Making Sure Your Heat is Here to Stay

Would you rather be too cold or too hot? The answer varies depending on who is asked. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that waking up in the middle of the night freezing is one of the worst feelings. Usually, we just add more layers, put some socks on, or grab more blankets. Sometimes that does the trick, but other times the coldness is all through the home and is due to a malfunctioning heating system or a broken furnace. Having a reliable way to access heat is crucial, especially in the frigid temperatures in the northeast region. So, how do you make sure your heat is here to stay? Learn the ins and outs of your heating system or furnace, and then seek a professional’s help when you notice something out of the ordinary. Below are some signs that you need a heating system repair.

Unusual Noises

Unless you just installed a new furnace or heating system, you probably know what sounds the system normally makes. This is good because you can pick out any irregularities more easily. Most noise that you hear will be normal, but if you are hearing clanking, loud pops, or screeching sounds, it could indicate something more dangerous. Gas build-ups, dirty air filters, loose blower fans and panels, or a malfunctioning pilot light could all be causes. Do not ignore noises that you haven’t heard before, as ignoring the problem could be both costly and dangerous to you and your family.

Uneven Heating

If you walk around the house and notice that some areas are warmer than others, your system likely is not functioning as it should be. This will be especially obvious if there are parts of the house that are freezing cold, while other parts are too hot. Not only will uneven heating cause your energy bills to soar, but this problem might signal that the system or furnace you are currently utilizing is not the right fit for your home.

A Headache

When furnaces are not properly vented, they can release a poisonous, odorless, colorless gas called carbon monoxide. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a real threat for anyone. It occurs when carbon monoxide gets into the bloodstream, replacing the oxygen in red blood cells with the dangerous gas. If you suddenly develop a headache, feel lightheaded, or are disoriented, leave your home and call a professional. It is better to be safe than sorry, as carbon monoxide poising can happen quickly and cause irreversible damage. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector installed for this reason.

A Yellow Flame

If the pilot flame on your furnace is any color other than blue, or if the flame is anything but strong, this means the gas is not being properly burned. Dirty systems or improper venting can cause this. A non-blue flame can also signal that carbon monoxide is not being successfully directed away from the system, which poses a more serious danger to you and your loved ones.

Whether you are in need of a service or repair to your existing heating system, or need a new appliance, J. Griffin Heating and Plumbing is here to help. We have served the Eastern Massachusetts area for more than 30 years and provide both quick and reliable service for you and your family. As always, we believe regular maintenance is key to preventing bigger problems and emergencies, so contact us for any issues you are having. To get in touch, call us at (781)-520-1212 or visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/JGriffinHeatingandPlumbing/