It can be hard to know for sure when your furnace or air conditioner is having serious issues or is just making noise.
Here are a few signs and symptoms to look for when you are unsure
Furnace Symptoms
- Short cycling
This occurs when the furnace only runs for three minutes or less before shutting off. This happens when either the thermostat is out of adjustment or the heat exchanger is overheating.
- Irregular flame
Properly functioning burners have fairly even rows of flames. If flames are uneven or are leaning toward the back of the furnace, it could be a sign of dirty burners or a cracked heat exchanger.
- Soot deposits
Soot collects when combustion is incomplete. If you see deposits of soot, it may indicated that your burners need adjusting or your heat exchanger needs replacing.
It is also important to remember that furnaces can cause carbon monoxide leaks and poisoning. If you are experiencing frequent headaches or flu-like symptoms such as nausea or dizziness, it is a good idea to have your furnace checked out just to be safe.
Air Conditioner Symptoms
- Lower than normal airflow
This could be a sign that the air filters are heavily clogged, putting a strain on your system and restricting airflow. However, if you check your filters and they are clear, it could be a sign of a damaged blower or other problem that should be checked out by a professional.
- Noisy operation
Properly functioning air conditioners are meant to run quietly and efficiently, if it is operating loudly, this is a good indicator that something is wrong. This is an instance in which you should consult an HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
- Inefficient cooling
This is easy to detect, for example, if your vents are not blowing out cold air. This problem could be as simple as coolant being low or something more serious such as corrosion. If you are having this problem, call an HVAC professional to diagnose the source of the problem.
If you experience these symptoms or have others that make you suspicious of a problem with your heating or cooling system, you should call a Bob Hamilton Professional and schedule a furnace check today.