Top Signs Your Furnace Is Overheating
Is your furnace acting up? Do not ignore the signs when you notice a furnace issue. What seems like trivial oddities might be symptoms of a dangerous problem. For example, your might have an overheating furnace on your hands. Act fast before it’s too late. Tell an HVAC contractor about your observations and schedule a visit as soon as possible.
Top Signs Your Furnace Is Overheating
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An overheating furnace can be dangerous. It increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and makes your family vulnerable to harsh winter weather. Fortunately, the signs are easy to pick up if you are paying attention. Stay vigilant. Get an HVAC technician if you notice the following in your home:
1. A Persistent Furnace Burning Aroma
Do you notice a burning aroma? Your first instinct may be to run to the kitchen and check the stove. If you do not see any problem, move on to other heat sources like the furnace. Is the stench more intense around it? If the smell dissipates quickly, you have nothing to fear. It may just be the smell of burning dust after a long period of inactivity. If it persists for longer than 30 minutes, you will need to take it seriously. Excessive heat may be causing damage to the components. Wires may begin to melt as well.
2. An Unusual Humming Noise Coming From Furnace
Heating systems are not silent. Over time, homeowners become familiar with the sounds emitted by their furnaces. A steady hum is natural, but clacks and bangs are not. If you hear something odd, you need to investigate further. If these are getting louder, you must act faster. These are signs that the motor is working too hard and that components are starting to malfunction.
3. A Sudden Heating System Shutdown
Furnaces have built-in safety sensors. If these detect excessive heat, they will trigger an automatic shutdown. It should give the system enough time to cool down and restart. However, the problem will keep repeating until you address the underlying cause. If all these signs are present, inform your HVAC contractor immediately to get guidance.
Common Causes of an Overheating Furnace
It does not happen by chance. A furnace will only overheat if specific conditions are present. The problem gradually builds up until the symptoms become hard to ignore. Each trigger has its corresponding solution. Below are some of the most common causes of an overheating furnace:
1. Restricted HVAC Airflow
Hot air from the furnace passes through the filter before moving across the ducts, eventually reaching different rooms in the house. Any obstruction along the path will restrict airflow. The heat will build up in the system since there is no means of escape. If it exceeds the maximum operating temperature of the furnace, the symptoms we mentioned will begin to emerge.
2. Dirty Heating System Interior
Contaminants in the air may eventually settle on the surfaces of internal components. Some of these are more sensitive to dirt than others. For example, the blower motor generates heat while spinning the fan blades. A dirty motor cannot cool down effectively. The furnace coils will also have difficulty transferring heat if coated in grime.
3. Furnace Short Cycling
The process in which an HVAC system quickly starts and stops is called furnace short cycling. The reduced intervals prevent it from completing a cycle and performing as intended. Stress wears out motors and other components. In new systems, short cycling typically happens due to size mismatch. In old systems, short cycling may occur due to thermostat malfunction or furnace overheating.
4. Lack of Heating System Maintenance
Mechanical components are prone to wear and tear. If one of these parts fails, the heating system may overheat. For example, a short circuit may occur in a stressed fan blower. It can lead to reduced circulation and rising internal temperature. With regular HVAC maintenance, technicians can spot failing components and replace them before they cause worse problems.
5. End of Furnace Service Life
Overheating may also signify that the furnace is reaching its end of life. If you have an old heating system, there may be too many failing components and other hidden flaws. Replacing all these multiple times while dealing with elevated fuel consumption may not be the best use of your money. Consider getting a new furnace for a fresh start.
How An HVAC Contractor Fixes an Overheating Furnace
It is dangerous for an inexperienced person to open a furnace and try to fix it. Let a trained HVAC technician handle the overheating problem and other issues you might encounter. Turn off the power and call for emergency repairs. Technicians can quickly provide an accurate diagnosis and offer viable solutions.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
On average, you can expect a furnace lifespan to last about 15 years. If you neglect maintenance, you might encounter premature failure. If you are diligent, you may add several years to its lifespan. You have the power to influence the performance and longevity of your heating system.
If you cannot decide whether to repair or replace an old furnace, compare the costs. Quick and cheap component swaps are tolerable, but expensive repairs may be hard to absorb. Will the repairs exceed half the price of a new furnace? If yes, choose a system replacement to enjoy higher energy efficiency and lower heating costs. You will even have fewer headaches.
The Importance of Annual Furnace Maintenance
As a homeowner, you can perform simple furnace maintenance such as regular air filter replacement and clutter removal. As for the more complex tasks, you can schedule annual furnace maintenance with an HVAC contractor. It involves a thorough system inspection and tune-up. Professional furnace maintenance prevents most issues, improves efficiency, enhances performance, and prolongs lifespan.
Conclusion
Do not let your furnace overheat for extended periods. It will cause expensive system damage and dangerous carbon monoxide discharge. Call an HVAC contractor if you notice your furnace shutting down along with a burning smell and loud noises. Let the experts verify your suspicion and fix the problem. They can move quickly using special tools and available parts. With their help, your household can get back to normal right away.
Call McAllister Energy For Superior HVAC Solutions
McAllister Energy offers high-quality HVAC services in Camden County, New Jersey. We hire only the best, professionally certified technicians who conduct superior heating and cooling services. Some of our HVAC services include HVAC maintenance, heating and cooling installations, repairs, ductless systems, energy audits, and much more. All our techs provide accurate HVAC services on time, every time.
Our company guarantees affordable heating and cooling service rates. Our maintenance services can increase your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We can also provide you with a highly energy-efficient HVAC replacement system that fits your budget. Your satisfaction is important to us, so all our work comes with a guarantee. Book a service appointment with McAllister Energy today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
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