Combustion-based furnaces can run into a lot of problems. Some of these issues can provide a potentially deadly environment for you and your family if not taken care of, which is why it’s critically important to be aware of exactly what’s going on with your furnace.
When you get furnace repair in Shreveport, it could be for any number of reasons. But we wanted to take this time to focus on the more urgent ones. If you’re facing these problems, it could be a precursor to a full-scale breakdown or dangerous environment for your family.
Sudden Spike in Energy Bills
You’re familiar with your usual utility bills. When there’s a few dollars out of place here or there, it’s not a concern. But when a huge spike happens, it sends off red flags. If you’re wondering where the sudden increase came from, it very well could be your furnace.
This means your furnace is working harder than normal to maintain the heat in your home. It could be working harder for a multitude of reasons, but that’s for your technician to determine upon inspection.
Flickering Pilot Light
Your pilot light simply isn’t burning the way it’s supposed to. There should be a strong, consistent flame keeping your furnace operation going. Dirt can get into your pilot light and make it hard to stay lit, or it could be an airflow-related problem.
The issue could be insufficient gas supply coming through to your furnace as well. While the problem isn’t immediately obvious, something’s certainly wrong. Your technician will determine what the issue is and inform you.
Short Cycling
This is a term you may have heard regarding your air conditioner, but it can happen to furnaces as well. This could be due to something as simple as a clogged air filter, but it could also be related to your thermostat malfunctioning. This not only costs you more money, but you won’t get the level of heating you desire when short cycling occurs.
Short cycling can also happen when the flue is clogged. This is a huge issue because it can cause carbon monoxide to circulate into your home, which is a lethal gas that results in hundreds of deaths per year in the United States.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is where fuel combusts, and a byproduct of that is carbon monoxide. If the heat exchanger has a crack in it (even a hairline fracture kind of crack), carbon monoxide can leak into your home. If the crack is large enough that it’s visible to the naked or untrained eye, then it’s an enormous problem and you should evacuate your home immediately, then call for emergency furnace repair.
Don’t Delay Repairs Any Longer
While furnaces are extremely reliable machines, they’re also dangerous if you don’t account for all the potential problems you can run into. If you’re experiencing any repair concerns, especially those listed in this post, contact us immediately so we can get a repair technician out to you as soon as possible.
Moon’s Air has provided whole-home comfort since 1971. Call us for service today—it’s good to be Mooned!