Heating Repair Needs That Should Never Be Postponed

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The purchase of a first home can be a source of financial stress, especially when unexpected costs arise. A good example is when the heating system develops a problem that homeowners fear will be expensive to repair.

While postponing minor repair or maintenance issues may be acceptable for a short time, furnace repair issues that pose safety risks for the occupants of the home should never be postponed. 

Pilot lights and ignition switches

Gas and oil furnaces utilize pilot lights or ignition switches to light the larger burner system and warm the home according to the temperature setting on the home's thermostat. When these components experience problems, carbon monoxide or unburnt fuel can leak into the home and endanger the occupants.

Because of this safety risk, homeowners who notice that pilot lights or ignition switches are difficult to light or do not stay lit should always schedule repairs as quickly as possible. If carbon monoxide or gas fumes are detected, homeowners should stop using the furnace and vacate the home until repairs can be made and the home is once again safe for occupancy. 

Heat exchangers 

The heat exchangers found in gas or oil furnaces perform the job of swapping the warm air created by the furnace for incoming cool air so that a constant supply of heat is produced. Years of constant cycling, along with condensation and oxidation, can result in rust, cracks, or other damage to the heat exchanger and result in dangerous gas or carbon monoxide leaks. 

Some potential signs of a faulty heat exchanger include: 

• finding moisture on the floor near the furnace
• seeing visible cracks or damage in surface of the exchanger unit
• noting that the burner flame is yellow instead of blue
• seeing signs of excessive soot or smelling gas fumes when the furnace is operating

Heat exchangers do not always provide noticeable signs that they are failing. Homeowners who use gas or oil HVAC systems should consider having the heat exchanger inspected on a regular basis to ensure that it is in good condition and safe to operate. 

Electrical issues

All furnaces require electricity in order to function. Electric furnaces use electricity to create heat, while all types of furnaces use electricity for control switches, fans, and other functions. Since any type of electrical issue can cause an increased risk of electrical shock injuries, homeowners should never postpone scheduling this type of repair. 

For more information about home furnace repair issues, contact a heating repair contractor in your area. 

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1 April 2021