How To Know When To Call for Help
The cold temperatures of winter can take their toll on the infrastructure of a home. Pipes can freeze, and foundations can shift. Unfortunately, the one system that can prevent people from suffering through this, their heaters, also tend to break down right when they are needed most.
Being left out in the cold from a broken down heater is no fun. Knowing what to look for and who to call for help can empower homeowners to handle a furnace emergency if the situation ever arises. Here are a few signs that homeowners can be on the lookout for.
Cold Air Blowing From Vents
A gas furnace will supply air that is warm to the touch during normal operation. If a gas furnace is failing to supply warm air, then something serious could be wrong. The burner may be malfunctioning, or the pilot light could be failing to start the burner. Eventually, the system will fail to reach the setpoint that is desired by the thermostat.
If a heat pump heats a home, cool-feeling air is normal during normal operation. The physics that operate a heat pump don't heat the air to feel warm to the touch. However, the air is sufficiently warm to heat the house. The main sign that a heat pump is failing to warm its space is that the thermostat's setpoint is never reached or maintained.
Loud Noises That Aren't Part of Operation
Heaters and furnaces should make very little noise during normal operation. Fans can make a gentle rushing noise and burners will sound like a dull roaring of a hot flame. Other than this, very little noise should be audible. When furnaces make other noises, it can be an indication that something is wrong.
Here are a few noises that furnaces can make that indicate something is wrong:
- Grinding: Grinding in any machinery is an indication that lubrication has been neglected. When bearings wear out or become dry, they can start to grind.
- Squealing: Squealing is a tell-tale sign of a loose or worn belt. Belts should be properly tensioned for good operation and should make no noise.
- Popping or Knocking: Popping noises can be a sound of normal operation, but if they are new or unusual, they could be a problem with the ductwork.
Making speedy repairs is always the way to go. When problems are left unsolved, they can damage other system components, leading to even higher repair bills.
Don't Play Around with Gas Smells
With any appliance, there can be dangers associated with its operation. Furnaces are no different. The best sense that homeowners have that can alert them to furnace troubles is their sense of smell. Natural gas and propane have a powerful additive that makes them extremely odorous.
The risks of natural gas and propane leaks can include:
- Fire
- Explosion
- Poisoning
- High gas bills
When these smells are perceived, homeowners should call a professional immediately.
About ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc.
ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc. serves the Yakima area with expert HVAC service. With over 30 years in the business, their licensed technicians know how to serve their customers. Satisfaction guarantees and emergency service mean that they are always available to their customers for the highest level of service. Call now for heating services!
