Signs Your Furnace Motor is Overheating
In most parts of the country, Winter comes with heavy snow fall and sub-zero temperatures. During this time of the year, people rely on their furnace to stay warm and comfortable. Often, they keep it running 24/7. The longer you use your furnace every day, the more strain you’re putting on the system. The last thing you want is to be caught without heat.
Overheating is the most common cause for furnace motor failure. An overheating furnace motor is not only an inconvenience, it can also be dangerous. In extreme cases, this can lead to a house fire.
Here are 3 signs your furnace motor is overheating.
Your furnace cycles off without starting again
If your furnace turns on and off every few minutes, this could be a sign that your furnace motor is overheating. This happens when there is not enough airflow. It shuts down automatically when it gets too hot as a safety precaution. When the furnace motor has cooled back down, the furnace will resume operating.
If you notice that your furnace is short cycling, have it checked right away. This is going to put a lot of strain on your system and will shorten the lifespan of the equipment.
You hear loud humming or strange noises
One of the easiest ways to know if there is something wrong with your furnace is to listen for strange noises. You can tell where the problem is based on the sound that is coming from the furnace. A loud humming sound is a likely indicator that your motor is overheating. This is the time to pick up the phone and have your furnace checked.
You notice a burning smell
A burning smell is a cause for alarm. When that smell is coming from your furnace, you shouldn’t ignore it. You need to determine the cause of the problem and address it immediately.
Turn off the furnace and contact a professional Erie HVAC technician right away. This can be something as simple as a dirty filter or it can also be a more serious problem such as an issue with your heat exchanger or motor. Either way, you shouldn’t ignore the problem. Due to the hazardous nature of the mechanical and electrical components in your furnace, we do not recommend that you fix the furnace on your own.