Do you think your heater is not giving off as much heat as you expected? If you have a combustion heater (one that uses gas or fuel), you should be very attentive to the wellness of the combustion unit. Failure of this component causes the whole system to shut down. When do you need furnace repair services to look at this unit? Here are five different situations when to bring in some help. 

1. Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises  

Some common sounds to be on the lookout for include banging, rattling, and squealing. These noises could indicate something wrong with the blower motor or fan belt. Ignoring the problem can make things worse and may lead to a complete system breakdown.

2. The Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Your furnace's pilot light should stay lit at all times. If it starts going out frequently, it's a sign that there is too much draft in the area or that the gas valve is not working properly.

A qualified repair technician will be able to quickly diagnose and fix the problem so that your pilot light stays lit and your furnace continues to run smoothly.

3. You Notice Soot Around the Furnace

Soot is a byproduct of combustion, so it's not uncommon to see a little bit of it around your furnace. However, if you notice excessive soot, it's time to call for help.

An accumulation of soot can indicate several problems, including an incorrect air-to-fuel ratio or a cracked heat exchanger. The furnace repair technician will inspect the heat exchanger for cracks and adjust the fuel-air mixture for cleaner combustion.

4. The Flame Looks Yellow Instead of Blue

A healthy furnace flame should be mostly blue with just a small yellow tip. If you notice that most of the flame is yellow, it means that there is too much fuel being delivered or insufficient airflow.

5. You See Carbon Monoxide Detectors Going Off 

If you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home (and you should!), pay attention to them if they start going off near your furnace room—it could indicate that harmful gases are present due to incomplete combustion in your furnace. Evacuate immediately and call for help! Once everyone is out of harm's way, a technician will be able to identify and fix the problem so that you can feel safe using your furnace again.

While furnaces are built to last, they will eventually need repairs here and there—it's inevitable! By being aware of some common combustion problems early on, you can catch issues early on and avoid discomfort and more extensive (and expensive) repairs down the road. Call a residential furnace repair service to diagnose and remedy these problems.

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