It’s never a good idea to ignore a heating repair, especially in the winter. Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home. A problem with it can make things extremely uncomfortable, not to mention put your safety at risk. You can avoid many dangers by scheduling heater repairs promptly; here are some hazards you may face by not doing so:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you have a gas furnace, a problem with a gas line, pipe connection, or heat exchanger can cause harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO) to build up. An older furnace can develop a cracked heat exchanger. Carbon monoxide gas is odorless and colorless. Unless your CO alarm goes off, it is undetectable but can cause flu-like symptoms. High levels or prolonged exposure can be deadly.
If you suddenly experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue while at home, leave immediately and call for help.
Diminished Indoor Air Quality
A poorly maintained furnace can cause dust and debris to circulate in the air. Exposure to particulates can worsen allergies and lead to respiratory issues. Anyone with asthma or other health concerns is more vulnerable to the effects of poor indoor air quality. Regularly changing the air filters, having a blower motor repaired, or cleaning the ductwork can keep the air free of dust, allergens, mold spores, and other contaminants. Therefore, heater repair can leave your home’s air healthier to breathe.
Increased Risk of Fire
Neglecting to repair or maintain your furnace can lead to dust and debris building up on the heating elements. They can catch fire if there’s enough buildup. Debris in vents and exhausts is also a fire hazard. Loosely connected fuel lines, corroded valves, and faulty wiring can lead to issues as well. The fire risk includes the potential for explosions. In either case, extensive damage can occur to your furnace and your home.
Loss of Comfort
A lack of heat doesn’t just make you feel uncomfortable. It can leave you vulnerable to hypothermia if things get cold enough. The stress can also contribute to a weakened immune system. Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health issues are most at risk. At the very least, being uncomfortable can disrupt your sleep, make you irritable, and reduce your productivity.
Furnace Failure
Ignoring heater repairs can ultimately lead to a complete furnace failure. There are many issues you shouldn’t ignore. For example, increased noise can lead to a fan belt slipping and damaging the blower motor. Even forgetting to replace the filter can cause furnace components to get clogged, which can strain the entire system.
What could have once been a small repair can turn into an emergency heater replacement that costs thousands of dollars. This may also require waiting for a busy contractor to arrive while being without heat in the middle of winter.
Shortened Equipment Life
If you continue to use a heating unit that needs repair, the rate of wear on it will increase. The root cause of a smaller problem can strain other components. Eventually, your furnace will have multiple problems that will cause its performance to decline until it stops working altogether. Therefore, procrastination can shorten the unit’s lifespan by several years.
Environmental Pollution
If your heating unit is malfunctioning, ignoring heater repairs can harm the environment. A heater that uses more energy can release more carbon emissions. Greenhouse gases can trigger respiratory issues and other problems for people in your neighborhood. Meanwhile, increased pollution from your home can contribute to climate change and the overall global impact of high atmospheric emissions.
Signs You Need Heater Repair
The best way to avoid these dangers is to not ignore the signs of trouble. Call your local HVAC contractor if your heating unit shows the following signs it needs attention:
- Loud Noises: Clanging, rattling, banging, or whistling noises from your heater mean something inside it may be loose or damaged.
- Uneven Heating: Are some rooms warmer than others? This can mean your heating unit is struggling to keep up with the demand due to an issue.
- Inconsistent Heating: Fluctuating temperatures are a sign your furnace isn’t maintaining the output it’s designed to.
- Strange Odors: Burning or musty odors can indicate a gas leak or mechanical issue that can quickly become dangerous if not fixed.
- Higher Energy Bills: If your utility bills suddenly spike despite no changes in how your heater is used, it may need to be repaired.
How to Avoid Major Furnace Repairs
You can avoid major repairs and their associated costs by calling your heating contractor at the first sign of a problem. Heater issues often start small. Timely repairs can protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. Scheduling annual maintenance is also important. A well-cared-for furnace can last from 15 to 20 years or more.
Contact Us to Schedule Heater Repairs
At AC Plus, we have your home heating and air conditioning needs covered. Our repair services include free estimates and timely solutions as our trucks are fully stocked. When you call, our skilled technicians arrive promptly. They fix any problem and use high-quality parts from the most trusted brands. To request a heater repair in Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and elsewhere in San Bernardino County, California, use our service request tool or call (760) 314-8015.
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