You might not believe it, but summer will be behind us soon. In addition to raking leaves, choosing Halloween costumes and ordering that first pumpkin-flavored drink of the season, it’ll also be time to power up your heating equipment for the fall and winter.
If your furnace or boiler struggled through the previous winter, restarting your heating system can be fraught with uncertainty. Can you count on reliable heat? Is a breakdown in your future? Are there safety issues you should worry about?
At JW Pierson Co., we can help you determine if an issue is no big deal or if you need to arrange a heating repair visit.
Do you smell something burning when you turn on your furnace for the first time? The most common cause of burning smells is dust or dirt build-up. When your burners click on, this dust will burn away, and the odor should disappear after a few minutes. However, if the smell lingers after 10 minutes or so, there could be an issue with your filters, wiring or something lodged in your equipment. You probably will need a professional HVAC technician.
As a general rule, well-functioning heating equipment should run quietly. If you constantly hear thudding, squealing, clanging or other mechanical noises, it could indicate some of the following issues:
Call us right away, and we’ll look at your equipment.
Make sure your thermostat is set at least five degrees higher than your current room temperature (and set to “heat” mode). Be sure the power switch is on, and the breaker for your equipment hasn’t tripped. Finally, you’ll want to ensure you have heating oil or propane in your tank.
If everything looks okay, but your heating still won’t work (or if you have an empty fuel tank), don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Firstly, it’s imperative that you have a CO detector on every floor of your home and outside each bedroom. Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Carbon monoxide is odorless. It can cause severe illness and even death. If your CO alarm sounds, get everyone out of your home and into fresh air immediately. Contact emergency services to address the CO issue.
If your heating equipment is the source of CO accumulation, some possible issues are:
Once the immediate safety issue is addressed, a professional heating technician can fix the underlying problem.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to avoid a pricy boiler or furnace repair is to arrange annual heating maintenance. A yearly tune-up ensures the reliability and efficiency of your equipment. It also extends its lifespan and keeps you in compliance with your manufacturer’s warranty.
The late summer is a fantastic time to service your heating equipment. Reach out to JW Pierson to request service.