Look Out For These Problems That Could Mean Curtains for A Home’s Heater
The chill in the air, the candles flickering in pumpkins, and the mountains of tempting candy all point to the spookier time of the year when people tend to celebrate the weird and gruesome. The thing about witch costumes, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating is that these things have no real danger. They are for entertainment purposes and a way to bring people together.
Heating systems should be a source of comfort in a home this time of year, but they can sometimes be hazardous and scarier than any Halloween scare if something is not working as it should. Homeowners should be aware of these heater problems to know when to call an HVAC professional for help.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide is a gas that can bind to red blood cells in the same way oxygen does. It can be produced and released by a furnace that is not working properly. It is highly poisonous, completely odorless, and tasteless. The fact that the human senses cannot detect it is part of the reason it’s so scary. The fact that carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal is another.
Homes should have a carbon monoxide detector because it can save lives. If the detector goes off or someone begins experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should get their home checked for a carbon monoxide leak immediately.
- Headache
- Weakness
- Vomiting or upset stomach
- Confusion
- Chest pain
The Creeping Horror: Mold
Though mold growth is not as immediate a problem as carbon monoxide, it can still be detrimental to the health of people in the home and certainly affects the indoor air quality of a home. Even in places that do not have high humidity, moisture can develop within a heating system and move into the air ducts.
Damp ducts can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A musty odor coming from the ducts and vents often indicates the presence of mold and is a sign to get professional help. Keeping up with heating and AC maintenance and ensuring the heating and cooling unit stays clean with a new air filter will help reduce the risk of mold and other microbes.
Furnaces That Overheat
An overheating furnace can be a serious problem that can lead to poor indoor air quality at best and furnace fires at worst. A burning smell around the furnace indicates that it may be too hot and is overheating. Loud humming noises from the unit can signal that the system is having trouble drawing air through a dirty air filter which may cause it to overwork and overheat. This can cost valuable energy as well as be dangerous to people and property. If homeowners notice either of these warning signs, they should immediately contact a qualified technician.
Routine furnace maintenance can help prevent these sorts of problems. Professional cleaning should be done on a furnace at least once a year to ensure it is in working order and won’t set the house on fire by overheating. Here are a few of the tasks that are involved in furnace maintenance:
- Changing the Air Filter: Changing the air filter improves indoor air quality and keeps the unit at its most efficient.
- Cleaning the Burner: This ensures the flames will catch easily and prevent gas explosions and issues with carbon monoxide.
- Checking the Igniter: This guarantees the furnace will light as it should.
- Checking the Blower: This part of the unit gets the heat where it needs to go in the house. Problems with the blower can lead to overheating.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. has over a decade of experience serving Manchester, NH residents, and the surrounding areas. They offer honest pricing, same-day or next-day service, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Call them today for emergency heating or furnace repair and maintenance in Manchester, NH.
