Signs From Your Furnace That Can Be Dangerous

During the winter months, all you want to do is crank your heater up and enjoy the warmth, but have you ever worried about the health of your heater? There are a few tell-tale signs that your heater may be malfunctioning, some more serious than others. Luckily at Air Tech of Katy, we’ve served the Katy area for years and have seen our share of furnace problems.

We’ve created this list of common heater issues and how they can be prevented. Read below to learn more!

Strange Smells

A strange smell coming from your furnace could mean varying serious issues from your heater. If you smell any of the following odors coming from your heating system, it’s time to call a professional to see what’s going on:

• Burning plastic
• Mold or musty scent
• Electrical odor

Burning plastic and electrical odors can mean mechanical failure and foreign objects in your ducts. Additionally, a moldy or musty scent could mean excess moisture inside your furnace. If not taken care of, these problems can worsen over time and cause fire hazards, health risks, and a decreased lifetime for your system.

Higher Bills

One of the most telling signs of trouble in your system is a sudden increase in your energy bill. When your furnace is not operating efficiently, it takes longer to heat your home, causing excessive spikes in your energy usage and bill. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-25 years; so, if your unit is near the end of its life, it could be time for a replacement.

Carbon Monoxide

While your furnace has a lifespan of 15-25 years, your heat exchanger lives for about 15 years max before it’s time to replace it. An old heat exchanger is at a greater chance of cracking, which could lead to carbon monoxide, sulfur, and nitrous oxide leaking into your home. The absolute last thing you want in your home is carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses floating around. as these can be very dangerous to breathe.

If you suspect that your heat exchanger may be aging, be sure to call a professional to solve the problem.

Loud Noises

If you hear a loud booming noise when you start up your heater, your furnace may be experiencing delayed ignition. Delayed ignition can be caused by excessive moisture or sulfur buildup. The loud booming or banging sound is caused by gas building up in your furnaces’ combustion chamber, causing a small explosion. The problem with delayed ignition is that the constant build-up of gas can become a safety hazard and can crack your heat exchanger, which we already know is a bad problem to have.

Constant Repairs

If you’re noticing that your system needs more frequent repairs, this may well be a sign that your heater is on its last leg. Not only this, but it can also become more costly than just replacing the system itself.

How Can Routine Heater Maintenance Help?

Preventative heater maintenance can help you save energy, protect your health and extend the life of your heating system. It’s important to get a look at what’s happening inside your furnace on a regular basis to make sure everything is running optimally. At Air Tech of Katy, we offer seasonal heater tune-ups so you can stop worrying about your heater, and focus on staying warm!

Call The Pros For Furnace Questions And Repairs!

At Air Tech of Katy, we’re dedicated to keeping you and your family comfortable and saving you money in the process. Our amazing team of professional technicians are ready to repair, replace and maintain your heater with a smile.

Contact us today to schedule!