A furnace breakdown in the middle of winter is not just inconvenient in Edmonton, where temperatures can drop to below zero Celsius. Suppose, for instance, one wakes up on a rather cold morning in winter and faces a rather cold house with no heating source.
In this blog post, you will learn more about how to diagnose your furnace issues, steps to follow during a furnace emergency, and guidelines on hiring a professional plumber in Edmonton in case of any complete or partial furnace failure.
As highlighted herein, it is possible to reduce the extent of the inconvenience and discomfort likely to be occasioned by a furnace breakdown through prevention.
Understanding Your Furnace
Basic Components
The furnace system has several intricate parts or subsystems that work together. By being aware of these elements, one can look for signs of such issues and possibly fix them before they become worse.
Here are some of the critical parts of a furnace:
- Heat exchanger: It takes heat from combustion and circulates it in the air within your house.
- Blower motor: The blower motor blows warm air around the residing quarters of your house.
- Burner: The burner is used to light the fuel source, gas or oil, to produce heat.
- Thermostat: The thermostat directs when the furnace switches on and off, thus regulating the temperatures in your home.
- Humidifier: Some furnaces even have special features, including air humidity, to give the required value.
Common Furnace Problems
Despite routine checkups, occasional issues may be seen with the furnaces, indicating an emergency repair service may be needed.
Here are some of the most common problems that can lead to furnace emergency repairs:
- Pilot light issues: When the pilot light is off, the furnace cannot be lit either.
- Thermostat malfunctions: A thermostat failure can cause the furnace not to start or stop when it should.
- Blocked air filters: Dirty filters may limit airflow, affecting the furnace’s efficiency.
- Heat exchanger problems: Cracks or holes in the heat exchanger enable CO to slip through and into your living space.
Identifying Signs Of Furnace Trouble
Unusual Noises
If a furnace has to work correctly, it is supposed to work at a comparatively shallow noise level. Ignoring your furnace’s usual sounds is hazardous which may indicate a problem.
Some everyday noises to watch out for include:
- Banging: This could indicate that a part of the structure may be loosely fitted, or there may be some damage to the heat exchanger in the building.
- Screeching: A worn-out blower motor can be another noise a dryer makes; it often sounds like screeching.
- Rattling: Louder noises similar to rattling may be probably due to the loosened screws or sounds that come from the ducts.
- Gurgling: A gurgling sound may be the only sign of a problem with the gas furnace’s water pan.
Temperature Fluctuations
If you realize that the temperature in your home is not constant or that some regions are hotter or colder than others, it may be time to call a furnace repair service.
There are various reasons why some places get too hot and others too cold, including a lousy thermostat, dirty air ducts, and a bad blower motor, to mention but a few.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
It is an odourless, colourless gas which is fatal. Your furnace emits carbon monoxide if it is not working as it is supposed to; thus, ensure it’s in proper working conditions.
One should have a carbon monoxide detector in the house and be familiarized with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emergency Repair Tips
Tip #1: Safety First
If your furnace or any other electrical appliance malfunctions, you should not risk your safety trying to fix it alone; always seek help.
Here are some precautions to take:
- Turn off the gas: If your furnace is powered by gas, you should switch the gas off to avoid aggravating the situation.
- Ventilate the area: Ventilate the house by opening the windows and doors to let in fresh air and dilute the carbon monoxide gas.
- Avoid using other appliances: Do not operate other gas-operated appliances, including your stove or oven, while your furnace is not working.
Tip #2: Temporary Solutions
If you are awaiting a professional plumber’s arrival, you can wait using the following tips:
- Use space heaters: If you must use space heaters, they can warm up sections of the house. However, practice necessary precautions to avoid a fire outbreak.
- Layer clothing: However, to remain warm, one must wear warm clothes and use blankets.
- Close off unused rooms: Unused rooms should be shut off to conserve heat.
Tip #3: Hiring A Reliable Plumber
Also, after experiencing a flood in a residence, one must ensure that one hires the best emergency plumber in Edmonton.
Here are some tips for finding a reliable plumber:
- Check online reviews: Seek the opinion of other customers who have hired plumbers.
- Ask for referrals: People can get the recommendations of their friends, relatives, or neighbours in a specific area.
- Get multiple quotes: Get quotes from at least three different plumbers to compare their rates and services.
Also Read: Why Edmonton Homeowners Choose Us For Reliable Plumbing Services
Who We Are?
At Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas, we want to be your go-to for any plumbing and heating solutions in Edmonton. Our qualified and experienced staff is ready to offer the highest quality of services, quick reactions, and individual approaches to every client. Whether you need an emergency plumber or regular service, we are available to help.
Please call us at 780-443-2434 to arrange a service appointment or to discuss your needs. Do not let furnace issues ruin your comfort. Choose your local experts at Dunn Rite Plumbing & Gas for affordable, professional resolution.