Most Common Heating Hazards (and How to Spot Them)
Heaters bring you warmth, but occasionally, they bring major problems that need immediate professional attention and heater repair. Below, we explore some of the most serious heater-related hazards and explain how to recognize and respond to them.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Many people know carbon monoxide is dangerous but don’t know why. It bonds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the proper transmission of oxygen throughout the body.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
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Fatigue
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Headaches
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Confusion
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Dizziness
You cannot smell carbon monoxide, but you can install a detector to detect high levels in the air. Carbon monoxide often builds up in the air when a heater or furnace malfunctions and the fuel does not burn completely.
Mold Growth
No one likes to see mold, but even scarier is the idea that it can cause problems beyond what is visible.
Mold loves to grow in a damp, dark environment, and the inside of your heater can be the perfect breeding ground when something goes wrong.
You don’t have to see mold for it to be there. If you smell something musty while your heater is on or notice respiratory issues like sneezing or coughing, there could be mold somewhere in the system.
Obviously, if you see visible mold on the exterior ductwork or around the vents, you know what you’re dealing with. If you notice this problem, stop using your furnace to prevent the spores from spreading throughout the home.
Overheating Furnaces and Heaters
We want our furnaces hot, but not too hot. Your heater should only reach the temperature on the thermostat; exceeding that is a sign of a bigger issue.
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as cleaning your vents or replacing your air filter. Increasing the airflow means the furnace does not need to work harder to get warm air to your living spaces, and the issue might be solved.
More serious problems, like failing parts or short cycling, can cause more damage over time while driving up your energy costs. On top of that, a malfunctioning furnace is more likely to cause carbon monoxide poisoning or catch on fire, dramatically increasing the problems you need to deal with.
If you notice higher energy costs, lingering or persistent burning smells, or humming/ banging, contact your local HVAC professional for an immediate inspection.
About Total Comfort Solutions
Dealing with a faulty heater is never fun, but working alongside the professionals at Total Comfort Solutions alleviates the stress. From straightforward pricing plans with no hidden fees to complete communication during your repair, your return to peace is as easy as can be. Contact us today for heater repair services in Walla Walla, WA!
