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HVAC Emergency: Identifying the Severity of a Furnace Issue

Nov 16, 2020

HVAC Emergency and Furnace Issues

Think of your furnace as the star of your HVAC system – as it heats the air that is then funneled to various rooms in your house through ductwork or piping, it’s important you are aware of what an HVAC emergency looks like. Problems with the furnace can have a domino effect when it comes to the operation of your HVAC.  In other words, when the furnace has issues, the rest of the HVAC system will suffer too.  Furnaces generally operate without problems when properly installed, tested, and maintained by an HVAC professional at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning. In the meantime, it is helpful to know the difference between a regular furnace repair service and an emergency furnace repair.  Being able to identify furnace issues before they become severe could save your entire system from faltering.

HVAC Emergencies – When It’s Time to Call a Professional for your Furnace

  •  Electrical Issues Seem to be the Problem

Electricity is an integral part of your HVAC system. You count on your home’s HVAC system, as well as your electrical system, to provide power when you need it. Your electrical system is responsible for distributing hot and cold air to all your living spaces.  What to be aware of in a faltering electrical system:  One of the things that may indicate something is wrong with your furnace is the flickering of lights. Your lights should not flicker when your system turns on.  Keep in mind that electrical issues need to be resolved by a professional. While it can be helpful to understand the basics of your electrical system in order to identify and avoid potential hazards, it is wise to call Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning whenever you feel uncertain about how to resolve a problem with your electrical system.  It’s smart to not put yourself in danger by trying to repair your electrical system when you aren’t qualified to do so.  The Electrical Safety Foundation reports: 

  • Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in an estimated 43,700 home fires. 
  • These fires caused 430 deaths and 1,620 injuries. 
  • These fires caused approximately $1.5 billion in property damage.  
  •  Your Furnace is Making Unusual and Loud Noises

There are occasions when your furnace is operating fine but makes loud noises.  If the noise comes as the result of the air flowing through the ductwork, one solution could be to insulate your ductwork to reduce the noise.  However, if the furnace is making strange noises, the culprit could be the pilot light not having been properly adjusted or the blower motor lubrication ports need oiling. Other causes of these odd noises could include issues with the belts or even the burner.  What Different Noises from Your Furnace Mean:  

  • Pinging or Popping Sounds – This could be caused by thermal expansion, which involves the ductwork expanding and contracting as it heats and cools your home. 
  • Rattling Noises – This could come from panels that probably need to be tightened.
  • Squealing Noises – The culprit here could be a belt that connects the motor to the fan that has slipped. Potentially, the belt could also need replacement. 
  • Grinding Sounds – This is when it’s time to call a furnace repair technician at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning. It’s likely in this scenario that the motor bearings need repair. 
  •  Inadequate Heat

A clear sign that your furnace needs repair service is when it stops distributing heat. If your furnace is generating cold air or a low level of heat, first check the temperature settings.  If the temperature settings are fine, and there is no loose wiring or a tripped breaker, there might be a more severe problem with your furnace.   Your furnace might be blowing cold air as a result of overheating. Overheating is almost certainly the cause of your furnace blows hot air, then cold air, and after a while, it stops blowing any air.   

  •  The Burner Is Not Igniting

If you are noticing clicking sounds in a furnace that has a spark ignition, it could indicate underlying issues like a faulty control board, a blocked flue, or improper limit control. If this is the case, it’s time to call a repair technician at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning  

  •  There is an Unpleasant Odor

If you smell gas, you should leave your home right away.  As you may already know, you cannot actually smell or see natural gas. That is why a substance is added to it, called mercaptan. It does give off an unappealing odor – similar to the effect of a rotten egg. This smell is quite noticeable, so you can immediately determine if there is a gas leak in your home. 

Keep Your Furnace in Optimal Condition by Looking to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Service

A quality furnace system is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. The system adds both value and comfort to your living space and should be regularly maintained to keep it in top working order.  Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition.   At Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning, we are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!  Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).