As the cold weather blows in and the temperatures start to drop in Charlotte, NC, it’s important to have a functional heating system to keep you warm. When you’re experiencing a heating problem, you may notice some telltale signs, like bad odors, cold air or thermostat issues.
Unpleasant Odors
Any odor coming from your furnace isn’t a good sign. Unpleasant odors like mildew, rotten eggs or the smell of gas can indicate a serious problem.
If you smell gas, turn off your heating system and call an HVAC service technician right away. Continuing to operate the furnace with a gas leak could cause an explosion.
A musty scent often indicates the presence of moisture in your ducts, which might cause microbial growth. If you smell rotten eggs, this might mean that the heating element isn’t working properly. A burning smell will alert you to problems with the electrical components of your heater, especially the wiring.
Cold Air Coming Through the Vents
A common problem with the HVAC system is cold air coming through the vents when it should be warm. The first thing to do is check the setting to make sure it’s on warm instead of cool.
If all looks right, your pilot light may have gone out, which is usually an easy fix. Other issues that can cause this to happen include poor ventilation, a damaged burner or not enough fuel in the furnace.
If you can’t switch the system to warm or reignite the pilot light, call a certified service technician for assistance.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat’s job is to tell the heating system how much hot air to produce to raise the temperature in a specific zone. If you’re constantly raising the temperature on your thermostat to keep your house warm, the unit may not be functioning as well as it should.
Common issues that impact thermostat operation include loose wiring, a blown fuse and tripped circuit breakers. An HVAC service technician can diagnose the problem and perform the repair.
If your heating system isn’t operating correctly, call Bradham Brothers, Inc. for immediate assistance. We look forward to keeping you warm all winter long.
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