When I first started the furnace up at the end of September, I noticed it wasn’t acting right.
Every time the heating system cycled on, it made an alarming grinding noise.
There was definitely less air and more dust than usual coming from the vents. Rather than wait and hope the furnace worked out the problem on its own, I decided to call for repair. I wanted to make sure the heater was working properly before the colder weather arrived. Our winters are always long and brutal. It’s not usual to experience temperatures down to twenty below zero. We most often rely on the furnace for six to eight straight months. The performance of the heating system has a major impact on my budget. Plus, with such severe weather, we need to enjoy a comfortable home. I need to know that the furnace is operating safely. The HVAC contractor inspected the furnace and removed a slight buildup of dust from the inner workings. He tightened a few wires and replaced a worn belt. He then proceeded to charge me 150% for about twenty minutes of work. I didn’t notice any improvement in the operation of the furnace. As the weather turned colder, the heating system couldn’t keep up. I finally called the same contractor back again and complained. This time, the HVAC contractor tested the ductwork. He found that the system was clogged with a great deal of debris. He found dust, pollen, webs, bugs, mold growth and even a couple of dead mice within the ducts. This accumulation was blocking airflow and putting added wear and tear on the furnace.