Don’t Let the Furnace Become a Danger to Your Columbia, MO Home. Take Note of These Red Flags & Contact an HVAC Professional

As the weather begins to cool down in Columbia, MO, it is essential to monitor your furnace and watch out for anything out of the ordinary. While some furnace problems are no more than a minor inconvenience, some issues can be quite severe and pose a significant threat to your home’s safety. Your furnace should be keeping you warm and safe, especially when the temperatures reach freezing levels in the mid-Missouri area.

Knowing when to call a technician for furnace repair is a crucial skill, and luckily, your unit may give away multiple signs that allow you to act early. From bizarre odors to frequent overheating, follow along with Controlled Heating & Cooling as we review the six most common indications of furnace malfunction. 

#1: Higher energy bills each month in your home in Columbia, MO

The first and probably most annoying sign of furnace issues is a hike in your utility bill. While some cost increases are expected for the colder seasons, an excessive increase is definitely a red flag, especially if you haven’t changed your habits with the thermostat.

Why do high energy bills indicate a problem with your furnace? Basically, when one or several parts of the unit are rendered inefficient, your HVAC system uses more energy and fuel to continue distributing the same amount of heat as before. The answer is typically an aged component, a worn-out belt, dirty filters, or a combination of several factors.

If you need an inspection run on your heating system in Columbia, MO, get in touch with Controlled Heating & Cooling for quick service and a full diagnostics test.

#2: You spot mold in the house or near your heating unit

One of the last things you want to find in your Columbia, MO home is a cluster of mold, or worse, several. Leaks or excess moisture near your ductwork or system can lead to the growth of mold, which can be dangerous for you and your family to inhale. 

If you don’t see mold immediately, there are other signs: accelerated allergy symptoms among residents, musty odors in certain spaces, and warped, cracking surfaces such as the walls. As soon as you suspect mold in the house, you should call a team for remediation and look into repairing or replacing your furnace.

#3: Check the pilot light & take action if your Columbia, MO home has a carbon monoxide leak

Perhaps the most dangerous effect of a broken furnace is carbon monoxide leaking inside your home. This toxic gas has no taste, no odor, and is completely invisible when it disperses. Some furnaces have a pilot light, and the color of this can tell you everything about your carbon monoxide levels.

Under regular conditions, the flame of the pilot light or burner should be blue. However, if the color is orange or yellow, this is a warning that can help you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. This color change often occurs due to a clogged burner or another ventilation problem.

The minute you detect carbon monoxide in your Columbia, MO home, make sure everyone goes outside into open air (pets included). Next, you can call a local gas company, fire department, or poison control service to get the help you need to remove the threat. Once the leak is fixed and your home is safe to enter again, reach out to a heating technician for service.

#4: The heat from your furnace in Columbia, MO is on & off

Does your home furnace only seem to work periodically? This is yet another reason to check into your HVAC system with an expert. If you’re experiencing constant shutdowns from your heater after just a few minutes of running, you might have a short-cycling problem. It can deteriorate the system even further, and it is a huge contributor to overpriced energy bills in Columbia, MO.

Letting this problem continue can lead to a full breakdown of your system, and furnaces can be expensive to replace in these situations. If your Columbia, MO furnace is short-cycling or refuses to start at all, please give a call to Controlled Heating & Cooling.

#5: Foul odors from the furnace & what they mean

One of the more obvious signs of HVAC problems is a smell spreading through your home in Columbia, MO. If you have a weird odor right now, don’t panic, as some of these scents are generally harmless, but still require fixing. 

For example, a potent dust smell is typically just that: a buildup of dust on a heating component that hasn’t been used in several months. As soon as the area is wiped down and the air filters are changed, the issue should disappear. 



On the other hand, a rotten egg smell could mean a gas leak and should be treated as an emergency. When you leave the house and call your utility company, make sure all the electronics and light switches are turned off. 

#6: What to do when your Columbia furnace is overheating

An overheated furnace can be the beginning of multiple dilemmas: carbon monoxide leaks, house fires, and more. When your furnace is starting to burn out, there will be signs to watch for. The first sign is a strong burning smell in the home. You should also listen for banging, scraping, or shaking noises coming from your unit. 

Don’t Put Yourself at Risk. Talk to Controlled Heating & Cooling for the Best Furnace Repair in Columbia, MO

If you suspect your heating system is malfunctioning, you can contact us without hesitation. We offer 24/7 HVAC service, including furnace inspections and repairs. Our contractors in Columbia, MO are ready to help. Start discussing your furnace problems with Controlled Heating & Cooling today.