It can be tempting to put off unpleasant things, like filling out frustrating paperwork, washing the most difficult pot to scrub, or investigating the cause of the strange sound your car has started making. But some things really do need to be addressed promptly. When it comes to your heating system, how can you tell the difference?
Certain heating issues really do need immediate attention. Here are three problems your heater might encounter that need repairs ASAP.
1: Your Heater Won’t Turn On
This is obviously a major problem. But before you call for repairs, there are a few things you can check yourself. It may be that your heater is perfectly fine, it’s just not receiving the signal to come on!
First, ensure that it’s getting power. Is it plugged in and turned on? Has it tripped the circuit breaker? Next, take a look at the thermostat. Has it been accidentally turned off? Is the battery dead? Is it set to a vacation program which keeps your home’s temperature lower when you’re away?
If you haven’t discovered that one of these things was the culprit, it’s time for heating repair in West Monroe, LA. If you’re facing a long weekend with particularly cold temperatures, it may even be worth getting emergency repairs so you don’t freeze.
2: Your Heater Turns On but the Burners Won’t Ignite
Another quite serious issue is when the heater is trying to work but failing. You hear it start up, but it immediately stops before any warmth reaches your vents. Chances are, the burners are just not igniting. Again, there are a couple of things you can check yourself.
If it’s the first time you’re using your heater this season, did you turn off the gas last spring? You might just need to open the gas valve. The other thing to check is the air filter. If it’s badly clogged, there might not be enough air flowing through to ignite the burners.
If your problem persists, you need repairs. The cause might be the burners themselves, the ignition system, or simply the flame sensor not detecting a flame because it is dirty or malfunctioning, triggering a shutdown.
3: Any Sign of a Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is the component in a gas furnace that contains the combustion gasses. Air heats as it passes around the heat exchanger. Due to the constant heating and cooling, expanding and contracting, cracks can develop. When the combustion gasses are able to leak out of cracks in your heat exchanger, carbon monoxide can escape into the air you breathe, causing a serious health hazard.
Visible corrosion, a flame any color other than blue, clicking sounds, bad smells, pools of water, or a buildup of soot are the warning signs to watch out for. Don’t wait until your carbon monoxide alarm goes off or your family gets sick. Get repairs immediately.
Contact Mike Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. We provide “Professional grade service.”