One thing every homeowner wants to avoid in the middle of the winter is an emergency call to heating and air conditioning repair in Snellville, GA. Problems with your heating system can not only be uncomfortable, but there are more serious dangers to think about like carbon monoxide poisoning if your furnace malfunctions. Fortunately, you can avoid both the discomfort and dangers of a malfunctioning heating system if you recognize the signs of a problem and call a professional for help as soon as possible. Here are some things to watch for.

Burning Smells

There are a few reasons your furnace can smell bad when it turns on. When you first turn it on for the winter it’s not uncommon to smell a burning odor that goes away soon after the furnace turns on. This is most likely due to dust that’s settled on the heating elements as well as on the heat exchanger. This is a distinct odor that you’ll recognize after time. However, the burning smell shouldn’t persist for long. If you smell burning for a long time after the furnace turns on or if it’s not the distinct beginning-of-winter smell, it’s possible that an electrical problem or issue with the motor is causing the burning smell. If a burning smell persists, turn off the system and call a repair company right away.

Frequent Cycling

Another indication that your heating system is having problems is when it cycles frequently, meaning it turns off and on more than it should, or it may run continuously. A clogged air filter could be the cause, but if you have a clean filter it’s more likely a problem that heating and AC installation in Snellville, GA, should look at for potential repairs. In many cases you’ll notice the furnace cycling frequently along with another symptom of trouble like inadequate heat.

Inadequate Heat

As mentioned, you may notice the rooms in your home aren’t being heated adequately. This can occur even if the furnace is running, or it may happen because the furnace won’t turn on at all. In any case, there’s something that’s preventing the furnace from either reaching full power or heating properly. This could be due to a number of problems, so a professional should be consulted to diagnose the problem.

Unusual Sounds

Another indication of a problem is sounds you normally don’t notice. In addition to the typical sounds of the furnace kicking on, you may notice loud squealing or grinding sounds. This is a clear indication that something is wrong and you risk further damage by continuing to run the system if there are loud sounds like these.

Blowing Cool Air

If your furnace is blowing out cool air, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major problem. It could simply mean that the thermostat is malfunctioning or that the wiring has gone bad. It could also mean there’s a problem with the ductwork. Unfortunately, it may also mean that there’s a more serious problem that needs to be diagnosed.

Higher Utility Bills

It’s a good idea to pay attention to your utility bills not only to take energy saving measures, but also to watch for any changes that could indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Since many furnaces run quietly, you may not notice how frequently it’s running until you get the utility bill. A number of problems can cause the system to run less efficiently, so be sure to call HVAC experts right away if you notice major, unexplained changes.Trust the experts at Triad Mechanical to make the repairs you need.