Thankfully, most furnace problems show signs of the issue before the system breaks down.

Schedule furnace repair  if you notice:

Your furnace’s pilot light should be blue with a steady burn. Yellow and orange flames mean the system does not have full combustion.

A dirty burner or worn-out components on the system can also create problems bigger than furnace malfunction if left unattended for extended periods.

This sign is another way you know you have furnace combustion issues.

When combustion is not working properly, carbon monoxide levels can build over time, leaving your family vulnerable to CO poisoning. If a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, you’re in danger, and the issue requires immediate action.

Make sure you evacuate your home and contact local authorities. Once your home has been cleared, call an HVAC professional for prompt furnace service and schedule annual furnace maintenance to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

It’s common for a furnace to smell like it is burning the first time you turn it on at the beginning of the heating season. However, unusual smells are a sign of a problem any other time when your furnace has been continually used.

Particularly, if you’re smelling an electrical or a burning smell, you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Similarly, any natural gas smell is an immediate emergency that requires attention, and you should evacuate your home.

When a furnace turns on, runs for a bit, turns off, then cycles back through that process, this is known as short-cycling. This drives up your energy bills and prevents your home from reaching and maintaining the temperature set by your thermostat.

This can come from any number of issues, ranging from a dirty filter to an ignitor that’s not working properly. An improperly sized furnace can also cause short-cycling, in which case, a replacement may be a better long-term solution.

Poor indoor air quality can come from a wide range of issues, but if your air is too dry, it may be because your furnace is not running properly. You may be experiencing IAQ issues if your nose and throat feel dry when you’re in your home.

Replace your air filters if you haven’t done so in the past 90 days. If that doesn’t help, schedule furnace repair with an HVAC professional.

Your furnace will not run silently, but unusual sounds can indicate a problem. Some common sounds that indicate issues include:

If you have hot and cold spots in your home, it can indicate problems with your furnace or ductwork.

A dirty filter may be the culprit, which is an easy fix. However, incorrectly sized new units and aging units losing efficiency likely require furnace replacement or extensive repairs, depending on the issue.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, The Witmer Company is ready to help. We offer heating services in Pennsylvania to protect you and your home for years to come, all while ensuring your comfort on the coldest days of the year.

Contact The Witmer Company today at 717-288-7163 or contact us online to schedule heating service today.