Winters in Chicago are harsh, to say the least. With snow showers, rain, and flurries in store for Chicago this winter, you can’t afford to have your home’s heating system break down.
Winters are only cozy when your furnace is in top condition, shielding you and your family from the dropping temperatures. Regular maintenance is a necessity so that your furnace remains in optimal condition during the winter.
Here are some signs that your furnace requires a maintenance job immediately:
Energy bills are higher than usual
Heating costs make the largest proportion of your home’s utility bills, especially during the peak winter season when the temperatures are the lowest.
Many households in the United States try to keep their heating costs to a minimum by keeping the temperature in their homes between 68°F to 72°F. At this temperature, homes aren’t too warm or cold. As a result, the furnace doesn’t work in overdrive to keep the place warm.
If your home’s energy bills are higher than usual even though the thermostat’s between 68 to 72°F, it’s very likely that your furnace needs a tuning. A tune up will help your furnace work in the most efficient way. With all the nuts and bolts tightened after the service, the heat won’t escape through gaps that develop over time.
Your furnace has become noisy
Furnaces are meant to operate silently; however, furnaces that haven’t been maintained in a while tend to become noisy. Loud banging noises from the furnace indicate that the blower motor isn’t working well and requires immediate repair. Any dripping, bangs, hums, grinding, or hissing noises from the furnace should alert you to call in a professional.
There’s an odor coming from the furnace
Gas and oil furnaces tend to have a mild smell due to the burnt fuel; however, an overwhelming odor indoors is an indication that something is wrong. If you notice a strong odor like rotten eggs or fuel in other parts of your home, your furnace needs a tune up.
Your home isn’t heating well
A home’s heating system should distribute heat evenly. When the system begins to malfunction, one of the first signs is that the heat isn’t distributed evenly across the area. Certain rooms or spots will be cooler than others. In more severe cases, there may be no heat at all. HVAC technicians will carefully check the filter, ducts, and furnace of your home to determine the issue.
The carbon monoxide detector stops working
Heating systems in a home tend to produce carbon monoxide. This gas is injurious to health and when inhaled can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this include an upset stomach, chest pain, vomiting, and dizziness.
When the carbon monoxide indicator on your furnace stops working, your family’s health is at stake. Make sure you immediately call in furnace repair technicians in Old Town to fix the issue and inspect your furnace.
Get in touch with us for furnace repair and installation. Global Heating & Cooling offers HVAC services in Chicago. We have over 15 years of experience in the field and have worked with many residents in the area. Contact us at (773) 801-3734 for more information about our Furnace Installation Services Chicago.