Call Georgia Air for emergency furnace services at 912-513-3724.
It’s always stressful when something goes wrong in your home, but a heater malfunction can be especially problematic. While today’s heating systems are generally durable and safe, they can pose a risk under certain circumstances. If you’re concerned about a problem with your furnace, this article will help determine whether you need emergency furnace help.
Contacting a professional is the safest option whenever you deal with furnace issues. Thousands of customers turn to Georgia Air for help with heating and cooling problems. When you need urgent repairs, you can always count on heater and air conditioner repair services in Pooler by Georgia Air.
Below are ten telltale signs that you need emergency furnace service.
1. Breakers Repeatedly Tripping
A breaker that repeatedly breaks is one sign that your furnace may require urgent furnace repair service. While multiple factors can contribute to electrical issues, fuel within your furnace makes electrical problems highly concerning.
Electrical issues within your heating system can reduce the furnace’s efficiency, costing you monthly energy costs. Additionally, short circuits can damage components and even cause fires. Scheduling repairs quickly is essential if you notice any electrical issues when using the furnace in your home.
2. Yellow Pilot Flame
Another sign that your furnace needs repairs is a yellow flame within the unit. Although most homeowners know that the flame must remain lit, it’s crucial to understand that the temperature of the flame matters as well. For example, if the flame is orange or yellow, the temperature is too low, and there is an issue with the furnace.
It’s vital to note that carbon monoxide leaks are a possible cause of this problem. Therefore, if you notice a yellow pilot flame in your furnace, schedule repairs as soon as possible and consider waiting for repairs outside the home if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
3. Water Leaking from Furnace
Although your furnace produces significant heat, it still uses water. However, keeping this water contained is vital, as leaking water can damage the furnace and the surrounding room. Anytime you notice water leaking or pooling around your furnace, you should contact a servicing company to discuss repair options.
4. Loud Noises When Operating
Nearly all appliances in your home make noise while operating, and the furnace is no different. However, while you shouldn’t expect the system to be silent, you should also monitor the noise the system produces for signs of problems. For example, grinding or knocking from within the unit or ducts can indicate a mechanical failure or broken component, so carefully listen for issues.
Anytime you notice a loud noise that doesn’t sound normal, you should schedule an inspection for the unit. Even with loud noises, it can be challenging to determine where the sound originates from, so allowing a professional to conduct a thorough inspection is the best course of action.
5. Constant Power Cycling
During regular operation, your furnace will cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature throughout the home. However, if the system begins to turn on and off too rapidly, it can indicate a problem with the system. While this symptom is easy to spot, it can be more challenging to determine the source of the problem.
Since furnaces are complex machines, finding the specific component causing the problem can be frustrating for inexperienced homeowners. Both electrical and mechanical issues can cause this symptom, and hiring an inspector is crucial to determine whether you need emergency repair service or furnace replacement.
6. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Sounding
One of the most pressing signs you need emergency furnace help is when your carbon monoxide alarm goes off. These alarms detect a highly hazardous gas, so homeowners should take the situation seriously anytime they hear it. Serious furnace issues can lead to carbon monoxide venting into the home; keeping these alarms charged and ready is essential to safety.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is odorless, making it hard to detect. Ensuring you always have a functioning alarm is paramount for home safety, but you should also be conscious of the symptoms of exposure. In most cases, exposure to carbon monoxide causes dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion; keep those in mind when dealing with furnace issues.
7. Reduced Indoor Air Quality
While you may not notice this sign until the heating season, reduced air quality is another indication that you may need emergency furnace repair service. Air quality in your home can significantly impact your physical and mental health. Poor indoor air quality can particularly affect people with asthma and allergies.
However, attentive homeowners can sometimes spot filtration issues before they worsen by closely monitoring the home. More severe problems can cause breathing concerns and allergies, especially for residents with asthma, but signs can also be more subtle. For instance, a layer of dust on objects near the vents may be a cause for concern.
Generally, homeowners can solve indoor air quality issues by changing the filters in their systems. These components clean the air that passes through the unit, which is essential to protecting residents and heating components from dirt and debris.
8. Unpleasant Odors
One of the most noticeable signs of furnace issues is an unpleasant odor. The most common odor homeowners notice from their furnace is the odor that gas companies add to natural gas, which resembles rotten eggs. Natural gas is highly flammable, and a strong smell can indicate a sizable leak, so treat any potential leak with extreme caution.
However, other concerning smells can come from your furnace as well. For example, a burnt smell can indicate a damaged component or even a fire risk. Anytime you think there may be a chance of a fire in your heating system, calling for emergency furnace repairs and contacting the fire department if the situation worsens is the best course of action.
Another smell homeowners may notice is mildew, often indicating that mold is growing within the system. Mold thrives in moisture, and this smell may indicate a leak somewhere in your heating system or an issue with the drainage system.
9. Cold Air
Your furnace’s job is to provide warmth to your home, so there’s something wrong if cold air comes out of the vents when the system is on. During the coldest months of the year, dealing with a completely broken furnace can be frustrating and overwhelming. Fortunately, Georgia Air is always standing by to provide urgent furnace repairs in Pooler and the surrounding area.
When a heating system fails to produce heat, it can indicate a severe mechanical failure and even require furnace replacement. While furnaces are expensive fixtures, replacement is preferable to continuing to operate an unsafe unit. However, a service technician may still be able to fix the unit, so call quickly if your heater fails.
10. Signs of Smoke
The most pressing sign that you need emergency furnace help is smoke coming from the vents or furnace unit. These systems use flammable fuel and pump air throughout your home, making a fire in the heater a severe concern.
Smoke can also be harmful, especially to children and pets. If you notice any smoke in your home, it is crucial to evacuate and call for help immediately.
While smoke is generally a significant concern, there are some cases where a burning smell or slight smoke is relatively normal. If you notice these symptoms only after turning your unit back on after a significant amount of time, the system is likely burning off built-up dust. In this case, the system should return to normal relatively quickly as the dust burns away.
Get help immediately if you suspect a fire or fire risk in your heating system. A burning smell in your heater is not always an indication that something is wrong, but it’s safer to be cautious when your safety is at stake. If you have any doubts about the security of your home, you should call a local professional.
Get Reliable Furnace Repair Services Today
Though many of us try to make household repairs ourselves, some appliances require professional attention. For example, it is always safer to call a heating and air conditioning professional if you face issues with your furnace or other heating systems due to their delicate machinery, extreme heat, and electrical components.
If you face any issues on this list, you can always turn to Georgia Air. We specialize in heating and cooling systems repair, with a team of professionals ready to handle any issue with your home’s temperature control systems.
Now that you know how to determine whether you need emergency furnace help, you can explore the rest of our website if you want to know more about what air handlers are or find answers to frequently asked questions. Then, for the peace of mind that comes from a fully functioning heater, contact the Georgia Air team at 912-513-3724. Our technicians will show up fully equipped and prepared to restore your home’s heating system and safety.