Cooler weather has arrived here in Eugene, and the actual cold weather won’t be far behind. There are still a few more weeks to go before the winter sets in, and it’s a good idea to take advantage of this period to find out if your furnace has any malfunctions that need to be repaired. You don’t want to find out later, during one of the coldest days of the year, that your furnace is in serious trouble! We recommend that you give your furnace a short test run before you have to regularly depend on it.
(Please note that this test run isn’t a replacement for regular fall heating maintenance. If you haven’t scheduled that yet, contact us today.)
What to Look for During the Test Run
The test run is simple: turn on your furnace during a day when you won’t need it and let it run for an hour. Look for any of the following signs that something might be wrong:
- Burning odors from the vents: When the furnace comes on for the first time during the season, you’re almost certain to notice an acrid smell from the vents. This is just the dust burning off the heat exchanger. But if the odor persists to the end of the hour, it often means one of the motors is running too hot.
- Rattling sounds: This is a common indicator of problems in the ductwork or an air handler that has come loose.
- Other unusual sounds: Listen closely to the sounds from the furnace cabinet to see if any of them are out of the ordinary. This can be clicking, booming, or screeching noises, and all point toward the need for furnace repairs.
- Cold spots: Tour each room to see how well the furnace is heating it. If you notice that a room is colder than the other rooms, check on the air flow from the vent.
Comfort Flow Heating offers 24-hour furnace repair to Eugene, OR and the surrounding areas. Quality Service and Install Since 1961!
