In the average household, heating is the most significant contributor to energy expenses. It accounts for about 45% of a home’s energy bills. As the season gets colder, you might turn up the heat gradually and turn it back down when spring arrives. Most of us don’t pay attention to our furnaces until the day they stop functioning. To avoid remaining in a cold home or incurring costly furnace repair expenses, routine maintenance by a professional is essential. Regular maintenance by an expert can help prevent these issues:
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty filters can cause significant problems to your furnace. As you continue using your furnace for a while, it becomes clogged with dust and debris filtered from the air. When the filter is clogged with debris, it can hinder air circulation in the furnace, leading to increased pressure and reduced efficiency. If the problem escalates further, it can damage the fan. Avoid this by hiring an expert to replace the filters at least every three months. For optimal functionality, your service provider should do the replacements monthly.
Thermostat Malfunctions
A thermostat allows you to regulate the heat your furnace produces or switch it off. If your thermostat starts malfunctioning, your house may experience heating inconsistencies, or the furnace might stop working. Our professionals will calibrate the thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings and proper furnace regulation, keeping your home warm and comfortable.
Noisy Operation
Modern furnaces are designed to operate quietly. If unusual noises come out of your furnace, it signifies underlying issues. Daily noises include banging or booming, rattling, scraping, or high-pitched screeching. They indicate the presence of loose or damaged components, lack of lubrication, or worn-out belts. If the blower motor is inadequately lubricated, it can produce screeching sounds. The blower wheel can also make harsh scrapping sounds while rotating, indicating misalignment. Rattling noises indicate that your heat exchanger is cracked. A professional heating maintenance service provider will ensure that these components remain in good shape and that your furnace operates quietly.
Pilot Light Problems
A common issue with pilot lights is that they may blow out due to a strong draft or when the thermocouple shuts off. If the pilot light keeps blowing out repeatedly, it indicates a problem with your system. The flames from traditional pilot lights can be yellow or orange if they burn inefficiently due to a lack of oxygen. Dirt can build up on the gas intake valve, restricting the oxygen supply. If your pilot light isn’t producing a blue flame, you should contact Mackey Services to fix the issue.
High Energy Bills
As your furnace gets older, it may become inefficient. You may have to keep it running constantly to maintain your home’s temperature. If your furnace runs continuously, it will use more energy without producing additional heat, resulting in higher energy bills. To avoid such a problem, regular maintenance by a professional company is essential. Our experts will ensure that your furnace operates efficiently and that you replace the furnace at the right time.
Generation of Cold Air
Sometimes, your furnace might be operational, but it generates cold air. One reason for cold air generation is large duct leaks. If there are significant leaks in ductwork, heat can escape into other spaces. Unheated air gets sucked into the vent lines, making the air in your rooms much cooler. When you feel cold air in your rooms when the furnace is on, seek professional help. Our experts will inspect your duct lines and seal the system from leaks. They can also pressure test your system to find out all the areas with leaks and seal them.
Ignition Problems
Damaged ignition systems won’t produce the flame needed for the combustion of the heating fuel. An ignition issue can result from malfunctioning components and unlit pilot lights. If your ignitor is old, it can get damaged from wear and tear. Hiring our company will help determine the root cause of your ignition problems, and we’ll take the necessary steps to restore your furnace system’s functionality.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and significant amounts in your home can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can enter your home through cracks in your furnace’s heat exchanger. A defective blower or faulty ductwork can cause problems with your home’s ventilation, which may lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Dirty furnace filters can restrict airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and crack, potentially leading to the release of carbon monoxide into your home. Periodic maintenance ensures the heat exchanger remains in good condition and the vents function effectively, preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
Inefficient Operation
Over time, your furnace may seem to be running correctly, but it uses more energy to perform the same function. If your system runs efficiently, it should warm your house consistently. If certain rooms aren’t heated as expected, your system runs inefficiently. When you schedule maintenance visits, our professionals can identify potential problems with your furnace before they advance.
Short Cycling
Your furnace heats your home to the desired temperature and turns off to avoid exceeding it. After a short while, the furnace turns on again after the thermostat indicates the need for heating. Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual, often caused by clogged filters obstructing airflow. The blower overheats and triggers the safety switch to turn off the system. Hiring a maintenance service company can prevent the causes of short cycling.
Considerations When Seeking Furnace Maintenance Services
A well-functioning furnace is crucial, especially during winter. To ensure your heating system remains reliable, choose the right professionals to maintain it. Here’s what to look out for when selecting a heating maintenance service provider:
Licenses
Before settling on a furnace repair professional, consider whether they are licensed. A licensed technician will provide expert services. They have the skills to install an air conditioner and ensure efficient operation properly. A licensed professional will also provide long-lasting solutions, ensuring your system experiences fewer emergency breakdowns.
Insurance
It would be best to ask whether your heating repair service provider is insured for your protection. If the professional causes damage to your property during the repair services, you’ll not incur additional costs. If a company is insured, it shows they are responsible and likely to provide quality services.
Scheduling
Reliability is essential when it comes to regular maintenance. Find a contractor who puts you on a well-drafted schedule so you don’t wait too long for their services. You can also ask about a company’s availability during emergencies.
Reputable Furnace Maintenance Services in Dickinson
Routine AC maintenance and heating maintenance can help avoid many problems with your furnace that would otherwise be costly to repair or cause drastic damage. As a Dickinson resident, you can book an appointment with Mackey Services. We are highly reputable, offering heating, air conditioning, electrical, and landscaping services. Contact Mackey Services today to plan your maintenance.
