When winter lows regularly drop into the twenties and below, a no-heat emergency in Illinois can put homeowners at serious risk. Luckily, there are ways that residents can protect themselves, including scheduling professional maintenance before Illinois’ first freeze and being aware of signs of trouble.
In this article, the HVAC experts at Home Comfort Services detail seven furnace red flags that could mean danger and the need for emergency furnace repair.
When To Schedule Furnace Maintenance in Illinois
One of the best ways to protect your home against furnace-related issues is to schedule furnace maintenance before winter in Illinois. Since winter starts early, you may need to turn on your furnace as soon as September, when nights drop into the sixties. That means homeowners should ideally schedule their tune-up by the end of August.
During a tune-up, a technician can find and fix any minor issue that, if left unaddressed, could lead to a sudden emergency breakdown, electrical fire, or other issues. Homeowners may even opt to join a maintenance plan to eliminate the need to remember to schedule on their own.
Furnace Warning Signs Illinois Homeowners Should Never Ignore
There are some heating issues that should never be ignored and require emergency furnace repair in Illinois as soon as you experience them. These signs not only mean you’re at risk for losing your heat and comfort, but may also be associated with hazards like electrical fire and gas leaks.
Strange Odors
Your furnace should never have a persistent burning smell or rotten egg odor. The first is associated with overheating components or electrical issues that can lead to fire. The second could mean that you have a gas leak that needs to be addressed immediately.
Change in Pilot Light Flame
Your pilot light should always burn blue. A yellow or flickering light is a sign of improper combustion, which is one of the greatest carbon monoxide risks in furnaces.
A technician can help determine if this is a sign of a cracked heat exchanger or if the problem is related to gas supply or ventilation issues.
Frequent Short-Cycling
A furnace that turns off and on quickly won’t complete full heating cycles. This not only impacts your comfort and raises energy bills, but it can also quickly lead to a complete breakdown due to the added stress. It is also often the result of overheating or clogged filters.
Strange Sounds
While a furnace doesn’t operate silently, it should not make noises like banging, screeching, rattling, or popping. These are all signs that something is seriously wrong internally, like delayed ignition, worn-out bearings, or blower motors.
High Utility Bills
One of the top furnace safety tips in Illinois is to keep a close eye on your energy bills. A sudden, unexplained spike is a clear sign of trouble and could be the first sign that your system is headed for a breakdown.
Soot Buildup
If you notice black streaks or soot near your furnace registers, your system is showing signs of incomplete combustion. Similar to a change in your pilot light, this is a warning sign of carbon monoxide risks and fire hazards.
Breaker Keeps Tripping
A frequently tripped breaker is a sign of electrical issues, overheating, or a malfunctioning blower motor. Homeowners who fail to address this issue may experience hazardous electrical fires.
Call Home Comfort Services For Heating Maintenance and Repair
Keep your home safe and warm this winter with furnace care from Home Comfort Services. Our team can help you maintain your comfort and prevent frozen pipes in your Illinois home with expert furnace maintenance and repair from our team. With more than 20 years of industry experience, we’re your local trusted home service provider. Call today to receive upfront pricing and personalized care.
Schedule service today by calling Home Comfort Services in Illinois.
