressed, a flickering pilot light could eventually go out entirely. So what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
How to Fix a Flickering Pilot Light
The first step is to identify the source of the problem. If you think it might be due to a draft, start by checking for cracks or gaps around doors and windows. You can also try hanging a sheet over the opening to see if that prevents the flickering.
If you suspect an obstruction in the gas line, you’ll need to call a professional to have it cleared out. Once you’ve taken care of the underlying issue, relighting your pilot light should be quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:
• Locate the gas valve — this is usually located near the bottom of your furnace
• Turn off power to your furnace at the breaker box
• Wait 5-10 minutes before relighting the pilot light
• If your pilot light won’t stay lit, there may be an issue with your thermocouple
• Once the pilot light is lit, turn on power to your furnace at the breaker box
• If you’re still having trouble keeping your pilot light lit, call a professional heating technician for assistance
There’s water around the base of your furnace.
If you notice water around the base of your furnace—especially if there wasn’t any there before—it could be a sign of a leak in the heat exchanger. This is a serious issue that needs to be fixed immediately because it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If left unchecked, so don’t hesitate to call a professional right away if you notice water around your furnace.
Your furnace is short-cycling.
Short-cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off more frequently than normal in an attempt to reach the desired temperature set on your thermostat. Not only is this annoying, but it’s also a huge waste of energy and puts unnecessary strain on your system.
Short-cycling can be caused by several different issues including dirty filters, faulty thermostats, and blocked vents which is why it’s always best to consult with a professional for heating repair Germantown MD before taking matters into your own hands.
You notice uneven heating throughout your home.
If certain rooms in your home seem warmer or cooler than others, there could be an issue with your ductwork. Leaks in ductwork can cause up to 30% of the heated or cooled air flowing through them to be lost which means your furnace or air conditioner will have to work overtime to make up for the lost airflow which wastes energy and drives up utility costs.
Fortunately, this is an issue that can be easily fixed by sealing any leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape followed by proper insulation of the ductwork itself!
No one wants to deal with a broken furnace in the middle of winter, but sometimes repairs are unavoidable. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—call a professional heating repair Germantown MD right away so you can stay warm all winter long.
Trust Us for Your Heating Repair Needs in Germantown MD!
If you’re in need of a heating repair in Germantown, MD, there’s no better team to trust than our experienced professionals at Don Hoffacker’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been serving the area for years, and we know how to get the job done right.
When it comes to heating repairs, we’ll never try to upsell you on something that you don’t need. We’ll always give you an honest assessment of the situation and let you know your best options. And, we’ll work quickly and efficiently to get your system up and running again so that you can get back to your normal routine.
Don’t wait any longer; call us today at (301) 255-1845.
