More often than not, a piece of machinery will make some noises to let you know when it’s not functioning properly. For example, a car engine will sputter or backfire while a laptop will make a noisy whirring sound. Even a furnace makes noises when it’s not working as it should. Perhaps you’ve heard a grinding, booming, or screeching noise from your furnace at one time or another.
It’s never a good thing when the systems that make our lives easier start to emit moans and groans that mean they’re on the fritz. But at least they’re giving you fair warning. It’s almost worse when you don’t receive any audio clues ahead of time when your furnace suddenly gives out on you with what seems like no warning.
What are the silent signs that mean you need heating repair?
Even without loud noises, your heating system could be signaling trouble. Watch for these silent signs that you may need heating repair:
- Odd burner flame color, especially yellow or orange instead of steady blue
- Cold spots in certain rooms despite the heat being on
- A sudden spike in your energy bills without increased usage
- Vents blowing lukewarm air instead of warm
- Noticeably weak airflow through vents
That’s why it pays to know the silent signs that mean you’re likely to need heating repair in Vaughan, ON. Here are 5 signs to be aware of.
1. Burner Flame Color
If you own a gas furnace, it’s helpful to check the burner flame color when you change the air filter. The burner flames should be a strong, steady blue color which indicates that the combustion process is strong, steady, and clean burning.
Burner flame colors you don’t want to see are yellow, orange, or red. This means something is interfering with the combustion process. This is a potential safety hazard and should be addressed promptly by a professional HVAC technician.
2. Cold Spots
If you own a heat pump or a furnace, cold spots throughout the rooms of your home are no fun. You shouldn’t have to wear an extra layer in certain areas of your home–or avoid them altogether! Cold spots throughout the home could be caused by a number of things. Give us a call to diagnose the problem and restore your home’s full comfort.
3. Increased Utility Bills
When your utility bills go up unexpectedly, this is something that should be evaluated. Paying extra money to achieve the same level of comfort is something no homeowner should have to experience.
If you can’t account for the increase through usage, that means your furnace or heat pump is struggling with efficiency. The air filter could be clogged or conditioned air could be lost because of leaky ductwork.
4. Lukewarm Air
Hold your hand up to one of the vents in your home. You should feel hot air coming from the vents, not lukewarm or slightly warm air. If your furnace doesn’t feel like it’s emitting the same level of heat that it did before, give us a call to restore its heating output.
5. Decreased Airflow
Lastly, weak or decreased airflow is another cause for concern. If the air coming from the vents seems not as strong as it has in the past, this is sufficient reason for heating repair. No matter the cause, we’ll restore your home’s heating system to quiet, perfect operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What silent signs indicate my heating system needs repair?
Answer: Silent signs include an unusual burner flame color, cold spots in your home, unexpected increases in energy bills, lukewarm air from vents, and decreased airflow. These subtle clues often mean your heating system isn’t operating efficiently or safely and should be checked by a professional.
Question: Why does the burner flame color matter for my furnace?
Answer: If you have a gas furnace, the burner flame should be a strong blue, indicating clean combustion. Yellow, orange, or red flame colors can signal combustion issues and potential safety hazards that require professional HVAC service.
Question: What do cold spots in my home mean?
Answer: Cold spots, areas that feel noticeably cooler than the rest of your home—can suggest your heating system, ductwork, or airflow distribution isn’t working properly. This often warrants a professional inspection to restore even comfort.
Question: Can unexpected high utility bills be a sign of heating repair needs?
Answer: Yes. If your heating costs rise without increased usage, your furnace or heat pump may be losing efficiency due to issues like clogged filters or duct leaks. This means the system is working harder to heat your home.
Question: What does decreased airflow or lukewarm air from vents mean?
Answer: Weak airflow or air that feels only slightly warm instead of hot can signal problems with your heating system’s output or airflow mechanisms, often indicating a need for service.
Contact Peatson’s Heating and Air Conditioning Ltd. for reliable heating repair in Vaughan, ON.