How to Know When You Need Professional Furnace Service

With another long winter starting in British Columbia, it is crucial that your furnace work properly to keep your family warm and comfortable. You don't need to call for furnace service with every little noise it makes, but you should know which issues are more serious. Some problems you can troubleshoot on your own while others require immediate professional attention. By knowing the difference, you can ensure your family's safety and keep your utility costs as low as possible.

Suspected Carbon Monoxide Leak

When your furnace is working properly, you should notice a blue flame from its pilot light and burners. This means that it has an optimal mix of gases. If the flame is yellow, it could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide. You should contact us at Complete Heating and Air Conditioning Services right away, or a heating service company in your area, because carbon monoxide emits a deadly, odorless gas. We will test for a carbon monoxide leak and determine if other issues are affecting the pilot light or burners.

A good, blue pilot flame

You Have Difficulty Starting Your Furnace

When you turn on your furnace, you should hear it kick in right away. Faulty wiring, a broken thermostat, or a problem with the pilot ignition system are just some of the reasons why your thermostat won't turn your furnace on or why it keeps shutting off mid-cycle. This type of problem needs professional furnace repair because it will only get worse over time.

Your Furnace is Extremely Noisy

No furnace is completely silent, but it's not normal for the unit to constantly bang, squeak, or rattle. These noises could mean that important parts have worn out or that the furnace belt or motor need replacement. It may also need oiling or just a preventive maintenance tune-up.

You Keep Turning Your Thermostat Higher

When you are cold, you instinctively go to the thermostat and turn up the temperature. There could be a problem with your furnace if you need to turn the thermostat up higher and higher just to feel comfortable in your home. A service technician should look at the unit to determine why it has become so inefficient.