If you run your furnace every autumn and winter here in Decatur, IL, you’re bound to need repairs for it at some time. The only question is how to know when the system is malfunctioning. A malfunctioning furnace will often present signs there’s a problem, including extremely short or long cycles, loud noises, and bad odors.
A Short-Cycling Furnace
Furnaces should cycle two to three times an hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Short cycles and brief intervals between cycles may indicate that the furnace is overheating and shutting down as a safety precaution. Repairs can quickly solve the overheating problem.
Extremely Long Cycles
On the other hand, you don’t want your furnace to run forever and not heat your home. This could point to a bad motor, among other things.
Another possible sign that you need repairs would be uneven temperatures. Any central heating unit should heat every room evenly.
Continual, Loud Noises
A furnace that gets annual maintenance should run smoothly and quietly, with only the occasional noise during start-up. Rattling, clicking, or grinding sounds while the furnace is running are cause for concern since these noises point to a loose or out-of-balance component.
Musty or Burning Odors
A musty odor may signify the presence of water in your furnace, perhaps due to a clogged condensate drain. The last thing you want is biological growth in your furnace that spreads its toxins around your home. Prolonged burning odors may mean that there’s a lot of dust inside the system, which may coincide with overheating.
If you live in Decatur and need a furnace repair, call us at Tica, Inc. Heating and Cooling. For more than 50 years, our family-run business has been providing high-quality work at an affordable rate. Our NATE-certified technicians can work on any brand or model of furnace.
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