Your furnace is one of the most important systems in your home, especially during the cold winter months in Texas and Oklahoma. When it’s working properly, it keeps your home warm and comfortable. However, just like any other piece of equipment, a furnace can wear out over time and, if not maintained properly, can become a safety hazard.
At Advanced Cooling, we have seen firsthand how neglected furnaces can pose risks, from carbon monoxide leaks to fire hazards. Knowing the signs that your furnace is becoming a safety hazard is essential for keeping your home and loved ones safe. Here are the key indicators to watch for.
The Furnace Hasn’t Been Serviced in a While
Why it’s a problem: Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your furnace runs safely and efficiently. Neglecting to service your furnace annually can lead to a buildup of dust and debris, corrosion, and the failure of safety features, all of which increase the risk of a safety hazard.
What you should do: Schedule a professional furnace inspection at least once a year. A licensed HVAC technician can check for signs of wear, clean the system, and make necessary adjustments to keep it running safely. Regular service also ensures that any potential safety issues, like faulty wiring or gas leaks, are caught early.
Furnace Is Producing Yellow or Flickering Flames
Why it’s a problem: A healthy furnace should have a blue flame, indicating proper combustion. If your furnace is producing yellow or flickering flames, it could be a sign of incomplete combustion, which means the furnace isn’t burning fuel properly. This could lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is extremely dangerous.
What you should do: If you notice yellow or flickering flames in your furnace, it’s essential to call a professional HVAC contractor immediately. Incomplete combustion may indicate that your furnace’s burner needs cleaning or that there is a blockage in the air supply. This is a serious issue that requires professional attention to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are Going Off
Why it’s a problem: Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fuel combustion, and a well-maintained furnace should vent it safely outside. If you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home and it starts to sound an alarm, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. A leaking or faulty furnace can cause carbon monoxide to enter the home, which can lead to poisoning.
What you should do: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, immediately evacuate your home and call 911. After ensuring your family is safe, contact a licensed HVAC technician to inspect your furnace for leaks or ventilation issues. If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, it’s essential to install them in key areas of your home, particularly near bedrooms and living spaces.
There Are Unusual Noises Coming from the Furnace
Why it’s a problem: Furnaces often make noise as they operate, but loud or unusual sounds, such as banging, popping, or screeching, may indicate a problem. For example, banging noises could suggest that there is a malfunctioning burner or expanding metal, while a squealing sound could mean that the blower motor needs lubrication or the belt is loose.
What you should do: If you hear any strange or alarming noises, don’t ignore them. Call a qualified HVAC technician to inspect the furnace. Ignoring unusual sounds can lead to more serious damage, and in some cases, it can create a fire hazard, especially if the system is overheating or components are coming loose.
The Furnace Is Producing Excessive Heat or Smells Like Gas
Why it’s a problem: If your furnace is overheating, it could be a sign that the heat exchanger is damaged or that there is a problem with the blower motor. In both cases, the furnace can overheat and cause a fire hazard. Additionally, a gas smell coming from the furnace could indicate a gas leak, which is extremely dangerous.
What you should do: If you notice an overpowering gas smell, shut off the gas supply immediately and leave the house. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself. Contact a professional HVAC technician and the gas company right away to avoid the risk of an explosion or fire. If your furnace is producing excess heat, a technician can inspect the system to check for any faulty components that might be causing it to overheat.
Furnace Flame Sensor is Dirty or Malfunctioning
Why it’s a problem: The flame sensor in a furnace detects whether the burner flame is igniting properly. If the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning, it can cause the furnace to misfire or shut down, which could lead to unburned gas accumulating inside the furnace. This poses a serious fire hazard.
What you should do: If your furnace keeps shutting down or isn’t igniting properly, it may be due to a malfunctioning flame sensor. A qualified technician can clean or replace the sensor to ensure the system is operating safely.
Increased Dust or Soot Around the Furnace
Why it’s a problem: Excessive dust or soot around your furnace could indicate that your furnace is burning fuel inefficiently. This may result from a dirty burner, a clogged vent, or a system that’s been improperly maintained. If the furnace is producing soot, there is a risk of fire, and it may also affect your indoor air quality.
What you should do: If you notice a buildup of soot or dust, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. Your technician can clean the burner and check for any issues with the furnace’s airflow or venting system that might be contributing to the problem.
Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
Why it’s a problem: As your furnace ages, the risk of malfunction and safety hazards increases. Furnaces that are 15 years or older may have outdated components, worn-out safety features, and higher chances of failure. Older systems are also more prone to developing dangerous issues like gas leaks, faulty wiring, or inefficient combustion.
What you should do: If your furnace is over 15 years old, it’s worth having it inspected by a professional HVAC contractor to determine its condition. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective and safer to replace an old furnace with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Conclusion
Furnace safety should always be a priority in your home. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t wait to address the issue. Timely action can prevent dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or gas leaks, and it can also save you from expensive repairs in the future. At Advanced Cooling, we are dedicated to helping homeowners in Texas and Oklahoma keep their heating systems safe and efficient. If you suspect that your furnace is becoming a safety hazard, call us today to schedule an inspection or repair. Our team of professional technicians is here to provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your furnace is operating safely and efficiently.
Advanced Cooling is the premier choice for HVAC services in Texas and Oklahoma. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Advanced Cooling for all of your HVAC needs in Texas and Oklahoma.
