Do not ignore the signs that suggest your furnace is acting up. They may seem trivial and odd, but these symptoms can point to dangerous issues. For instance, your furnace may be overheating. You need to act quickly before the problem worsens. Tell your local, trusted HVAC contractor about the possibility of your overheating furnace and book an appointment for heating service as soon as possible.
Top Signs Your Furnace Is Overheating
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It can be dangerous when your furnace overheats. Aside from making your home vulnerable to the harsh weather outside, you also risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Luckily, signs are easy to spot if you pay attention. Be on the lookout if you suspect your furnace is acting up. Call an HVAC contractor if you notice the following in your home:
A Persistent Furnace Burning Aroma
Is there a burning aroma wafting around your home? The first thought that may come to mind is your stove, so you run to check it. If you do not see any issues, look at other heat sources like your furnace. Check to see if the burning smell is more intense around it. There is no issue if the smell dissipates quickly. The odor may be caused by burning dust after a long time of inactivity. Take it seriously if the smell persists for longer than 30 minutes. Excessive heat may cause damage to your furnace parts, and wires may also melt.
An Unusual Humming Noise From The Furnace
Heating systems aren’t quiet. Homeowners will eventually become familiar with the sounds their furnaces make. It usually emits a steady hum but doesn’t normally produce clangs and bangs. If you hear your furnace emitting an odd noise, take the time to check it out. Act fast if the sounds are getting louder. These noises may point to an overworking motor and components beginning to malfunction.
A Sudden Heating System Shutdown
Furnaces are designed to have safety sensors. If these components sense excess heat, they will trigger the system to shut down automatically. This way, the system has sufficient time to cool down and restart. The underlying cause needs to be resolved. Otherwise, the system will keep shutting down repeatedly. Consult an HVAC technician to know what to do if these signs are present.
Common Causes of an Overheating Furnace
It isn’t an issue that happens by chance. There are specific conditions that lead to an overheating furnace. The problem slowly accumulates until the symptoms cannot be ignored anymore. Each trigger has a matching solution. Here are several common reasons your furnace overheats:
Restricted HVAC Airflow
The hot air from your furnace goes through a filter before traveling through the ductwork to reach the various rooms in your home. The airflow can be restricted if there’s an obstruction. The heat gradually builds up in the system because it cannot escape. The symptoms will show up when the furnace’s operating temperature exceeds the maximum.
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Dirty Heating System Interior
Air contaminants may eventually settle on the internal components. Some parts may be more sensitive to pollutants than others. For instance, the blower motor produces heat while the fan blades spin. It cannot cool down effectively if the motor is dirty. Furnace oils covered in grime will also find it hard to transfer heat.
Furnace Short Cycling
Short cycling is when your HVAC system quickly starts and stops. These short intervals keep it from completing a cycle and operating as it should. This also causes the motor and other components to wear out faster. If you have a new system, the short cycling is likely caused by a size mismatch. If it’s an old unit, this issue happens because of the furnace overheating or a faulty thermostat.
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Lack of Heating System Maintenance
Mechanical parts are prone to wear and tear. Your heating system may overheat if one of them malfunctions. For instance, a stressed fan blower can lead to a short circuit. This can reduce circulation and increase the internal temperature. Regular HVAC maintenance means technicians can find failing parts and replace them before they cause further issues.
End of Furnace Lifespan
Overheating can also mean the old furnace is near the end of its service life. If your heating system is old, many components may fail. It may also be riddled with other hidden problems. Replacing parts several times and dealing with increased fuel usage may not be the best use of your money. Consider buying a new furnace instead of hanging onto your old heating system.
How An HVAC Contractor Repairs An Overheating Furnace
Letting an inexperienced individual open and repair your furnace can be dangerous. Leave it in the experienced and capable hands of HVAC professionals. They can resolve the overheating problem and other issues your furnace may have. Switch off your system and call for emergency services. HVAC contractors can provide quick and correct diagnoses and viable solutions.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
A furnace has an average lifespan of 15 years. Neglecting its maintenance may result in premature failure. You can add some years to its lifespan if you are diligent. You can also help improve your heating system’s performance and longevity.
Compare the costs if you can’t decide whether to repair or replace your old furnace. Fast and cheap component replacements are tolerable, but costly repairs may not be. If the price of repairs exceeds half the cost of a new furnace, go for a replacement system instead. This lets you enjoy reduced heating costs and higher energy efficiency. You will also have fewer problems.
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The Importance of Annual Furnace Maintenance
Homeowners can conduct simple furnace upkeep tasks, including replacing the filters regularly and removing clutter. Complex tasks should be left in the hands of a professional HVAC contractor. Book furnace maintenance with them at least once a year. This service includes a thorough system check and tune-up. Professional furnace maintenance helps increase efficiency, extend lifespan, improve performance, and prevent most problems in your furnace.
Conclusion
Don’t let your system overheat for long periods. It will damage your system, which can mean a costly repair or replacement is needed. It can also produce dangerous carbon monoxide emissions. Contact an HVAC technician if your furnace shuts down and a burning odor and loud noises accompany this problem. A professional should verify your suspicion and resolve the issue. They can fix it quickly using special tools and components. This way, your home can be warm and comfortable again.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Need superior heating and cooling services? Be sure to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We employ professionally certified and experienced technicians who can provide high-quality HVAC services, such as furnace tune-ups, mini-split repairs, and AC installations, to name a few. Our friendly techs have the proper tools, knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to service your HVAC system in a timely and accurate manner.
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers the most affordable HVAC service rates in the area. Our maintenance services can help your home achieve better comfort and energy efficiency while lowering energy expenses. We can recommend the best HVAC repair or replacement system for your home and budget. All our work is guaranteed because your satisfaction is our priority. Give PFO Heating & Air Conditioning a call today to book your next service appointment. We provide free, in-home estimates.
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