Knowing the signs heating repair is necessary can avoid safety hazards and save you money. A furnace or heater problem may not be as obvious as your home not getting warm. Other issues can signal there’s an emergency. These are some reasons to promptly call Trilogy AC for heating repair if you live in Houston or the surrounding areas.
- Cold Air Blows from Your Heating System
- The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off
- There Is a Gas Odor
- Your Furnace Makes Loud Noises
- Your Heating System Short Cycles
- The Utility Bill Suddenly Spikes
- Your Furnace Has an Electrical Problem
1. Cold Air Blows from Your Heating System
Instead of producing less heat, your furnace can blow cold air into your rooms. This is not only a safety issue because your house is too cold in winter. There could be a pilot system or gas supply problem, which can put your household in immediate danger. Failing to address it can lead to carbon monoxide exposure or a fire or explosion.
Other problems that can cause your furnace to blow cold air include the following:
- Dirty flame sensor
- Blocked air filter
- Clogged condensate line
- Holes or cracks in the ductwork
- The thermostat isn’t in “Auto” mode
Call for help if anything other than a thermostat setting or dirty filter causes your heater to blow cold air.
2. The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off
If you have a gas furnace and the carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is going off, there’s a strong chance you have a heater problem. It’s not the only potential source of CO. However, a gas leak or malfunctioning or damaged furnace can release deadly amounts of carbon monoxide. Signs of CO poisoning include headache, nausea, muscle weakness, and flu-like symptoms.
When the alarm sounds, leave your home, call 911, and let the authorities deal with the issue. Call your local emergency heating repair company once it’s safe to enter your home. They can quickly identify the source of the leak and fix it.
3. There Is a Gas Odor
Odors are among the most telling signs of a problem in your home. None are more significant than a gas odor, which can precede a fire or explosion. If your furnace emits a gas or rotten egg odor, evacuate your home and call your HVAC contractor. Heating professionals have the expertise and equipment to deal with gas leaks and safely repair gas line equipment.
4. Your Furnace Makes Loud Noises
It’s normal for a furnace to make noise as it turns on. If the noise doesn’t fade in a short time or gets louder as the unit runs, consider the issue an emergency. Ignoring the problem will only lead to more serious damage and possibly a full heater breakdown. You may end up having to replace your furnace.
Therefore, call for emergency heating repair if you hear the following noises:
- Rattling: Rattling sounds often mean there are loose parts inside your furnace. If not tightened or fixed, these can break loose and cause irreparable damage to your heater.
- Banging: Clogged gas burners can cause banging noises. Clogs can affect the timing of gas release, creating small explosions in the combustion chamber.
- Squealing: A squealing noise from inside your furnace can mean it has a loose or damaged belt. If you don’t replace the belt, your furnace may shut down within a few weeks.
- Whistling: If your heating system is producing whistling sounds, it may have a clogged filter. However, a gas flow issue or loose fitting can also be the cause.
- Scraping: A loose blower wheel, worn-out ball bearing, or various other issues can cause scraping noises in a heating unit.
- Thumping: If your furnace is making a thumping or vibrating sound, the blower wheel or motor may be out of balance. Permanent damage can occur if this isn’t fixed.
5. Your Heating System Short Cycles
Short cycling is one of the more subtle signs of a problem. However, it should never be ignored. It can signal a very serious issue. Your heating system should cycle a few times an hour, but if it starts running in short spurts and turning off within a few minutes or a few seconds, call for help.
Causes of short cycling include a dirty sensor or a malfunctioning thermostat or other component. If not fixed quickly, short cycling will wear out your furnace and cause it to use more energy, increasing your energy bills. Treating the issue as an emergency can save you a great deal of money.
6. The Utility Bill Suddenly Spikes
If your energy bills have spiked over the past few months, a heating system problem is a likely cause. The underlying issue can range from a faulty thermostat to dirty ducts to a damaged internal component. Look for additional signs of a furnace problem. Whether you find any or not, call an HVAC professional to evaluate the system and make any necessary repairs.
7. Your Furnace Has an Electrical Problem
Even a gas-burning furnace requires electricity to run. Request an emergency furnace repair if the following signs of an electrical issue occur:
- The circuit breaker for your heater trips repeatedly.
- Lights dim when your heating unit runs.
- Your furnace does not turn on.
- The unit emits burning odors.
- Electrical connections spark.
- You hear buzzing sounds around your heater.
Call Trilogy AC for Emergency Heating Repair
Furnaces and heating units have many parts and can develop a variety of problems. Even a small issue can trigger an emergency. After all, you depend on your heating system to protect you from the cold, while a burner, combustion, or gas supply problem is an immediate safety hazard. Trilogy AC’s technicians are fully trained and licensed to resolve any issue. They respond promptly to restore your heating and safety.
Contact us today to request an emergency heating repair or learn about our other heating services in Texas.
