Don’t Ignore These 3 Furnace Red Flags

Winters in Dayton, Ohio are cold! Even “mild” winters really require the use of a functional furnace, so if yours is showing signs of struggle, it’s best to address these signs right away. The last thing you would want to happen is to end up with a completely broken-down furnace on the coldest day of the year. To avoid a breakdown, watch out for these three signs of a failing furnace brought to you by your friends at Allied Services, Inc.

1. Short-Cycling

This first sign is one that is easily ignored. If you aren’t typically home during the day, you might miss it. However, short-cycling is when your furnace turns on, runs for a very short time with actually completing a full heating cycle, then turns right back off. Generally, it will repeat this process so try to pay attention to when your system is running. Not only will this leave your home cold and uncomfortable, but it may also cause more problems to your system.

2. Dust Buildup

If you notice dust building up in your home more than usual, don’t immediately blame your housekeeping skills. A buildup of dust might actually be caused by your furnace, or rather, your ductwork. If your ductwork has been improperly installed or damaged, it could be allowing outside contaminants inside, such as dirt, dust, and other debris. If dust is building up in your house, schedule an air duct inspection and cleaning right away.

3. Burning Smells

Burning smells are fairly common when you turn your furnace on for the first time of the season. Dust is burning off of the burners, jets, coils, and vents, and the smell shouldn’t last long. However, if you even smell burning in the middle of winter when your furnace has been running for weeks, it’s cause for concern. Your system could be experiencing burning electrical components or overheating components. This problem is not only damaging to your system but can quickly become a safety hazard within your home.

In order to have a warm, comfortable winter, make sure you are paying attention to your furnace so you don’t miss these signs. For furnace repairs and installation in the Dayton area, contact Allied Services, Inc. at (937) 269-5059.