Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-Up

One of our favorite things about living in Santa Rosa is how long summer temperatures last. Well into the fall we can see a daily high of 70 plus degrees and it keeps those summer feelings going until Halloween. Because of this, it can be a rude awakening when you turn on your furnace for the first time. After a season of laying dormant, a few noises and smells are to be expected, but there are a few warning signs you need to have your system checked. If you haven’t had someone look at your system, here are some sings you need a furnace tune-up.

Your Home Temperature Feels Uneven

Your furnace’s main function is to keep your entire home toasty and comfortable. While it’s normal to have a small adjustment period during the transition from AC to furnace season, that time shouldn’t last long. When you turn on your furnace for the first time after almost two seasons of inactivity pay attention to the heat levels in your home. If one room is a sauna and the other is a freezer, that’s an obvious sign you need a furnace tune-up.

Strange Sounds from the Furnace

Some furnace noises are completely normal, even expected when you start it up after summer. When you turn on your furnace for the first time after summer a small pop or click is routine. What you don’t want to hear is prolonged scraping, grinding, rattling, or squeaking. If you hear these noises, it’s time to schedule a furnace tune-up.

Your System is Short Cycling

If you don’t know what short cycling is, it’s when your HVAC system turns on and off too frequently. Short cycling can lead to a number of problems including compressor failure and high utility bills. Furnaces function similarly to air conditioners. When the system heats your home to the desired temperature, the furnace will shut off, giving it a chance to rest. If the furnace is unable to reach the desired temperature, it forces your system to work twice as hard for the same amount of heat. This constant pressure causes unnecessary strain and can lead to premature repairs. If you notice your furnace never turning off or taking a break, that’s a sign you need a furnace tune-up.

Utility Bills are Going Through the Roof

It’s a hard truth that nearly 30% of your annual energy bill goes to heating. This is something to keep in mind when you turn on the furnace for the first time in a season. It’s typical to see your utility bill go up a little bit during the colder months. But it’s another thing altogether if you see a dramatic increase. As we mentioned above, a short cycling furnace can cause your utility bills to rise. If you see a sudden spike in your utility bills after firing up your furnace, that’s one of the clear signs you need a furnace tune-up.

The Pilot Light is Yellow

Have you ever looked at your pilot light? Chances are you saw a blue flame. The flames coming from your pilot light should be blue, it is a sign that the flame is receiving a proper amount of oxygen and your furnace is functioning as it should. If you see a yellow flame instead of blue, it could be one of two things. First, that yellow light could indicate debris backup in your system. If the fame cannot receive enough oxygen, it will burn yellow. Yellow flames can also be an indication of a carbon monoxide leak. Either way, yellow flames are a warning that a furnace tune-up is in your future.

Need to Schedule an Annual Furnace Tune-Up? Call Moore Home Services

If you haven’t scheduled your annual furnace tune-up, what are you waiting for? Our friendly customer service representatives are happy to take your call and match you with an HVAC technician. Moore Home Services proudly serves Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and parts of the Bay Area. Click here to schedule an appointment online or call the number at the top of your screen.