If your home uses gas heating, it is very important to have the system serviced regularly to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently. If you can't remember when your gas heating system last had a tune-up, here are a few signs that indicate that you should schedule one as soon as possible.
1. Your Energy Bills Are Too High
While it is normal for energy bills to creep up in line with the cost of gas, a sudden increase in the amount you spend on heating your home could indicate that your gas furnace is not operating as efficiently as it could be. Keep an eye on your energy costs and schedule a service for your gas furnace if they start to skyrocket.
2. Your Home Is Too Cold
If your gas heating system is failing to warm your home enough, then you need to contact a gas heating service to find out why the system is no longer providing the heat you need. There are many problems that can prevent a gas furnace from efficiently producing heat. Call in a gas heating contractor so you can find out what the issue is and get it fixed before winter sets in.
3. Strange Noises Are Coming From the Furnace
A furnace that makes strange noises is a furnace in need of maintenance. The sound could be coming from a loose or broken part moving around when the furnace is operating. If you ignore the noise, the result could be further damage to the furnace, so it is a good idea to call a gas heating service right away.
4. The Burner Has a Yellow Flame
When gas is burning cleanly, with plenty of oxygen, it produces a blue flame. A yellow flame can indicate that the furnace is dirty or that the supply of oxygen is blocked. Incomplete combustion with a yellow flame can be dangerous, as it can produce a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide.
5. The Furnace Smells Bad or Is Damp
A furnace that smells mouldy or feels damp probably has a blocked condensate drain. The resulting build-up of moisture can lead to mould growth, which can reduce the air quality inside your home and cause respiratory symptoms in people with asthma or mould allergies. If you ignore the dampness, the amount of moisture leaking out could increase and cause damage to the walls or other structures in your home.
