This winter, watch for warning signs that your Apple Valley or Victorville HVAC system isn’t heating properly. Here are the top warning signs.
Color of the Flame
If you use a furnace, it’s a good idea to take a look at the flame every few months to judge its color. That may sound strange, but it’s one of the best ways to judge how well your Apple Valley furnace is performing. No matter what type of gas you use, the flame should be burning a bright hot blue color, which means that your furnace is burning clean and is efficient. If you see a flame that is edged in orange or yellow, this means that contaminants are making their way into your furnace, and it may need to be cleaned or looked at. If the flame is mostly yellow, call Elite Climate Control right away, because this is a sign of a dangerous carbon monoxide leak.
Heating that Starts and Then Stops
If your furnace starts but then immediately stops again, the problem is probably related to sensors or ignition. Malfunctioning sensors will shut the HVAC system off because they think it’s in danger. Problems with the pilot light or other ignition components could also lead to a shut-off. A dirty furnace makes experience clogs that also lead to this starting and stopping. Ask a technician from Elite Climate Control.
Soot and Dirt
Even if you don’t notice performance problems, it’s smart to do a sight check of your furnace components. Soot and dirty are warning signs that your furnace needs to be looked at. An efficient furnace produces very, very little soot: Lots of it indicates a heating problem and could lead to more serious issues.
Dry, Dusty Air
If your HVAC system is producing dry, irritating air, your furnace needs to be checked out. It could be suffering from age, improper burning, or other issues that are creating air quality issues.
Bangs, Rumbling and Other Noise
If your Victorville furnace is making strange noises, you need to get it looked at. Strange rumbling or rattling could indicate loose screws, but they could also hint at problems with heating and your fireboxes, like cracks or warped materials. Rattling could also be a sign of fan issues. Be especially wary of loud bangs and similar noises, because this could mean that gas is building up in your furnace before lighting, creating a fire hazard.