How to Tell if You Need Emergency Furnace Repair

When it comes to furnace safety and repair, one of the biggest ways to keep you and your family safe and comfortable is to know the warning signs of breakdown. Being able to tell when it is time to call for emergency furnace repair can help you avoid fires, electrical damage, and all of the hassles that come with breakdowns. If you notice any of these issues, you should contact your heating & air conditioning service team at Galmiche & Sons right away for furnace repair services.

Warning Signs for Emergency Furnace Repair

Some of the warning signs that you need emergency furnace repair are pretty obvious. Loud banging noises, for instance, are pretty hard to ignore when they are coming from your HVAC system. This can indicate issues with the fan blower motor or the igniter, either of which are potentially dangerous if left unaddressed. Other sounds to look out for include:

Rattling noises, which can indicate loose components or ductwork.
Squealing sounds, which usually mean a fan belt, is loose or misaligned.
A grinding noise, which can mean motor issues.
Pinging or popping, which can be something as harmless as ductwork expanding, but can also indicate a much more serious issue.

If you hear any of these noises and cannot identify a clear cause quickly, it is probably time to call for emergency furnace repair. In addition to noises like these, another indicator that you need an emergency furnace repair is your furnace turning on and off rapidly. Quick cycles like this can indicate all kinds of problems and it is safest to call your HVAC technician if you notice this problem. Finally, the most important clear sign that it is time for emergency furnace repair is if you smell gas in your home. Natural gas smells like rotten eggs and can be very dangerous. If you smell natural gas in your home, follow the steps in the next section to stay safe.

Furnace electrical problems can be a bit trickier to diagnose, but these too often require emergency furnace repair. Since there is an additional risk of electrocution and fire that comes along with electrical components, most electrical issues require professional repair. Some signs to look out for are flickering lights when your furnace turns on or problems with your thermostat readings.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

For any of these problems, you should get in touch with your HVAC team to find out if you need emergency furnace repair. If you notice a rotten egg or sulfur smell in particular, follow these steps:

Get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible, including pets.
Do not turn on the stove, lights, or other appliances as electrical charges can ignite an explosion. If lights are on, do not turn them off.
Leave your car in the garage if it is there. Starting the car or using the garage door opener could also ignite an explosion.
Similarly, do not charge or use your phone in the house. Call from a neighbor’s house or outside.
Do not re-enter the house until a professional has determined it is safe.

If you follow these tips and look out for these key warning signs, you should be able to get out ahead of emergency furnace repair while keeping you and your family safe.