Signs Your Furnace Needs a Tune Up Before Winter Hits

Even before you feel a chill in the air, you’ll want to check the performance of your furnace. While heating systems are designed to be resilient to work hard throughout the winter season, they need regular maintenance to keep them working safely and efficiently.

Neglecting your furnace’s maintenance can lead to more than just chilly nights. A poorly functioning heating system can spike your energy bills, create uncomfortable drafts in your home, and even pose safety risks. The last thing you want is for your furnace to break down on one of the coldest days of the year.

The Lee Thompson Co. is your source for trustworthy heating, cooling, commercial HVAC, and indoor air quality services. Our team is experts in furnace repair and maintenance, ensuring that the job will get done right every time. We offer free estimates on equipment replacement and discounts on heating system repairs. But first, it’s important to familiarize yourself with signs that your furnace is in need of attention.

By learning to spot the early warning signs that your system needs maintenance or furnace repair, you can avoid potential repercussions. Let’s review some of the most common signs that your furnace needs a tune-up before winter hits.

Increased Energy Bills

Have you noticed your utility bills creeping higher, even though your thermostat habits haven’t changed? Your furnace may be the culprit. When a furnace isn’t properly maintained, it has to work harder to heat your home, using more energy in the process. This inefficiency doesn’t just strain your furnace but also your wallet.

Dirty filters, clogged burners, and worn-out components are just a few common issues that can reduce your furnace’s efficiency. As these problems pile up, your system struggles to deliver consistent heat, consuming more fuel or electricity to compensate. Regular maintenance keeps it operating at peak performance, which can significantly lower your energy costs over time.

At The Lee Thompson Co., we make it easy to maintain your heating equipment. Our Home Comfort Maintenance Plan includes your choice of two maintenance plan options. Our Silver Plan includes perks like two annual tune-ups, 10% off repairs, priority service, and a $50 annual loyalty credit. Upgrade to our Gold Plan to enjoy even more perks, such as no charge for repairs, no diagnostic fees, and no overtime charges.

Uneven Heating in Your Home

You may notice that some rooms in your house feel like a sauna, while others resemble an icebox. Uneven heating is a common sign that your furnace might need some attention. A well-functioning heating system should distribute warmth evenly throughout your home, ensuring every room is comfortable. When this balance is off, it’s a clear signal something isn’t working as it should.

One possible reason why your furnace may not be heating evenly is a dirty or clogged air filter. When filters are blocked, airflow becomes restricted, preventing heat from circulating properly. This can leave some areas warm while others remain cold. Another potential issue could lie in your ductwork, such as leaks, blockages, or poorly designed ducts that disrupt the flow of heated air, leading to noticeable hot or cold spots.

Strange Noises

If your furnace has started making unusual sounds, there is usually a reason behind these sudden noises. While no furnace is completely silent, certain sounds should raise a red flag. Ignoring these noises could lead to bigger, costlier problems down the road. Some odd noises to look into include:

• Banging or Booming – These loud, startling sounds often occur when there is a delay in ignition. Unburned gas builds up and ignites all at once, which can damage your heat exchanger if left unaddressed.
• Rattling – This could indicate loose screws, panels, or other components. If the rattling persists, it might point to a failing motor or blower assembly.
• Squealing or Screeching – High-pitched squeals are usually a sign of issues with the blower motor or a worn-out belt. These problems can interfere with the fan’s ability to circulate air properly.
• Clicking – While a single click is normal when your furnace cycles on or off, constant clicking might indicate a failing ignition system or an electrical issue.

It’s important not to ignore new, strange noises coming from your furnace. A professional tune-up can help identify these issues, ensuring that your heating system runs smoothly and quietly when you need it most. If payment is a concern, The Lee Thompson Co. offers multiple payment options to ensure that your furnace gets fixed as soon as possible. Ask about our convenient financing options based on credit approval.

Poor Air Quality

If you find yourself dusting more often than usual or experiencing allergy-like symptoms indoors, your furnace could be to blame. A neglected furnace often leads to dirty filters, clogged vents, and reduced air circulation, which can significantly impact your home’s air quality.

When furnace filters are full of dust and debris, they can no longer trap particles efficiently. This allows dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens to recirculate through your home. Over time, you might notice an increase in sneezing, coughing, or respiratory irritation, especially for those with allergies or asthma. Regularly changing your furnace filters and scheduling a tune-up can help restore healthy air in your home.

Short Cycling

If your furnace seems to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of turning on and off, it’s experiencing a problem known as short cycling. This issue not only prevents your home from being heated properly but also puts unnecessary strain on your heating equipment, potentially shortening its lifespan. Short cycling can have several causes, such as dirty air filters, malfunctioning or improperly placed thermostats, or blocked ductwork.

Short cycling reduces your furnace’s efficiency, leading to higher energy bills as the system uses more power to repeatedly startup. It also increases wear and tear on components like the ignitor and blower motor, accelerating the need for repairs or even replacements. A professional tune-up can diagnose and fix the root cause of short cycling, ensuring your system operates efficiently and reliably throughout the winter.

Unusual Odors

When your furnace kicks on, it’s not unusual to catch a faint, clean smell of warm air. However, certain odors should make you take notice, as they could signal an underlying issue that needs attention. Some examples of smells that may indicate the need for furnace repair or maintenance include:

• Burning Smell – If you notice a burning odor when you first turn on your furnace, it could simply be dust burning off several months of inactivity. This is normal and should dissipate quickly. If the smell persists, it might indicate an overheating motor, electrical issues, or a clogged air filter that requires immediate attention.
• Musty or Moldy Odor – A musty smell often points to moisture buildup in your ductwork or furnace. This creates an environment for mold or mildew, which can negatively impact your indoor air quality. An HVAC technician can inspect your system for visible mold and underlying issues causing moisture accumulation.
• Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell – This is a serious warning sign of a gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a sulfur-like smell to alert homeowners to leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off your furnace immediately, evacuate your home, and call the gas company or emergency services.
• Chemical or Metallic Odor – A sharp, chemical smell could signal issues with your furnace’s heat exchanger, which may be potentially leaking harmful gases like carbon monoxide. A damaged heat exchanger is a major safety risk and requires immediate professional repair or replacement.

Unusual odors coming from your furnace are major red flags that something is amiss with your heating equipment. Catching these issues early on can help keep your home safe and your furnace running smoothly. You can rest easy knowing that your HVAC services are covered by The Lee Guarantee. Our Performance and Satisfaction Guarantees ensure the best possible outcome when you contact us for heating repair, maintenance, or other HVAC services.

Yellow Pilot Light

Your furnace’s pilot light is not just a small flame but rather a critical indicator of your system’s health and safety. Ideally, the pilot light should burn a steady blue, which signifies a proper balance of gas and air. If the flame turns yellow, it’s a warning sign that something isn’t right, and it could even be dangerous. A yellow pilot light may indicate incomplete combustion and can increase your risk of a carbon monoxide leak.

There are many potential causes of a yellow pilot light, such as dirty burners, ventilation issues, or a malfunctioning gas valve or regulator. If you notice a yellow flame, turn off your furnace and contact an HVAC professional immediately. A quick inspection and cleaning can often resolve this issue and restore your equipment’s peak efficiency. For added peace of mind, consider installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to catch potential leaks early.

Heating Issues

Your furnace should start promptly and maintain consistent heat to keep your home comfortable. If it struggles to ignite, repeatedly restarts or can’t maintain the desired temperature, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. These problems not only disrupt your comfort but can also point to larger issues with your heating system. There are several things to watch for, including delayed ignition, frequent restarts, and inconsistent heating.

Heating issues can have several causes, starting with pilot light issues. A malfunctioning or extinguished pilot light can prevent the furnace from starting. Common culprits include dirty components, drafts, or a faulty thermocouple. The cause may also be a thermostat issue, such as a miscalibrated or broken thermostat, or an electrical connection issue, such as loose or corroded wires. At The Lee Thompson Co., we use only high-quality products when replacing parts, including American Standard, Lennox, and Mitsubishi.

Call The Lee Thompson Co. for a Furnace Tune-Up

Your furnace plays a critical role in keeping your home warm and cozy during the colder months. Paying attention to the warning signs of a malfunctioning system can save you from costly repairs, uncomfortable nights, and even safety risks. Whether it’s increased energy bills, strange noises, uneven heating, or an alarming yellow pilot light, addressing these issues early on can keep your furnace running safely and efficiently.

At The Lee Thompson Co., we proudly provide home and business owners in the Houston, TX area with professional and reliable cooling, heating, and air quality services. If your furnace has been showing signs that there may be something wrong, our team of background-checked, licensed, and fully-trained technicians can provide the tune-up you need for a warm and comfortable winter season. Contact our office today at (713) 766-4846 to schedule furnace repair or maintenance.