Your furnace produces a lot of hot air but it’s not a good thing when it gets too hot. Yes, that’s right, the furnace in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home can overheat. It’s important to know the signs of an overheating furnace, what causes it, and why it’s important to fix the problem.
How to Recognize an Overheated Furnace
An overheating furnace may shut down automatically as a safety precaution. Knowing some of the warning signs can prevent that from happening. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Long-lasting burning smell. This should not be confused with the temporary smell you might get when first running the furnace in the fall. That’s just the burning dust that gathered on furnace components during the summer. If the smell persists (more than 30 minutes) it’s likely a sign of overheated or melted wiring.
- An unusual humming noise. Many times, this is a signal the motor is working too hard which can cause overheating. If you hear this, turn the furnace off to prevent damage to the motor and call Merts Heating & Cooling for furnace maintenance.
- The furnace turns off before finishing a cycle. This can happen when the heat exchanger gets so hot it activates the high-limit switch. This is a safety device that shuts the furnace down when the temperature reaches a dangerous level.
Possible Causes and Fixes
The best way to prevent an overheating furnace is with regular maintenance. Many of the leading causes are directly related to ignoring the basics.
- Restricted airflow
Your HVAC filter traps dust and other contaminants, but when the filter is clogged the dust and dirt can reduce airflow. Without proper airflow the furnace has to work harder and gets hotter.
- Dirty internal components
This also is usually a result of dirty filters. When the coil in your furnace is covered with dirt and grime it prevents the heat exchanger from moving heat. The blower motor can also overheat when it’s excessively dirty.
- Mechanical failures
These can also cause an overheating furnace. Furnace components and moving parts are subjected to extreme conditions. Furnace maintenance by a Merts technician can identify or replace worn parts before they fail completely and damage other parts of the furnace increasing the cost of repairs.
Just a Phone Call Away
If you suspect the furnace in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home is overheating don’t take chances. Call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a visit today. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.