heater service

Furnace Emergencies-It is Time to Call in a Professional

1.Electrical Issues Seem to be the Problem

Electricity plays a critical role in how your home operates. You rely on your home’s electrical system to provide power when you need it, and that could be powering your  heating and cooling systems.

Your lights should not flicker when your system turns on. Electrical issues should bead dressed by a professional. Understanding the basics of your electrical system can help you identify and avoid potential hazards but leave nothing to chance.

Do not put yourself or someone else in danger by attempting repairs you are not qualified to do.

1. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 43,700 home fires.
2. These fires cause 430 deaths and 1,620 injuries.
3. Causing approximately $1.5 billion in property damage.

2. Furnace is Making Unusual and Loud Noises

Someone a furnace maybe running fine, but loudly. If you can tell the noise is a result of the air running through the ductwork, one solution may be to insulate your ductwork to cut down on the noise. If the actual furnace system is making odd noise, this can occur when the pilot light is improperly adjusted, or the blower motor lubrication ports need oiling. There may also be an issue with the belts or even the burner.

What are the different noises coming from your furnace?

1. Pining or popping sounds- could be thermal expansion- the ductwork expanding and contracting as it heats and cools.
2. Rattling noises – loose panels may need to be tightened.
3. Squealing noises- could be a belt that connects the motor to the fan slipped. Or the belt needs replacement.

1. Grinding sounds-probably time to call a furnace repair technical. The motor bearings need repair.

When to call a professional: while it may not seem like an emergency, you should have furnace system noises checked out by a service technical, Early detection of a problem may save you from further damage and a large repair bill in the future.

3. HVAC System is Turning on and Off Rapidly

The first may be a dirty or worn-out air filter. If you have not replaced it within very recent memory, try doing so-it’s a quick and easy fix.

Using old filters puts more stress on the compressor and lead to mechanical failures  over time. If a new filter does not solve the problem, you may have a more serious situation. There may be an issues with the blower motor and belts and both require the service of a professional.

4. there is an Unpleasant Odor: You Smell Rotten Eggs/ Sulfur

If you smell gas, leave home immediately. First things first-make sure the residents of your home are safe before you try to get your problem fixed. If you smell a strange odor, everyone should leave the space immediately.

Note that you cannot actually smell or see natural gas. That’s why a substance is added to it, called mercaptan. It smells unattractive-something to the effect of a rotten egg. The smell is very distinct, so you can immediately determine if there is a gas leak in the house.

What Should I do if Smell Gas?

1)Get your family out immediately

2) Do not turn on or off any lights-the smell electrical arc created could cause the gas to ignite.

3) not turn on the stove.

4) If windows are open, leave them. If you are able to open a few windows on the way out the door, then do so, but quickly.

5) Do not use the phone or cell phone in your house.

6) If the car is in the garage, leave it. Starting the car could cause an explosion-so could

the mere act of opening the garage door using the door opener.

7) Go to your neighbor’s or outside to call for service.

8) Consider keeping the family out of the house if the service call is delayed.

Plan to stay elsewhere until the gas leak is fixed.

8) Only turn off your gas if it is safe to do so. And call an emergency right away.

5. Your Heating System/Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

Make sure the blower is clear of any debris. Also, there should be a flashing light, green or red.

If the light is green, it’s okay; if red, call for service. And if there is no light, the furnace problem may be with the thermostat, the blower motor, the run capacitor, furnace control board or transformer.

6. Your Flame Is not Blue

Check the color of your pilot light flame. If your flames are closer to a yellow color, it could be a combustion problem. With combustion problems, you must be ware of excess carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide is different to detect. It’s been coined the “silent killer” for a reason.

It does not have a smell, color, or taste. It can be found in your home from your fireplace, gas ranges, and furnace. The build-up indoors can poison people and their pets who breath it.

Natural gas consists of methane and when it burns, it gives off a blue color. When you check your furnace flame, and the color is “off”, it is to call a HVAC professional.

A combination and soot can also cause burns to malfunction. The burner assembly should be cleaned annually or replaced if the existing one is in poor condition.

7. Your Heat Suddenly Turns Off

This may not be an immediate emergency.

There are a few things you can do before calling for repair service:

1) Check your air filter-the filters keep your system clean. If it is clogged, it may cause

your system to turn off.

2) Check your thermostat- Depending on the type of thermostat you have, you may need to replace the batteries.

3) Reset your home circuit breaker.

Your Furnace Deserves Your Attention

A quality furnace system is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. The system adds both value and comfort to your living space and should be regularly maintained to keep it in top working order.

Developing a partnership with a trusted HVAC professional is one good way to educate yourself about your furnace and to feel confident about any repairs you have done.

Remember, while attempting do-it-yourself repairs can be satisfying and cost-effective, it is crucial to be sure that you have the skills before attempting any work on your furnace.