A furnace that is doing its job is often ignored. You adjust the heat with your thermostat, the heat turns on, and everyone in your home is warm. It's not an appliance that needs to be refilled or have lubrication added to it, so it generally goes unnoticed due to the minimal maintenance that is required. However, there are problems that do warrant your attention from time to time. Look out for these three potential problems that can affect a gas furnace.

Buzzing Sound

If you hear a buzzing sound that is coming from inside your furnace, this means that there are parts in there that are no longer aligned properly. You have parts of the fan that spin around and bearings that can wear down over time. If a bearing is near the very end of its lifespan, it can create a rattling sound that is hard to ignore.

A common place that needs attention when you hear buzzing is the heat exchanger and blower motor. All you may have to do is replace the bearings to make the problem go away, but it's important to have your furnace repaired quickly. Ignoring it can cause more wear to happen to the furnace, leading to more damage.

Blinking Lights

Many modern furnaces have a light panel that lets you know that there is a problem with the appliance. The lights blink in a certain pattern that indicates a fault code, which can help convey a specific problem happening with the furnace. It may blink the lights in a certain pattern or change colors.

Start by looking up the fault codes that are related to your specific furnace, and see if you can figure out the problem on your own. If not, you'll need to have an HVAC technician come to your home to look into it further.

Smell

Gas furnaces have a burner where gas is used to ignite a flame. If the burner is unable to ignite the gas, it will be letting the gas flow freely into your home. You'll start noticing a smell that is similar to rotten eggs, which is an artificial smell put into natural gas since it would otherwise be odorless.

If you smell rotten eggs in your home, it's likely due to a gas leak. Leave your home and call your local fire department for assistance. You do not want to make a mistake that can cause the natural gas to ignite in the air throughout your home.

To learn more about heater repair, talk to a professional today.