When Should I Call For Heating Repairs?

Written on: January 4, 2023

AFC will take good care of your home’s boiler or furnace

heating service maine Heating system problems can strike dread in the hearts of many fearing big repair bills. Don’t give into that worry if you’re in this situation.

Usually, when you take the time to attend to the problem, it’s not as bad as you initially thought and can be fixed relatively easily. However, if you don’t do anything about it and allow the problem to persist, then it will only get worse. This could eventually lead to your boiler or furnace breaking down and much higher bills.

AFC provides expert heating repair services by our licensed and experienced service technicians. An AFC Comfort Plan can help prevent repairs as heating maintenance is included in each service plan. Also, many parts and labor costs for repairs are covered.

All of our heating system service is backed up by the AFC Comfort Guarantee.

Here are some common problems that may need our attention.

Reminder: If you have a no-heat emergency, DO NOT contact us online. Call us any time of day or night for 24/7 emergency service.

Unusual noises

Banging or booming. You may not have a problem if you occasionally hear banging or booming sounds while your furnace is operating. This can happen sometimes because of ductwork expanding and contracting. However, there is a potential danger to your home and family if you only hear a boom or bang when your furnace cycles on. This noise is likely caused by a dirty furnace burner which, if not corrected, can damage the heat exchanger. A damaged heat exchanger could result in carbon monoxide leaking into your house. DO NOT try to clean the burner yourself. This is a job for professionals. 

Squealing. If you hear this, it might mean that your blower fan belt is wearing out or there is not enough lubrication in other furnace parts. In either case, contact us so we can come take a look. If you ignore the problem, it could cause your furnace to stop working entirely.

Rumbling or rattling. This noise is a sign of a heating system problem that needs to be looked at as soon as possible. It may come from a broken heat exchanger, which can cause carbon monoxide to leak if not fixed. Contact us now for service.

Scraping. The blower fan is the general source of this noise, which happens when it has come loose from its mount. When this occurs, it also causes furnaces to overheat and shut down prematurely, leaving your home colder than you want it to be. If you’re experiencing this, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can service the problem for you.

Odd smells

Electrical or burning smells. If you catch a whiff of something burning while your furnace is running, or if your furnace shuts off randomly, it’s time to be concerned. This could mean that rubber or metal parts in the system are wearing down and beginning to burn. In either case, shut off your heating system immediately and contact us for service.

Noxious exhaust odors or smoke. If you notice either of these smells, it might be an indication that your exhaust chimney is blocked. This can be a partial or complete blockage. If this is the case, deadly carbon monoxide could start to build up in your house very quickly. To avoid any danger, shut off your heating system immediately and call AFC.

Rotten-egg smell. If you smell this odor in your home and use propane, there is likely a gas leak.

Follow propane safety best practices by evacuating the home immediately, then call 911 and AFC.

Inadequate heat

If your heating system is struggling to provide heat, check the thermostat first. After that, take a look around vents and radiators to see if any furniture or other objects are blocking the flow of heat. If you still can’t figure out the problem, contact us for help.

Heating system cycles on and off frequently

If your heating system frequently turns on and off, this may be caused by a dirty air filter or faulty thermostat. Check each and replace if needed. If the problem persists, please give us a call.

You can trust the licensed, skilled service technicians at AFC to repair your furnace or boiler properly. Contact us when your heating system needs service.