3 Dangerous Furnace Issues That Warrant an Emergency Call

Your furnace is a critical component that’s responsible for the comfort in your Hampton, Virginia, home. Even a well-maintained furnace can and will run into problems through normal use. The most important thing is knowing when a problem is occurring and whether it’s dangerous enough to warrant an emergency phone call. If you’re experiencing any of the furnace issues below, we urge you to contact an HVAC technician right away.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger is the metal chamber that’s designed to transfer the heat of the combustion gas into the air. If the heat exchanger gets corroded, cracks can develop, leading to the escape of carbon monoxide from the system. Carbon monoxide is hard to detect without an alarm and is highly volatile and toxic. Rattling and clicking noises coming from your furnace can be a sign of a cracked heat exchanger and should be inspected immediately from a professional.

Blocked or Damaged Flue

The flue acts as the chimney of your furnace and helps remove the fumes and exhaust to the outside of your home. When a flue becomes blocked with debris or is damaged due to a problem with the damper, the fumes will be unable to leave the house and instead will flow back into the cabinet. The buildup of fumes can lead to a risk of fire and explosion.

Damaged or Failing Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a component that regulates the function of the pilot light and the gas line. If the pilot light were to go out, the thermocouple would shut the gas line off to ensure the furnace stays safe. When the thermocouple is not functioning properly, the gas line may not be shut off, and the unburned gas can flood back into the combustion chamber where it will become a fire hazard.

If you suspect you have any of the dangerous furnace problems listed above, contact us today. One of our Lighthouse Mechanical Heating and Cooling technicians will get your problem rectified and get your system operating safely again.

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