Furnaces are safe, period. We’re not in the business of fearmongering or telling homeowners inaccurate information. So, if you came to this blog expecting us to tell you that furnaces are inherently dangerous, we’re sorry to disappoint you.
However, furnaces can become dangerous over time. This should be quite clear from the operation of any combustion-based appliance that safety concerns can arise from neglected hardware. We want to talk about furnace repair in Plano, TX and how it relates to the safety and functionality of your furnace. If you’re concerned about your system’s safety, or if you’ve been neglecting it by avoiding repairs, here’s what you can do. Follow these six steps to ensure that your furnace is functioning safely. If it’s not, that’s the perfect reason to call our team and have the problem fixed today.
Simple, right?
Step 1: Invest in Maintenance
This might not seem intuitive but bear with us. Maintenance is the simplest, most affordable, and most effective way to make sure your heater is safe going into each and every winter. You get access to a licensed and trained professional inspecting your system, you get notified of any immediate repair needs, and you get certainty on whether or not your heater is safe. Simple and effective, right?
Step 2: Take Note of Any Smells
If your heater is running, take a moment to sniff the air. Do you smell a reoccurring scent of rotten eggs? This could be leaking gas which could spell a fire hazard for your home. Get it addressed by a professional. Any burning smells, smells that cause you to get headaches, or anything that seems different from the clear, fresh air that should come from your vents might be a safety problem.
Step 3: Listen for Strange Noises
Noises can be a clear sign that something is wrong with your heating system. Clanging, rattling, banging, booming, grinding, shrieking, and anything else should never be ignored. This could be your heater telling you that there’s a crack in the heat exchanger and it could start leaking gas or carbon monoxide. Don’t neglect this sign, please get your heater looked at by a professional if you hear something out of the ordinary.
Step 4: Evaluate Your System’s Age
While your heater might not be doing anything out of the ordinary, it will soon if it’s 10+ years old. Heaters like gas furnaces get more and more unreliable the older they get, and repairs get more expensive. This means you’re better off considering a replacement at this point to avoid a safety issue, if you’re concerned about the health of your home.
Step 5: Call for Repairs
If you’re certain that there’s something wrong with your heater, there’s a serious problem with waiting for repairs. It doesn’t matter how expensive they might be, your system is becoming more and more of a health and safety risk the longer you go without fixing it.
Step 6: Check Your Detectors
Smoke and CO detectors are the first line of defense for homeowners that are worried about the safety of their heater. Make sure yours have fresh batteries and that they’re working properly so you can feel safe.
Need furnace repairs? Call Hutchins Plumbing & Air Conditioning. Get it done right… Right now!
