Your furnace works hard to keep your home comfortable during the coldest months of the year. When it breaks down, you need help fast. Some issues can wait for regular maintenance, but others require urgent attention. If you notice any of the following seven signs, call for an emergency furnace repair as soon as possible.
1. Your Carbon Monoxide Detector Is Beeping
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be extremely hazardous to your health. If you notice that your carbon monoxide detector is going off, you should evacuate your home immediately. Once you and your family are in a safe location, call a professional to investigate the source of the gas. In many cases, a malfunctioning furnace is the culprit due to a crack in the heat exchanger or a poor connection with the furnace vent.
2. You’re Not Getting Any Heat
If you don’t feel any heat coming from your vents, you might have an issue with the furnace. Reasons for a lack of heat could include problems with the thermostat, a clogged air filter, or even an electrical malfunction. No matter the cause, it’s wise to call a technician for an emergency repair. This is especially true if the temperatures outside are below freezing as leaving the issue unaddressed could put your family at risk of hypothermia.
3. The Flame Is Orange or Yellow
Your furnace’s pilot light should burn blue at all times. If the flame is any other color — particularly orange or yellow — it could indicate that dangerous gases are not being vented properly. For example, you may have a cracked heat exchanger that’s releasing carbon monoxide into your home. Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself. Instead, evacuate the property and call for professional assistance.
4. There’s a Burning Smell
If you smell something burning, turn off your furnace and call for emergency help immediately. This is especially important if the odor is acrid or electrical: These scents can indicate an issue with wiring or overheated components. If left unaddressed, the problem could lead to a fire, so swift action is critical.
5. You Hear Unusual Noises
It’s normal for your furnace to make some noise during operation, but you should be alarmed if it suddenly starts producing grinding, rattling, or squealing sounds. These noises could be the result of a loose or broken belt, a blocked blower wheel, or an electrical issue. All of these could indicate a serious problem that could damage your system and put your family’s safety at risk. For peace of mind, shut off your furnace and contact a technician right away for an emergency inspection and repair.
6. Your Furnace Isn’t Responding to Thermostat Adjustments
Ideally, when you make a change to your thermostat settings, the furnace should respond almost immediately. Any malfunction that prevents this from happening is cause for concern, especially on particularly cold nights. A significant delay could mean that your furnace isn’t getting the electrical signal it needs to kick into gear, or there could be a problem with the blower motor. An emergency repair can ensure that your family isn’t left in the cold.
7. You Notice Water Pooling Around the Unit
Your furnace produces condensation, but it should be vented safely away from your home. If you notice water pooling around the unit, it may indicate that the drain line or condensate pump is clogged. This is an issue that requires prompt attention as a backed-up system could overflow and cause significant water damage to your property.
Call Real Airflow Heating & Cooling Today for Furnace Service
These are just a few signs that you may need emergency furnace repair. When in doubt, play it safe and call a professional at Real Airflow Heating & Cooling for help. We can promptly diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to provide your home with lasting warmth during even the coldest winter months. We offer 24/7 emergency service so you can get back to being comfortable as soon as possible. Contact us today and find out why countless homeowners in Blandon, PA, and the surrounding areas trust us for all of their heating and cooling repair, maintenance, and replacement needs.
