There are numerous reasons to call a local HVAC company for emergency heater repair. As the temperatures cool off, you rely on your heater more frequently. A furnace or heat pump should keep you comfortable all winter. However, a few common warning signs indicate your heating system is in danger of breaking down. Calling for help in the following situations enables a professional to quickly restore your heating system and prevent more serious problems.
- Your Home Is Too Cool
- The Heater Is Noisy
- There’s More Dust Than Usual
- Something Doesn’t Smell Right
- Your Furnace Is Leaking
- The Flame Color Isn’t Blue
- Your Heater Short Cycles
- The Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
- The Circuit Breaker Trips Often
- Your Utility Bill Spikes
1. Your Home Is Too Cool
Your furnace may be malfunctioning if you’re not getting enough heat, regardless of how often you set the thermostat. Lukewarm air from vents and cold spots around your home are also signs it’s not working right. Call for help even if the room temperature and setting are off by just a few degrees. An emergency heating repair contractor can determine the underlying cause, whether there’s an issue with the thermostat, a burner, or the heat exchanger.
2. The Heater Is Noisy
The noises your furnace makes when starting a heating cycle aren’t usually a concern. Once you become used to them, it’s easier to recognize something out of the ordinary. The following noises should prompt you to call for emergency heating repair:
- Rattling: The unit may have a loose screw or component.
- Thumping: A thumping sound can come from damage to the ignition system.
- Squeaking: This can mean there’s a loose bearing or worn belt.
Banging, rumbling, and whistling sounds are also reasons to call an HVAC contractor.
3. There’s More Dust Than Usual
A blower problem can disrupt air pressure in the ductwork. This can cause dust to accumulate. Once it builds up inside ducts, it can then collect on grates and circulate in your home, settling on floors, countertops, shelves, and other surfaces. An increase in dust indicates a heater problem if it accompanies other symptoms mentioned here and the filter is clean.
4. Something Doesn’t Smell Right
A malfunctioning furnace can also produce unpleasant odors. Any of these smells are concerning and are reasons to call for help:
- Musty Odors: A dirty filter is often the cause of a musty odor but can also mean the drain line is clogged or mold is growing in your ducts.
- Burning: A burning smell can indicate a component in your furnace has burnt out, the heat exchanger is damaged, or there’s an electrical issue.
- Rotten Eggs: A rotten egg smell indicates a natural gas leak. Evacuate your home and call the gas company and your local heating repair contractor.
5. Your Furnace Is Leaking
Water condenses during the heating process. Residential furnaces are designed to drain this water away, so leakage indicates a serious malfunction. A water leak can damage your heater and lead to mold. Therefore, the problem should be repaired immediately by a professional.
6. The Flame Color Isn’t Blue
The pilot light and burner flame inside your furnace should be a vibrant blue. If the flame is orange or yellow instead, there’s a problem with fuel combustion and your heating unit may be producing carbon monoxide. Don’t wait to call for help; the problem can be an immediate threat to your home and health.
7. Your Heater Short Cycles
If your furnace constantly cycles on and off, it might not seem like an emergency. This is a more subtle sign of trouble. Normally, a heating system runs until it reaches the desired temperature and shuts off automatically. It will then restart when the temperature starts to drop. The pattern should be repeated two to three times per hour.
However, more frequent cycling indicates something is wrong. At the very least, it wastes energy and increases wear and tear on heating equipment. However, ignoring it risks other issues depending on the parts affected.
8. The Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off
If you hear your carbon monoxide alarm, leave your home immediately and call emergency services. Carbon monoxide (CO) has no smell and is invisible but is extremely dangerous. Hearing the CO alarm can mean your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger or another serious problem. It must be repaired before your home is safe to return to.
9. The Circuit Breaker Trips Often
Furnaces use a lot of electricity. Nonetheless, the circuit breaker should handle the load. An issue with your heating system can cause voltage spikes that trip the breaker. It’s designed to do this to prevent an overload and damage to your electrical system. If not fixed promptly, the problem can escalate and lead to catastrophic damage to your furnace, electrical system, and home.
10. Your Utility Bill Spikes
Here’s one other symptom that might not seem like an emergency. If your energy bills are rising from month to month, your furnace may be working less efficiently. This is often due to an internal problem causing it to work harder and use more energy. At the very least, this wastes money, but it can lead to more serious equipment and safety issues. Call a heater repair professional to check out your furnace if utility bills are higher than they should be.
Contact Monarch Home Services
When you need an emergency heater repair, our NATE- and EPA-certified technicians quickly reach your home, troubleshoot the problem, and repair your furnace or heat pump. We are available 24/7 to respond day or night. No matter what type of heating system you have, our team can address any issue and get it running again at a reasonable price. Contact us or call (661) 215-6679 to request help.