The dead of winter is not the time to find out that you have an issue with your business’s furnace. The majority of furnace failures involve significant repair costs that could have been avoided with pre-season furnace maintenance. Here are a few of the most common furnace problems that a checkup before winter begins can help avoid.
- Cracked Heat Exchanger – This will set you back thousands but can be prevented with regular maintenance.
- Broken Blower Belt – Spotting a frayed or loose belt and replacing it will save you from a high-pitched squeal and furnace failure.
- Worn Ball Bearings – Failing to lubricate or replace worn bearings in a timely manner can cause costly damage.
- Malfunctioning Thermostat – You won’t just experience reduction in comfort levels. It could be making your system work harder, reducing its lifespan and leading to costly repairs.
- Failed Limit Switch – Your system will blow continually, causing excessive wear on all components and a much higher utility bill.
- Dirty Filters – Not changing the filters as needed puts strain on the limit switch and other components, while reducing efficiency that causes higher operating costs.
- Strange Odors – A rotten egg smell indicates a gas leak, and a metallic odor indicates a motor problem, neither of which should be ignored.
- Frequent Cycling – Several factors can contribute, including a thermostat issue, clogged filter, and other airflow issues.
- Loud Noises – Noise is always something to be checked out, as it’s a sign of a mechanical issue.