If you’re like many Bergen County homeowners, you are likely using a powerful furnace as your heater of choice. This is the most common type of residential heating system out there, and for good reason! That also means that it’s the one we get the most calls about and are very familiar with. So, we know a bit about the repair needs they require from time to time!
Fortunately, you can resist the worst of these repair needs with routine maintenance. During your annual furnace tune-up, our technicians thoroughly inspect, clean, and adjust the system to ensure it’s operating as efficiently and powerfully as possible. But of course, repair needs will still occur and when they do, it’s a good idea to know the signs. Read on as we uncover some of the most common!
Strange Sounds
During the winter, you hear your furnace make a lot of various noises. For instance, when it starts up you may hear some slight rattling as the ductwork fluctuates with the increase in temperature. And you also hear the whoosh of air coming through your room vents.
What you shouldn’t hear, however—or rather you shouldn’t ignore—are sounds outside of the normal minor rattling and the sound of air coming through.
This can include:
- Shrieking: This is indicative of a motor bearing wearing down. This isn’t an emergency heater problem, but does need to be managed right away.
- Grinding: This can be the sign of motors in need of lubrication.
- Clicking: This can indicate a potential crack in your heat exchanger, which can turn into a hazardous issue for you and your family if not taken care of right away.
- Rattling: We mentioned that your ductwork may rattle a bit. This is relatively normal. But if you think the rattling has become louder or seems to be in a different location, it’s worth giving us a call!
Rapid Cycles
Have you noticed that your furnace will cycle on, run for a few minutes, cycle off, only to cycle back on a few minutes later and repeat the process? This is called short-cycling, which is both the symptom of a heater problem and the cause of future heater problems.
Short-cycling is typically caused by an electrical issue somewhere within the system. It can also, however, be caused by a clogged air filter restricting airflow. So, be sure to check on this first. Changing the air filter is the one maintenance task that all homeowners can and should be doing.
Excessive Heating Bills
This one is a bit subjective, since surely everyone thinks their heating bills are too high. What we want you to consider, however, is how much you’re paying compared to this same time last year. Or you can look at how much you are paying compared to your neighbors, for similar use. If the number is a lot higher, it’s a sign that something is causing your heater to work inefficiently and the system needs to be checked out.
Uneven Heating
Also referred to as cold spots, this can happen if there is a breach in your ductwork allowing heated air to escape into an unoccupied space like your attic or behind your walls. While not a system-damaging process, it is extremely inefficient and will lead you to pay more for your monthly service than you should have to. Give us a call if you suspect you have ductwork damage!
Prevent the worst of heating malfunctions with routine furnace maintenance in Bergen County, NJ. Contact us today for furnace repairs and more! DB Heating & Cooling, Inc serves the heating and cooling needs of customers throughout Rockland County, NY as well as Bergen County, NJ and surrounding communities. You can count on us for expert services.