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Don't Let A Heating Emergency Leave You Out In The Cold

Posted on January 15, 2021 by

Signs You Need Emergency Furnace Repair

Residential furnaces can last up to 20 years when properly maintained, but sometimes they break down. In the middle of winter, the furnace is the most important appliance, and a breakdown can be hugely inconvenient and even dangerous. We rely on furnaces to keep the home warm and protect pipes in the walls from freezing and bursting.

Because it’s so critical, when the furnace stops working in winter, it may be considered an emergency. There are some warning signs that the furnace may be about to break down and needs repair- those will be covered in this article. 

Cold Air Blowing From Vents

If the air blowing from the vents is cold instead of warm, there a few potential explanations, including:

  • Leaky air ducts: Breaks or leaks in the air ducts can allow cold air from outside to get into the ducts, making the air blowing from the vents feel cold.
  • Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can slow the flow of air dramatically. This may cause the air to cool off before it reaches the vents.
  • Malfunctioning thermostat: If the thermostat is broken, it may be misreading the temperature in the home or sending the wrong signals to the furnace.
  • Clogged condensate line: Condensate lines drain off moisture created during the heating process. If this line becomes clogged, the burners in the furnace will not light.
  • The pilot light is out or ignition problem: The pilot light starts the burners that heat the air. If there is a problem with the ignition or pilot light, the air will not be heated. 
  • Inadequate fuel supply: Sometimes, the gas supply is inadvertently turned off, or there is not enough fuel being delivered to the furnace, possibly because of a leak in the line. 

Consult a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the furnace if the air blowing from the vents is cold.

Furnace Making Loud Noises

noises

Furnaces typically make some noise when turning on and heating the home, but any loud, unusual noises should definitely be investigated. There are many possible underlying causes, depending on what the noise is and where it originates. Some sounds to watch out for are:

  • Banging inside furnace
  • Screeching or metal-on-metal
  • Whistling
  • Vibration
  • Rattling
  • Thumping when the motor starts

It’s essential to have the furnace looked at by a professional as soon as possible after noticing any of these sounds. If ignored, the problem could develop into an expensive and inconvenient breakdown.

The Smell Of Gas

Natural gas has an additive that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. Otherwise, natural gas is odorless! The smell is for safety so that if a homeowner smells natural gas in the home, they know there may be a leak.

bad smell

The smell of natural gas is alarming at any time. But during the winter, when gas furnaces are relied upon to heat homes, there is an increased potential for gas leaks. A gas leak can cause an explosion, leading to injury and death of any occupants. This is why the smell of gas is considered an emergency!

If there is a gas smell, immediately extinguish any open flames and evacuate the area. Report the leak to emergency responders. Have the gas supply shut off and hire a plumber or HVAC technician to inspect the furnace and heating system. Any leaks will need to be repaired before the home is deemed safe again.

In A Heating Emergency, Rely On Honest Abe’s Home Services

With a full team of highly trained and experienced experts, Honest Abe’s Home Services is the top choice for plumbing and HVAC needs in Osage Beach, MO. They are available 24/7 and have the expertise to resolve even the most complex emergency furnace repair issues. When you need emergency heater repair in Osage Beach, call Honest Abe's Home Services right away!

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