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Don’t Let a Heating Emergency Leave You in the Cold

When To Call for Emergency Furnace Repair

Knowing when to call for emergency furnace repair can save homeowners from a cold and uncomfortable night. Most people tend to wait until the furnace quits working entirely before calling a professional furnace repair company. Unfortunately, winter is the busiest time of year for heating repair companies. While most companies offer 24/7 service, they also work on a first-come-first-served basis. Homeowners who wait until the last minute to call for repair often find themselves using the oven to try to heat the house or bundling up in layers of clothing. Knowing what signs to look out for is the best way to prevent a freezing winter emergency.  

Cold Night and Cold Air Blowing

When the furnace is blowing cold air on a cold night, it may be time to call a professional furnace repair service. But, every homeowner should check a few things before picking up the phone. The first is the thermostat. When the thermostat fan setting is switched to “On” instead of “Auto,” the fan will run whether the heater is on or not. 

The second thing homeowners should check is the filter. A dirty filter can cause the furnace to overheat. This is a way that the furnace protects itself. It’s a failsafe of sorts to avoid breaking the furnace’s heat exchanger. Finally, it’s a good idea to check the pilot light before calling a professional. When the pilot light is out, the furnace will not provide heat. 

Strange Noises

noises

Every furnace makes noises in the course of its operation. Most homeowners are familiar with the noises their furnace makes. Some noises, however, are a sure sign of trouble. These are hard to miss much of the time, but most furnace repair companies advise homeowners to keep an ear out for strange noises, just in case.

Some of the noises include:

  • A cracking bang or boom sound: This is often the result of a gas buildup in the system and should be addressed as soon as possible. Homeowners are advised to turn off the system and call a professional immediately.
  • A clanking or scraping sound: This is often caused by a damaged fan or motor assembly. It’s easy to hear by the sound of metal impact or scraping against metal. 
  • Rattling: A rattling sound is usually either a loose panel or a problem with the heat exchanger. A loose panel is easy to locate and fix by the homeowner. An issue with the heat exchanger can cause a gas leak and should be addressed immediately if no loose panel is found and the sound continues. 

Smelling Gas

bad smell

All furnaces burn gas to create heat. As a result, it’s normal to smell a little bit of gas when the furnace kicks on. However, it’s not normal to smell gas throughout the home. Homeowners who do smell gas in other parts of the house should immediately turn off the heater, leave the premises,  and call a professional. A buildup of gas in the system, or unburned gas, can be extremely hazardous and should be addressed right away. 

About Ed Rike Plumbing, Heating, and Air

Ed Rike has been helping folks in Dayton, OH, with their plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs for years. They provide upfront pricing and excellent workmanship. They are a veteran-owned company and always offer a satisfaction guarantee. Call Ed Rike Plumbing, Heating, and Air today for reliable emergency heating services in Dayton.