Diagnosing Symptoms of a Heating Emergency
One of the most crucial aspects of preparing for the winter months is the maintenance and upkeep of an effective heating system. A damaged or worn furnace can be a quick fix, but only if the issue gets caught in time. Like with many utility system emergencies, furnace damage only becomes more extensive and difficult to repair the longer it’s left untreated.
While a malfunctioning heating system can lead to several mechanical and structural issues, the most significant and time-sensitive consequences are related to household health. Health risks of a damaged furnace may include carbon monoxide poisoning or a major decline in air quality.
As previously mentioned, timing is important when dealing with an emergency furnace repair. Naturally, the first step is to determine whether or not the heating system is the cause of the issue at hand. While it’s always best to call a professional for the final say, untrained homeowners can spot some simple telltale signs of a malfunctioning heating system.
Cold Air Blowing Through Vents
Is the heat on, but cold air is blowing through the vents? If so, the air filters may be to blame. Clogged filters can prevent air from flowing over the furnace’s heat exchanger, causing a possible overheating situation. In this case, the furnace will likely trip the high limit switch, shutting off the burners and eliminating the heat source. In the event of this occurring, a twenty-four-hour repair service will quickly change the filter, reset the switch, and allow the heating system to function as normal.
Harsh Noises
Is a loud, metal-on-metal, scraping sound emanating from the furnace? If so, the furnace’s blower wheel may be malfunctioning, a problem that can ruin the system as a whole if allowed to continue. If left untreated, the damage caused by a problematic blower wheel can be serious.
If such a noise is present, homeowners should immediately shut off the system and call a professional to evaluate the situation and make any necessary repairs to prevent further damage.
Lasting Gas Smell
Is a faint gas odor present for a short time as the furnace turns on? If the smell dissipates quickly, there is thankfully nothing to worry about. It’s completely normal for a gas furnace to emit a small amount of gas when turning on. However, if the smell persists and gets progressively stronger, there may be a gas leak somewhere within the heating system.
In that case, it is best to immediately turn off the system, call for help, and remove all occupants from the building until the safety of the premises is verified by a professional. As with any potentially dangerous heating situation, a quick consultation with an HVAC professional can be very useful in determining severity.
About Lascko Services
In any heating system malfunction, a timely, thorough, and efficient response is of the utmost importance. Lascko Services of Muskegon, MI takes pride in their unsurpassed customer service, 24-hour emergency response, and accurate, hassle-free services. Contact them today to handle emergency furnace repair.
