Hello, my name is Darby Aldrich. I would like to talk to you about the importance of maintaining your air conditioning system. When I moved to a hot climate, I did not realize how vital having a running air conditioner was for living comfortably. When the unit just stopped working one day, the temperature inside the house rivaled the piping hot weather outdoors. We had to go to the community center to keep the kids from feeling sick. While we were gone, we had a local HVAC contractor fix the unit. She let us know that some simple maintenance tasks would prevent that situation in the future. I will use this site to closely explore those tasks in great detail. I hope you can use the information to keep your air conditioner running like new. Thanks.
If your home is heated by a gas furnace, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to prepare yourself in the case of an emergency involving your heater. If so, keep in mind the following four signs that your home's gas furnace needs immediate attention.
Air Flow Through Your Vents Is Suddenly Weak
Over the course of a month between filter changes, it is normal to notice that the air coming out of your vents is not as strong. This is because the filter has started to become clogged with dust and dirt. Usually, once the filter is changed, the air flow returns to normal.
However, if you notice a sudden decrease in the amount of air flow through your vents, this could be a sign of something more serious, such as the motor getting ready to break down. If you have changed the filter and see no improvement, call a heating repair service as soon as possible so they can inspect the motor.
Pilot Light Is a Flickering, Yellow Flame
Normally, your gas furnace's pilot light glows a light blue, with a bright white color at the base. This indicates that the mixture of air and gas is in balance. Also, the flame should be fairly stable, only moving when air hits it from the outside.
However, if you notice that your pilot's flame has started to flicker and jump, there could be a problem with the gas line. One cause of the flickering could be air pockets within the line, which would have to be bled out by a professional.
Another cause of a flickering flame could be the buildup of carbon monoxide within the gas line and inside the furnace. If the light is also a bright yellow throughout the flame, this is also a strong indication of the poisonous gas.
If you see that your pilot light has started to flicker and has turned yellow, call a heater repair shop as soon as possible. While scheduling a service call, ask whether or not you should continue using the furnace or turn it off until they arrive. They will guide you on how they wish to handle this situation.
Water Is Pooling Around the Heater
If you see water pooling around the heater, first look for any surrounding water pipes that may be leaking. If not, look for droplets of water at the base of the furnace. If you suspect the water is coming from your furnace, one of the gas lines may have condensation inside of it.
When you suspect water is coming out of your furnace, make a service appointment with a repair service as soon as you can. The longer the gas lines stay moist inside, the greater the chance they could rust through. This could potentially cause a gas leak, as discussed in the next section.
You Detect Strong Gas Odor
Since natural gas is odorless, gas companies are required to add a substance that gives it that rotten egg smell. When your heater first kicks on, you may normally detect a faint odor while standing next to the furnace.
However, if the gas odor is strong and detectable throughout your house, immediately vacate your home without stopping to do anything. Once outside, call your gas company for further instructions. Then, call a heating repair service to have them inspect your furnace once your home is cleared.
If you notice any of the signs above, you may either be heading towards or in an emergency situation in regards to your home's gas furnace. If you find yourself in any of these situations, call services like Advanced Heating & Cooling so they can diagnose any issues and discuss your repair options.
Share3 May 2017