If you recently glanced at weather reports from around the country, you’ll have noticed how unpredictable April can be: snowstorms striking Vermont, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Central California never experiences anything so extreme (except up in the mountains), but April is still no time to risk having your heating system fail. So even though the calendar says it’s spring, don’t let that stop you from taking action with your furnace if it’s putting your comfort in jeopardy.
Watch for the furnace warning signs
What’s the best way to ensure your furnace doesn’t break down on the last few days you really need it? Simple: never delay calling for a repair technician when you notice anything wrong with how the furnace is running. There are a few signs in particular to look for during this time of year, when the furnace has already done plenty of work:
- Uneven heating: If parts of your home aren’t warming up the way they usually do when the furnace is on, this usually means the furnace is quickly losing its standard heating capacity.
- Screeching/shrieking sounds: These noises are probably from motors wearing down after a full winter of work. If you have repairs done fast enough, the motor might be saved so it won’t need to be replaced.
- CO detectors go off: This is vital! Since a furnace malfunction might create a safety hazard from toxic gas leaks, when one of the carbon monoxide detectors goes off, the furnace needs to be professionally inspected. (But first clear out of the house and call the gas company!)
- Circuit breakers trip: If the furnace has caused a circuit breaker to trip when it comes on, the blower motor may be under extra stress. It could also be an electrical fault.
Safety first!
Although making certain your furnace will continue to keep you warm through the end of the cold weather is a good reason to schedule furnace repairs, the most important reason is to keep the furnace safe. The natural gas furnace, the most common type in homes, is not inherently a dangerous appliance. But if it’s neglected, the potential danger rises. Don’t try to guess if a furnace malfunction may lead to carbon dioxide leaks—call a professional to make sure the system is safe!
Furnace replacement
In some cases, a repair may not be the best route. If you have a furnace that’s more than 15 years old that isn’t working well, it’s better to have it replaced than to have it limp on with repair after repair. Getting this job done during spring is good planning: you won’t have to worry about scheduling it in the fall to try to beat out the cold weather. Ask your repair professional if it’s better to have a furnace replacement rather than continue with repairs.
If you notice something wrong with your home’s furnace, don’t hesitate to call us for furnace repair in Fresno, CA. We’ll make sure you and your family have the heat you need until the warm weather settles in to stay.
Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Serves the Central Valley: “Quality Is the Cornerstone of Our Success” Since 1952.