Furnace Repair: Spot an HVAC Emergency

There is nothing worse than coming home to no heat. Or worse, waking up with no heat. So, now is the time to get that furnace in tip-top condition. With proper care, your furnace should work without flaw. However, things can still go wrong. Do you know how to spot an HVAC emergency? This month, we hope to help you avoid hefty furnace repair costs.

By knowing how to spot a problem before it becomes worse, you can save yourself some money. More importantly, you can find comfort in knowing your family is safe. And, in a warm toasty house all winter long. Winter in Canada is cold; there is no doubt about it. Don’t be left without heat this year.

Common Problems & Solutions

Firstly, we wanted to go over a few of the most common issues we see. With a bit of DIY maintenance, you may be able to solve your problem. So, get your pen and paper and make a checklist with us. It will come in handy!

Whether your furnace runs on gas or electric, it’s essential to understand it. If you were to look at the furnace in your home, would you know how it worked? Most of us would answer: NO. Yet, it is more simple than you think.

Keep in mind; if you feel uncomfortable, it’s essential to call a professional. Don’t push yourself too far. This guide is meant as a basis only. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation. One of our HVAC techs would be happy to help. Give us a call for more information.

Problem #1: Furnace is not producing ANY heat

If your furnace isn’t putting out heat, it might not mean a furnace repair. First, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat.” Secondly, it’s time to check your breaker panel. Sometimes, fuses blow or breakers trip out. So look for anything that is switched to OFF.

Additionally, it could stick in the middle. If you find anything, switch it back to the ON position. Did it stay there? If so, that’s great! Check your furnace to see if you now have heat. If not, you may have an electrical error. Keep reading to find out what to do in terms of this furnace repair emergency.

Problem #2: Furnace is not producing ENOUGH heat

On the contrary, if your furnace is still working, but not well, we suggest checking the filter. More often than not, a dirty filter is to blame.

On that note, if you find your furnace isn’t working at 100%, the first thing to do is to find and change your filter. You can see right away if it’s clean or clogged. Thankfully, making the switch to a new one is an easy task.

For help with changing your furnace filter, check out one of our past blogs HERE. You are just a few simple steps away from a warm home and clean air. Plus, running with a clogged air filter is bound to lead to furnace repair in the future. So, prevent it before it happens.

Additionally, take some precautions to ensure you are doing your part to help keep your furnace filter clean. For example, clear the space around your unit. If there is clutter, it could lead to more debris. In turn, more waste will enter into your furnace system. Not only does this affect the efficiency, but also the quality of your air. Did you know that even if you don’t have anything flammable stored there, dust alone could cause a fire? That’s not something you want to mess with. You are better to be safe than sorry. So, take the time to give your furnace the space it needs.

A cleaner space = a cleaner filter!

Furnace Repair Emergencies

So far, we went over a few common issues. However, there are a few signs of an HVAC emergency you need to be aware of. In this case, you need to call a professional. Please, don’t attempt to fix this yourself.

At ATN Mechanical, we train our employees for all types of furnace repairs. From minor problems to an emergency, we have your back. No matter how cold it is outside.

Odd Noises

First and foremost, if something doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t. It is essential to trust your instincts. If you hear unusual sounds coming from your furnace, it’s best to call a professional like ATN Mechanical. An unusual sound could mean a few things:

• Thermal expansion in the ductwork
• Problems with the belt
• Loose panels
• Worn motor bearings

It’s important to remember; your furnace might still work despite the noises. But, if there is a noise, there is a problem. For that reason, please don’t wait to give us a call. For instance, replacing a belt is more cost-efficient than replacing a furnace. As always, early detection leads to fewer furnace repairs down the road. So, don’t put off making the call. It could save you thousands!

“Rotten Egg” Smell

If you have natural gas, and there is a bad smell, get out of your house. This might indicate a gas leak. And, that’s not something to mess around with.

As a matter of fact, most people think that natural gas is a silent killer. But that’s not true. To make people aware of gas leaks, there is a substance added to the gas. This substance is what gives off that “rotten egg” smell. This is a surefire sign that there is an issue. Moreover, it is likely your furnace could be breaking down. Either way, remove yourself from your home and call a professional.

For more information on detecting gas leaks check out Smell Gas? by Enbridge Gas.

We rely on our furnace a-lot. This is especially true during cold Canadian winters. So, it’s important to avoid furnace repair as much as possible. At ATN, it is our goal to keep your home warm all winter long. In the meantime, our suggestion is:

Love your furnace, and it will love you back. It’s as easy as that. We suggest scheduling your annual maintenance before the cold sets in. Please don’t get stuck making that emergency furnace repair call when you need it the most.