It’s starting to get colder out there, and that might mean it’s time to turn on your furnace. But if you’ve never done it before, how do you know you’re doing it right?
And how do you know if your furnace is malfunctioning?
We can help. Read on to learn how to turn on a furnace and what warning signs you should be looking for while you do so.
How To Turn on a Furnace
The specifics of how to turn on your furnace will depend on the type of furnace you have. In some cases, it might be as simple as going over to your thermostat and changing it to heat mode.
If you have a gas furnace, the process may be a little more complicated. You might need to light your furnace’s pilot light to turn it on. Your furnace should have instructions on it to help you navigate the process. If you’re confused, a company that handles heating near me should be able to help you out.
1. Lack of Heat
Once you’ve gone through the process of turning on your furnace, your home should start feeling toasty and warm pretty quickly. If it doesn’t, it might be a sign you have a problem with your furnace.
If you’re struggling, look into AC and heating tune-up services in your area. Some companies may even offer a free furnace estimate.
2. Higher Bills
Having your furnace on (or your AC) will generally raise your energy bills. But if your bills suddenly seem exorbitant, you could have a broken furnace on your hands.
3. Weird Smells
Another sign you should be watching out for is weird smells coming from your furnace. Of course, excessive gas is always a danger sign – if you smell gas, you’ll want to find a heating and cooling maintenance company in your area ASAP.
Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, too – just because you can’t smell gas, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
Some smells might not signal an immediate danger, but they might still be something to keep an eye on. If you smell must right after turning your furnace on, it’s probably just because it’s been stagnant for so long. But if the smell persists, you might want to bring in the professionals to check it out.
4. Unusual Sounds
A furnace making some noise isn’t out of the ordinary, especially right after you turn it on. But if you hear particularly loud or unusual noises, you might have a bigger problem on your hands.
Grinding noises, for example, can signal that you have an electrical issue with your furnace. A puffing noise can signal that your ignition is on a delay.
How to Turn on a Furnace: Stay Safe
Now that you know how to turn on a furnace and what to watch out for while you do so, you’ll be better able to keep your home heated and in good shape.
Are you looking for furnace repair services in La Grange, KY? One Choice Mechanical is ready to help you out, day or night. Contact us today.
