When cooler Wisconsin mornings arrive, many of us eventually give in and turn on the heat for the first time. After sitting mostly unused for months, your furnace may smell, sound, or behave a little differently during those first few heating cycles. Some changes are normal; others may be your furnace’s way of telling you it needs attention. Using your senses can help you catch a small issue before it becomes a no-heat call on a cold Wisconsin day.
- SMELL: A little dusty smell can be normal
- A mild dusty or burning smell at first can simply be dust that settled during the warmer months.
- The smell should disappear fairly quickly.
- If it continues, gets stronger, smells electrical, or you see smoke, turn the system off and have it checked.
- LISTEN: Pay attention to new sounds
- Normal sounds include the furnace starting, the blower engaging, and air moving through the ductwork.
- New banging, grinding, screeching, excessive rattling, or repeated clicking should not be ignored.
- If your furnace suddenly sounds different, it is worth paying attention.
- FEEL: Notice how your home feels
- Are certain rooms suddenly colder? Does airflow seem weaker? Is the furnace running but the house is not getting comfortable?
- Make sure vents are open and unobstructed. And check the air filter.
- Persistent hot or cold spots may indicate an airflow, ductwork, or system issue.
- WATCH: Is your furnace starting and stopping frequently?
- Your furnace should run long enough to bring your home to the temperature set on the thermostat.
- Repeatedly starting and stopping after only a short time is called short cycling.
- Because several issues can cause short cycling, have a qualified, reputable HVAC professional determine the cause.
- CHECK: Don’t forget the filter
- A dirty filter restricts airflow and can make your heating system work harder.
- How often a filter needs changing depends on the filter, your home, pets, and other factors.
- Don’t rely only on the calendar – check the filter regularly and replace it when needed.
Your home gives you clues
Your heating system doesn’t have to completely stop working before it tells you something may be wrong. Paying attention to what you hear, smell, see, and feel can help you address problems early and head into winter with greater peace of mind.
Your comfort is our family’s tradition.
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