If your family depends on your furnace to get through the cold season, you want to keep the appliance running as long as you can before you replace it. However, the more you use your furnace, the more problems it can potentially have. If your furnace has any of the mechanical problems below, repair it today.

Blower Belt Problems

Furnaces that use belt-driven blowers can wear down quickly. Belt-driven blowers can overheat and burn out in the winter. The belt (or pulley) attached to your blower's motor can also fray, tear, or completely break from stress.

A broken or damaged blower belt can cause several issues for your furnace, including noise. If the belt is simply frayed or torn, it may produce a squealing or whining sound. If the belt is completely broken, you may hear a loud rumbling or banging sound. The belt may have fallen off the motor and caused it to bang around the compartment. No matter what type of sounds you hear, you want to address it immediately.

In addition to blower belt problems, furnaces can experience issues with their cabinets.

Supply Cabinet Problems

The supply cabinet (or plenum) is a large, box-shaped compartment or air duct that sits on the very top of the furnace. As warm air rises from the furnace, it temporarily collects inside the supply cabinet. The supply cabinet will slowly distribute the warm air into your home's air duct system.

The supply cabinet should be thoroughly sealed to keep warm air from seeping out into the furnace room. If the cabinet isn't properly sealed, it can build up with air pressure and leak. Your house will stay cool or uncomfortable as a result.

If your home stays unreasonably cool in the winter, even with the furnace on, have a heating technician check the plenum for leaks. If a contractor finds air leaks in the cabinet, they'll seal the leak for you. 

A contractor may also check the air ducts during the repairs. If the supply cabinet caused pressure to build up inside the ducts, they may leak as well. A contractor will most likely seal the ducts if they show signs of leakage.

There may be many other furnace-related repairs you need during the visit. An HVAC contractor will discuss the repairs with you in greater detail after the inspection.

If you need any heating repair services, contact a heating repair company for more information.