Few things are more alarming to a homeowner than the prospect of the heating system suddenly exploding. Thankfully this is a rare occurrence, but the fact that your furnace uses combustion to produce heat should remind you that maintenance is vital to safety, and so is remaining alert to signs of trouble and taking prompt action.
If you notice any of the following signs your furnace is going to explode, get in touch with Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air for prompt heating services in Simi Valley, CA, and prevent serious consequences for your home and family.
Problems That Indicate a Simi Valley Furnace Could Explode
According to the National Fire Protection Association, furnaces cause about 50,000 house fires every year, some of which start with an explosion. Furnaces have safety features that reduce the likelihood of a full explosion, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for regular upkeep and to pay attention to signs your furnace is going to explode.
1. Unusual Odors
Unlike other heating sources, like a wood stove, you shouldn’t smell anything coming from the furnace when it’s running. Any sudden odors, like a burning smell or sulfur (rotten egg), are surefire signs that something isn’t right. In fact, the scent of rotten eggs is an emergency, as it typically indicates a gas leak; if you notice a gas odor, turn off the heat, leave your home immediately, and call 911.
2. New Unidentified Sounds
Every furnace makes some noise, usually during the startup and shutdown processes. The longer you have the unit, the more familiar the noises become, and the easier it gets to identify when something changes.
Any time your furnace starts making a new sound, call a Simi Valley HVAC expert to investigate. While an unexpected loud banging noise could be a sign of a minor issue like a loose component, it can also mean big trouble inside the furnace. Other noises that require attention include whining, squealing, popping, and strange hissing sounds, all of which mean the furnace needs professional attention.
3. Repeated Shutdowns
When signs your furnace is going to explode appear, the unit will likely shut down automatically to prevent more damage and safety risks. However, sometimes the furnace will repeatedly attempt to fire up, only to immediately turn off again without completing a full cycle.
This process, called short cycling, is easy to spot. You’ll be able to hear the furnace come on, then turn off again very quickly. In many cases, it will make persistent clicking sounds as it attempts to complete the heating cycle.
Short cycling can be a symptom of a larger mechanical issue within the furnace, including deferred maintenance. It might also mean that you have the wrong size unit for your home. In any case, you need a Simi Valley HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and prevent a malfunction.
4. Yellow Pilot Flame
Another issue to include in signs your furnace is going to explode (or at least break down) is a discolored pilot light. A functioning furnace will have a blue pilot light flame; any other color indicates trouble.
A yellow pilot flame is of particular concern, as it typically means that the furnace has a ventilation issue that’s allowing carbon monoxide into your home. The carbon monoxide detector going off is typically the first sign of a problem; if the alarm sounds and you see a yellow pilot light, furnace repairs are in order.
5. Electrical Problems
Problems with the electrical system are a common cause of malfunctioning furnaces in Simi Valley. Often, the most common sign is that the furnace won’t turn on or it trips the circuit breaker every time it does. However, there can be other signs, like scorch marks on the electrical panel or a burning plastic odor.
Furnace electrical problems can arise from a variety of issues, from faulty connections to overheating. They require prompt repair since an electrical short can easily cause a fire that will lead to an explosion.
Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air Will Protect Your Simi Valley Home
Don’t ignore the signs your furnace is going to explode. Even if you aren’t sure if there’s a problem, get in touch with Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air to have a trained technician check it out and give you the all-clear. If we find a problem, we’ll fix it fast.
Do you have more questions about heating, including how to make your home more efficient or the advantages of a tankless water heater? We’re here to help, so call today.