Imagine it’s the middle of winter at the Jersey Shore, and it’s cold outside. All of a sudden, the temperature inside your home begins to drop. There’s no heat coming through the vents. You try the thermostat, the breakers, the pilot light—but none of the usual tricks bring your gas furnace back to life.
Dealing with a gas furnace breakdown in the middle of winter in Ocean and Monmouth County, NJ is nobody’s idea of a good time, but it does happen—and it’s important to know exactly what to do.
Do you smell gas or carbon monoxide?
When gas furnaces go out, the first order of business should be your family’s immediate safety. Natural gas has no odor, but a sulfuric compound called mercaptan is added so that leaks can be detected by smell.
If you notice a sulfuric or “rotten egg” odor in your home, this could be the cause of your furnace breakdown—and it means that you and your family should leave the house immediately. Call your gas company immediately and stay away from the house until professional help arrives. When it comes to gas leaks, there’s no reason to risk it.
Call 732-888-0952 or Contact Us for a Free Heating and Cooling Quote in
Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey!
Common Signs of a Broken Furnace Problems
Recognizing the signs of a broken furnace early can save you from a complete heating system failure and costly repairs. Here are some common indicators that your furnace might be in trouble:
Unusual Noises: If your furnace starts making strange noises like banging, clanging, or squealing, it could be a sign of a mechanical issue.
Inconsistent Heating: Notice cold air coming from your vents instead of hot air? This could indicate a problem with your heating system or a malfunctioning thermostat.
Increased Energy Bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills might mean your furnace is working inefficiently, possibly due to a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning component.
No Warm Air: If your furnace isn’t producing warm air, it could be due to a cracked heat exchanger, a faulty gas valve, or clogged air filters.
Non-Responsive Thermostat: If your furnace isn’t turning on or responding to the thermostat, there might be an issue with the electrical system or the furnace’s pilot light.
Call [732-888-0952](tel:732-888-0952) or [Contact Us](https://allairsystemsnj.com/contact) for a Free Heating System and Cooling Quote in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey!
Troubleshoot Your Gas Furnace Problems
If there’s no gas leak, consider the possibility that your furnace problem is something very simple. Is your furnace’s pilot light running? Did the fuse that runs your furnace blow out? Did the circuit breaker trip? Is your thermostat broken or set too low? If you discover one of these problems, and are confident fixing it yourself, you could be back in business in no time. Otherwise, it’s best to call an HVAC specialist and continue on to the next step.
Use alternative heat sources
If your furnace breaks down at night or during a holiday, you may have to wait hours or even days for a technician to show up. Now is the time for the safe use of wood stoves and fireplaces, if you have them. Portable space heaters can also make a difference. Make every effort to seal the existing heat inside your home by closing all the windows tight, drawing the curtain, and insulating cracks under the doors with blankets.
Keep the pipes warm
Frozen water pipes are the last thing you need when the furnace is down—but if the pipes get cold enough, that’s exactly what will happen. Hopefully you’ll get professional help before the temperature gets this low, but if not, you can place a portable heater near the main water pipe to keep it from freezing.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts
A carbon monoxide detector alert is a serious warning that your furnace may be producing carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. If your detector goes off, follow these steps immediately:
Turn Off the Furnace: Shut down your furnace to stop the production of carbon monoxide.
Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and disperse the gas.
Identify the Cause: Carbon monoxide can be produced by a cracked heat exchanger, a malfunctioning gas valve, or a dirty burner.
Call a Professional: It’s crucial to have a professional inspect and repair your furnace to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance can help prevent carbon monoxide buildup and ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently.
Call in a furnace technician
As long as you choose a qualified HVAC specialist, getting your furnace fixed will be fast and affordable. You may be tempted to diagnose and fix the problem on your own to save cash, but unless you’re trained and experienced, this often ends up costing more. Professionals can diagnose issues that may interrupt the heating cycle, ensuring your furnace operates efficiently. Never attempt to repair or work with the gas lines leading into your furnace, as this is both dangerous and illegal without the proper license.
Preventing Future Breakdowns
Preventing future furnace breakdowns is all about regular maintenance and timely repairs. Here’s how you can keep your heating system in top shape:
Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections with a furnace technician who can clean your furnace, replace dirty air filters, and check for potential issues.
Routine Tune-Ups: Regular tune-ups can extend the lifespan of your furnace and prevent costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they become major problems.
Clean Pilot Light: Keeping your furnace’s pilot light clean and ensuring proper gas flow can help prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Prompt Repairs: Address any issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure your furnace continues to provide warm air throughout the winter.
Consistent Maintenance: By performing regular maintenance, you can ensure your furnace operates safely and efficiently, keeping your home warm and comfortable during the cold months.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain a reliable heating system and avoid the inconvenience of a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter.
Getting your furnace up and running
An HVAC specialist will be able to quickly and effectively diagnose your ailing furnace. Most of the time, the repair will be minor. It’s always a good idea to follow a routine preventative maintenance schedule to ensure the efficient delivery of heated air and avoid breakdowns—especially during the winter when heat is crucial.
Related Posts
