Furnace Owners Beware!
Things can get pretty creepy around the house around Halloween. Maybe homeowners like to celebrate by adding scary decorations, but some spooky stuff seems too real. Instead of decorations or tricks, homeowners may start noticing strange noises or unexplained growths that may seem of paranormal origin.
Coinciding with Halloween is a temperature drop that means homeowners are turning on their furnaces for the first time in many months. After sitting idle for so long, furnaces can develop issues that make themselves known in creepy ways. Here are a few normal but spooky things to look out for as furnaces and heaters get turned on and returned to service.
Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Starting the list off, this may be the scariest item. Of all of the things that can go wrong in a home or with a furnace, carbon monoxide leaks may be the worst. Carbon monoxide is a silent, tasteless, odorless killer. The only way to sense its presence is with carbon monoxide detectors.
What can something invisible and imperceptible do to people living in the home? Exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning can cause problems like:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Chest pain
Prolonged exposure can even lead to death. To lessen the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning, always have licensed professionals install appliances and schedule fall heater maintenance to check the gas burner’s operation.
Mold Growth From Excess Moisture
Mold growth is a common problem in the fall and manifests itself in two ways. First, mold is likely to grow in humid environments, especially near windows where cold outdoor air meets humid indoor air. Once mold growth is established in a home, it will likely make its way into the air ducts and grow there if moisture is present.
The second way mold growth is manifested is in musty odors. After mold growth is inside ductwork, the dank odors will permeate the house instead of staying localized. The best ways to prevent mold growth are to check around windows for air leaks and schedule fall maintenance on the furnace to ensure that it is properly removing moisture from the home.
Stay Safe From Overheating Furnaces
Maybe the most dangerous problem that can occur is when the furnace overheats. Furnaces produce thousands of BTUs and can quickly overheat if not running properly. The most important thing for homeowners to do to prevent an overheating furnace is to replace filters every three months, especially right before the heating season begins. This can be part of a homeowner’s DIY schedule or professional furnace maintenance.
Safety devices are in place in every furnace to prevent overheating, but no system is perfect. To catch overheating furnaces before they cause serious damage to the system or the home, look out for:
- Burning smell
- Humming noises
- Soot in the burner
- Evidence of fire in furnace
- Warped sheet metal on furnace
- Ticking and popping noises
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Residential and commercial customers needing revolutionary help with their HVAC? Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. has the most knowledgeable technicians and exceptional customer service. Call today to enquire about comprehensive furnace maintenance in Colonial Heights, VA.
