Do you have a furnace that’s acting up? Don’t ignore the warning signs. Unusual oddities may be symptoms of a dangerous heating system issue. For instance, you may have an overheating furnace on your hands. You need to do something quickly before it is too late. Consult an HVAC technician regarding your observations and book a service appointment as soon as possible. In this article, we discuss some of the causes and solutions for this HVAC problem.
Top Signs Your Furnace Is Overheating
Overheating furnaces can be a risk. It increases the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisoning and makes your home vulnerable to the harsh winter. The good news is that the signs are easy to notice if you pay attention, so you need to keep watch carefully. Call an HVAC contractor if you notice these signs in your home:
- A Persistent Furnace Burning Smell: Is there a burning aroma? Your first thought may be to check the stove in your kitchen. If there isn’t any problem with it, check other sources of heat like your furnace. The burning smell may be more intense around it. There is nothing to worry about if the smell dissipates quickly. The smell could be due to burning dust after being inactive for some time. A smell that persists for longer than 30 minutes may mean you need to take it seriously. The components may get damaged, and the wires may melt if there is excessive heat.
- An Odd Humming Sound From The Furnace: Heating systems aren’t silent. Homeowners may become familiar with the sounds their furnace generates over time. The heating system naturally emits a steady hum, but bangs and clacks aren’t normal. Investigate more if you hear odd sounds from your system. Act faster if the sounds are getting louder. These are signs that the motor works harder than it should and the components are beginning to malfunction.
- The Heating System Suddenly Shutdowns: Furnaces have safety sensors built into them. These sensors will trigger an automatic shutdown if they detect excess heat. It should provide the system with sufficient time to cool down and restart. However, the problem will continue repeating until the underlying cause is resolved. If these signs are present, call your HVAC technician for guidance as soon as possible.
Common Causes of an Overheating Furnace
An overheating furnace doesn’t happen by chance. Specific conditions need to be met for a furnace to overheat. The issue slowly builds until the symptoms are difficult to ignore. Each case has a corresponding solution. Here is a list of the most common reasons a furnace overheats:
Restricted HVAC Airflow
Hot air from the furnace goes through the filter before traveling across the ductwork and reaching different rooms around your house via the vents. Obstructions along the path restrict the airflow. The heat will accumulate in the system as it cannot escape. If the temperature exceeds the furnace’s maximum operating temperature, the abovementioned symptoms will show up.
Dirty Heating System Interior
Air contaminants may settle on the internal components’ surfaces over time. Some parts are more sensitive to these particles than others. An example of this is the blower motor. This component produces heat while the fan blades rotate. If it gets dirty, it cannot conduct effective cool-downs. Dirty furnace coils will also find it hard to transfer heat.
Furnace Short Cycling
An HVAC system that starts and stops in quick succession is likely experiencing short cycling. The short intervals between cycles mean it cannot complete a cycle and run as intended. Its motors and other components also wear out faster from the stress. If you have a new system, this issue is likely caused by a size mismatch. On the other hand, short cycling happens in old systems because of faulty thermostats or furnace overheating.
Lack of Heating System Tune-up
Mechanical parts are prone to wear out. The heating system may overheat if one component fails. For instance, a short circuit can happen if the fan blower becomes stressed. It can cause reduced circulation and spiking internal temperature. Regular maintenance means HVAC experts can find failing components and replace them before they lead to worse problems.
End of Furnace Service Life
Overheating can also point to a furnace reaching the end of its service life. An old heating system may have a lot of failing parts and other hidden faults. Replacing the components several times while dealing with high fuel usage may not be the best way to spend your money. Consider installing a new furnace so you get a fresh start.
How An HVAC Contractor Fixes an Overheating Furnace
It is perilous for an inexperienced individual to open a heating system and attempt to repair it. Leave the overheating issues and other furnace problems in the capable hands of a trained HVAC contractor. Turn off your heating unit and call a professional for emergency repairs. Technicians can provide a fast and accurate diagnosis and viable solutions.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
A furnace has an average service life of around 15 years. Neglecting maintenance may mean your system will prematurely fail. Diligent upkeep on your system may add more years to its lifespan. Remember that you can influence your heating system’s performance and longevity.
Comparing costs can help you decide whether to replace or repair your old furnace. It is tolerable to make quick and cheap component replacements. However, getting costly repairs may be hard to swallow. Will the repair costs be more than half the price of getting a new furnace? If so, replace it instead so you get higher energy efficiency and reduced heating expenses. You will also have to deal with fewer issues.
Why It Is Important To Have Annual Furnace Maintenance
Homeowners can do simple furnace maintenance, like replacing the air filter regularly and removing the clutter. A professional HVAC contractor should do complex tasks, so make sure you book yearly furnace upkeep. This includes a thorough system check and maintenance. Professional heating system tune-ups keep most issues from occurring, improve performance, extend lifespan, and increase efficiency.
Conclusion
Don’t allow your furnace to overheat for long periods. It can result in expensive damage to your system and dangerous carbon monoxide emissions. Call a professional HVAC technician if you notice loud noises, a burning smell, and the furnace shutting down. An expert can help verify your suspicion and repair the issue. They can act fast using special tools and available components. This way, your home can go back to normal working order immediately.
Call R.F. Ohl For All Your HVAC Requirements
For superior heating and cooling services in the Poconos and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, get in touch with R.F. Ohl. All our techs are professionally certified, so rest assured we can provide high-quality HVAC repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. We have the knowledge and experience to conduct accurate and timely HVAC services on your system.
R.F. Ohl offers the most affordable HVAC service prices in the locality. Our tune-up services can enhance your energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality while lowering your heating and cooling expenses. If you need to repair or replace your HVAC system, we can recommend the best home solutions within your budget. All our work is guaranteed to ensure your satisfaction. Call R.F. Ohl today to book your next service appointment and get a free, in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions. Click the link to view our service area.
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