As the colder months approach, it is time to dust off your furnace and get it ready to heat your home. But before you crank up the thermostat, take a moment to make sure your furnace is in good working condition. Just like a car that has been sitting idle for months, your furnace may show some signs of wear or trouble when it’s first turned on. Ignoring these signs can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, or even safety hazards. Absolute P&M Services would like to share some common furnace start-up warning signs to watch for and what they could mean.

Unusual Heating Noises

If your furnace makes banging, screeching, rattling, or popping sounds when it starts up, do not ignore them. These noises could be a sign of:
• Loose or broken components
• A worn-out blower motor
• Ignition or burner issues
• Delayed ignition causing small explosions in the combustion chamber
A furnace should start quietly and run smoothly. If it sounds more like a rock concert, it is time for a professional inspection.

Burning Smell or Odd Odors

It is not unusual to smell a slight burning odor the first time you turn on your furnace for the season. This is usually just dust burning off internal components. However, if the smell lasts more than a day or resembles burning plastic, oil, or chemicals, it could be a sign of:
• Overheating parts
• Electrical issues
• A blocked flue or dirty burner
Call a technician if the smell does not go away or worsens.

Frequent Cycling

Is your furnace turning on and off more frequently than usual? This behavior, known as short cycling, can result from:
• A dirty air filter
• A malfunctioning thermostat
• Overheating due to blocked airflow
• A failing blower motor
Short cycling wastes energy and puts added stress on your furnace. Do not ignore this warning sign, it will only get worse.

Weak Airflow

If you are not feeling much warm air coming through your vents, the issue could stem from:
• Clogged air filters
• Blocked ductwork
• Blower fan problems
• Motor or electrical faults
Poor airflow not only makes your home feel colder, but it also forces your system to work harder than it should.

Pilot Light Problems or Ignition Failure

Modern furnaces often use electronic ignition rather than a standing pilot light. Either way, if your furnace will not ignite, or the pilot light keeps going out, this could be a sign of:
• A dirty or malfunctioning ignitor
• Faulty thermocouple
• Gas supply issues
• Problems with the control board
Never attempt to fix ignition problems yourself unless you are trained. This is a safety-critical system that requires professional attention.

Yellow or Flickering Flame

A healthy gas furnace should have a steady blue flame. If the flame is yellow, flickering, or unstable, it may be a sign of:
• Incomplete combustion
• Carbon monoxide production
• Dirty burners
This is a serious safety hazard. Shut the system off and call a qualified HVAC technician immediately.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off after you start your furnace, take it seriously. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly. A cracked heat exchanger or poor combustion could be the cause. Exit the home, ventilate the space, and contact emergency services and your HVAC professional right away.

Heating Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas

Catching furnace problems early can save you from costly repairs along with ensuring your family’s safety. If you notice any of these start-up warning signs, don’t wait for a complete breakdown. Schedule a professional furnace inspection or tune-up before winter sets in. For furnace tune-up, repairs and more, contact Absolute P&M Services today.