A furnace is meant to keep your house warm and cozy during the winter season. However, if it’s overheating, the situation could soon turn irritating and frustrating if furnace repair services aren’t called in. In the worst-case scenario, you might be left in the freezing cold. So, let’s discuss some signs that will help prevent and fix an overheating furnace.
Old Furnace
On average, a furnace lasts between 15 to 25 years provided that it is maintained and looked after. You might think that quality furnaces may last a lifetime but won’t last forever. If you have a furnace that is 15 to 25 years older, it most probably won’t have the same security features as the newer versions.
In addition to that, the components inside the furnace have a limited lifespan as well. With time, they will begin developing problems and will need repairs and replacements. So, if you notice that your furnace has begun overheating all of a sudden, it means the components have turned weak and most likely the furnace needs replacement.
Airflow Issues
Airflow issues are among the first things to investigate in the case of an overheating furnace. This is because an overheating furnace could be due to a clogged filter. As a result, the dirty or clogged air filter will lead to airflow issues.
Keep in mind that the purpose of air filters is to purify the air by keeping the toxicants and contaminants away. Therefore, do not be surprised if they turn dirty or clogged with time. You should keep them clean and replace them when the time is due.
A furnace with an impeding air flow undergoes extreme stress. It has to work harder than usual because of the loss of heat. If the issue is not fixed within time, the parts will overheat and the furnace will struggle to perform.
Dirty Components
A furnace is an essential component of your house that will work round the clock to ensure the temperature inside is warm. Sometimes, problems such as overheating can simply be avoided by regularly inspecting the furnace for dirt, grease, and dust accumulations.
Surprisingly, no matter how much it is stressed, homeowners still ignore this basic factor. If you walk up to your furnace and notice the components are full of dirt and dust, it most probably means the furnace is overheating and you didn’t notice it.
Furnace components need to dissipate heat properly and if they are covered with layers of dust and dirt, the furnace is bound to overheat.
Noisy Furnace
A noisy furnace is another sign that it is either overheating or about to overheat. Typically, furnaces do not produce much sound while functioning. So, this means that you should not be hearing any unusual clanks or bangs. If that is the case, it means there is something seriously wrong with the furnace and you will need to turn it off immediately.
Another reason could be that overheating has caused some components to malfunction. Therefore, instead of waiting for the problem to go away on its own, save yourself the trouble and hire an expert to fix the issue.
Short Cycling
Short cycling of a furnace could be a sign that the furnace is overheating. It could also be due to an inappropriate size. When buying a furnace, you need to make sure the furnace can handle the area of the house. If the living area tends to be smaller, the furnace will most likely begin short cycling.
You might think that it will save you electricity but will negatively influence the furnace. Furthermore, you will have both hot and cold spots around the house. This is because the furnace will shut off before it reaches its desired temperature.
How To Prevent Your Furnace From Overheating?
The best way to prevent furnace overheating is by following a maintenance schedule. Consult the user manual and make sure the air filters along with the components are kept clean and maintained. Additionally, inspect the furnace every week or so to spot any cracks or damages.
This helps prevent complications while it is freezing outside. And remember, a furnace is not cheap either. Keeping it maintained is the only way you are going to make it worth your spending.
Conclusion
An overheating furnace could be a menace but, in most cases, it could be avoided. An overheating furnace will display unusual signs & symptoms such as weird noises and smoke entering the house. So, before things turn serious, you should consult furnace services Falls Church to determine and fix the problem.
