HVAC Emergency: Identifying the Severity of a Furnace Issue

San Rafael

(415) 942-6565

Santa Rosa

(707) 452-3464

The furnace is one of the most useful household appliances. When temperatures plummet, your furnace goes into overdrive, working round the clock to create a warm, cozy home. Like other household equipment, furnaces can develop problems.

When their furnace stops working, many homeowners wonder if they should take the DIY route or call an expert. If your furnace is acting up, it makes sense to reach out to an expert for help, especially if you have no idea how it works.

Some furnace issues are more serious than others. While it’s okay to take the DIY route to address minor problems (if you know the ins and outs of how your furnace works), some issues are best left to experts.

Here are some such furnace problems.

Electrical Issues

Some common electrical issues include problems with electronic ignition (ignition failure or delayed ignition), problems with wiring, and circuit breaker issues. There are several causes of electrical issues, ranging from clogged air filters to faulty thermostats.

Do not try to address electrical issues yourself. One mistake, one wrong step and you may get the ‘shock of your life,’ or things may go from bad to worse and your furnace might develop an irreversible problem.

Unusual Noises 

Loud and weird furnace noises could indicate serious underlying issues. Some common furnace noises are popping or pinging noises, squealing noises, rattling noises, and grinding noises.

Different noises could mean different things. A loud popping or pinging noise, for example, could indicate thermal expansion. A squealing noise could mean that a belt has slipped and needs to be replaced.

If you hear rattling noises coming from your furnace, you may have loose panels that need to be tightened. Grinding noises could be due to a faulty motor.

A technician has the experience required to determine the cause of furnace noises and address them. Timely inspection will save you money on costly repairs and headaches down the road.

Unpleasant Odor (rotten egg smell)

A rotten egg smell could mean there is a problem with your furnace’s gas supply. Though natural gas is odorless, added mercaptan gives natural gas its distinct smell and makes it easy to detect a natural gas leak. This is a serious problem that needs an expert’s attention.

Furnace Turns On and Off Rapidly (short-cycling)

Short cycling can be caused by dirty air filters. If dirty filters are causing your furnace to short cycle, replace them. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the blower motor and/or belts.

Furnace Blows Cold Air 

If your furnace is blowing cold air, make sure the blower is clear of any debris. If the furnace light is red, call your contractor to schedule a service.

The John Owens Services team consists of HVAC experts. We are your go-to team for furnace repair and replacement services in Santa Rosa and across Sonoma and Marin counties. To talk to one of our pros, call 415-322-7542

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Serving Marin & Sonoma Counties

Good plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems are vital in every North California home. John Owens Services, Inc. is proud to be the expert plumbing company you can count on

The John Owens Way

Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.

San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464

01

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your home’s systems running well all year long. We’ll help you gain efficiency and save money.

02

Repair

When something breaks down, our team will get to you fast. We’ll find the problem and fix it to get you back to normal.

03

Replacement

When it’s time to replace something in your home, we’ll help you get a top quality product that matches your specific needs.
San Rafael
(415) 942-6565
Santa Rosa
(707) 452-3464