Warning Signs of a Faulty Heating System
During these brutally cold winter months, homes demand the most out of their heating systems. Heaters and furnaces constantly run, warding off the cold and keeping homeowners warm inside their abode. But what happens when these systems of comfort go haywire? Here are a few warning signs that the heating system is on the fritz and needs timely repair.
Watch Out for Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of burning fuel, so homes with a furnace or heater run on the gas all produce carbon monoxide that makes its way out of the home safely through a properly installed exhaust system. The problem is that a home’s heating and exhaust system may become subject to cracks, leaks, obstructions, and other unspecified malfunctions that may cause carbon monoxide to enter the home instead of out of it.
When this happens, homeowners are in danger of suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If left untreated, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to brain and heart damage, psychosis, blindness, depression, and in severe cases can lead to death. This is why people who believe they may be exposed to carbon monoxide or are experiencing symptoms must be treated immediately.
Since carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, it is difficult to detect its presence in the home, so it is recommended that homes have carbon monoxide detectors in addition to smoke detectors. Homeowners are also advised not to use gas stoves to warm their homes, to start a car before the garage doors open, and to schedule regular heating maintenance for fuel-burning systems to function well and not leak this dangerous gas into the home.
Check for Visible Signs of Mold
Another possible problem that could arise from defects and malfunctions in a heating system is mold growth. Mold is a fungus that grows on damp surfaces and can cause allergic reactions and infections with symptoms ranging from a stuffy nose and sore throat to coughing, wheezing, and even skin rashes.
Because mold can only thrive where it is damp, it is often found where moisture forms and accumulates. HVAC systems where condensation builds up or are positioned where there is poor ventilation and high humidity levels are prone to mold formation, which can migrate into the air ducts and eventually spread all over the house.
Fortunately, mold growth can be mitigated, and the best way to do this is to first be aware of the presence of mold. A musty smell when the HVAC turns on or allergic symptoms present to a home’s occupants can easily tip off anybody looking to determine whether mold is growing indoors. If mold growth is suspected, the next step is to call a professional HVAC technician to check if there is mold in the air ducts so that it can be removed and steps can be taken to prevent mold from taking root in the heating system again.
Monitor Furnace Overheating
Furnaces are designed to provide safe heating within the home, but there is also the possibility that a malfunctioning heater can produce too much heat, which, of course, is not a good thing. An overheating furnace could lead to such safety hazards as carbon monoxide poisoning, heater damage, and a furnace fire, so if homeowners observe the following signs, it would be a good idea to call an HVAC professional and get them to conduct heater repair:
- A burning smell when the heater turns on
- Strange noises coming from the furnace
- The furnace turning off before the cycle is done
- The furnace constantly cycles on and off
Heating repair, however, isn’t the only way to take care of a problematic heater. Homeowners can also prevent heaters from running too hot by routinely changing the furnace filter. This air filter in the furnace collects dirt, dust, and other particles in the air that, if left to thicken and accumulate on the filter surface, could cause the heater to overwork and overheat.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling is a reliable heating and AC solutions company serving the Livermore and Tri-Valley communities of Northern California. They are a family-owned company with a reputation for providing on-time service, using the latest technology and having a team of knowledgeable technicians, which has earned them the trust of new and established customers. Call them today for HVAC services in Livermore, CA.
