8 heating scenarios that require immediate attention
The cold of winter can make heating failures more than just an inconvenience – they can become serious health and safety risks. At Bob’s Heating, we offer 24-hour emergency heating repair in Issaquah and surrounding areas, so your family stays safe and warm no matter what.
Not sure if your situation qualifies as a “heating emergency”? These are some of the most common problems that may require urgent attention.
SEE ALSO: Top 5 Common Heating Problems and How to Prevent Them
1. Furnace failure
If your boiler suddenly turns off or won’t turn on, it’s a major red flag. Some possible causes include the following:
- A faulty pilot light or ignition
- broken thermostat
- electrical problems
Ignoring these issues could lead to more extensive (and expensive) repairs, so it’s important to get a repair service as soon as possible.
2. Gas leaks
A gas leak is one of the most serious heating emergencies you can face. If you notice a strong smell of sulfur or rotten eggs when you turn on the heater, it is probably due to a gas leak. This situation requires immediate action as the gas leak poses risks of explosions and serious health effects due to prolonged exposure.
What to do: Turn off the gas, evacuate your home and call emergency services. Once the area is safe, our team can address the issue and ensure your heating system is back up and running safely.
3. Activation of the carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can result from a malfunctioning gas heating system. Exposure to this gas can cause headaches, dizziness, and even life-threatening conditions. If carbon monoxide alarms sound:
- Evacuate everyone from your home immediately
- Call emergency services for guidance.
Our technicians can inspect your heating system, repair any problems, and get your heating system back up and running safely.
4. Knocks, rattles and other unusual noises
Is your boiler or heat pump making strange sounds? Noises such as knocking, moaning, or rattling often indicate that something is wrong. (Note: Rattling noises are very common in radiator heating systems, especially older ones, but are not normal in forced air systems.)
Unusual sounds in furnaces or heat pumps may be symptoms of loose components or faulty parts, including a damaged fan wheel, faulty motor bearings, or a cracked heat exchanger. Ignoring these noises can worsen the damage and potentially lead to a complete system breakdown.
5. Blow cold air
If your air ducts are blowing cold air through the vents, it’s time to call for help. This problem may be caused by:
- A dirty or faulty flame sensor
- Blocked air ducts
- Problems with the fan motor
Not only will this leave your home uncomfortably cold, but it could also indicate deeper problems within your system. Our technicians can identify and resolve the root cause to restore warmth to your home.
6. Water leaks
A leaking heating unit should never be ignored. Water leaks from your heating system may indicate problems with the heat exchanger or a broken drain pan, both of which can cause significant damage. Water leaks also pose electrical risks, especially if they occur near electrical components.
If you see water pooling around your heating system, have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
7. Short cycling
Short cycling occurs when your oven turns on and off frequently in short intervals. This may be due to airflow problems, a malfunctioning thermostat, or clogged filters. Short cycling puts additional strain on your system, increasing energy costs and causing component wear.
Addressing short cycles early can save on energy bills and help your system last longer.
8. Health risks
Even if your faulty heating system doesn’t seem like an “emergency,” if someone in your home is elderly or has health problems, don’t hesitate to call. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures indoors can cause hypothermia and other serious ailments. It’s not worth the risk!
Do you need an emergency heating repair? Contact Bob now
If you find yourself in any of these situations, don’t hesitate to ask for help. At Bob’s Heating, we provide free estimates and 24/7 emergency service so you can get the care you need when you need it.
Call us at 800-840-3346 to schedule your emergency repair and let us bring comfort and security to your home.