Key takeaways
- Warning signs include short cycling, yellow or flickering flames, soot, strange smells and rising bills.
- Carbon monoxide is odorless. Install working detectors on every level and near bedrooms.
- If a detector sounds or you feel unwell, get everyone outside and call 911.
- An annual furnace inspection checks the heat exchanger, venting and combustion.
Warning signs
Watch for a furnace that cycles on and off, rooms that never get warm, rattling or banging, a burning smell that does not clear, soot around the unit, a pilot or burner flame that is yellow or flickering instead of steady blue and higher bills with no change in use.
Any of these deserves a technician's attention before the coldest weather.
Carbon monoxide safety
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Cracked heat exchangers, blocked flues and poorly adjusted burners can release it. Put working CO detectors on each level and near bedrooms, test them regularly and replace them on the manufacturer's schedule, often every five to seven years.
If a detector sounds, or if several people feel headaches, dizziness or nausea, get everyone outside, call 911 and do not go back in until emergency responders say it is safe.
Inspect before it gets cold
A fall tune-up includes checking the heat exchanger, venting, burners, gas pressure, safety controls and airflow, and measuring combustion. It is the best protection against problems that are hard to spot yourself.
If your furnace is older than about 15 to 20 years, ask whether replacement now is smarter than a repair later.
Related services
Quick answers
What should I do if my CO detector goes off?
Get everyone outside, call 911 and stay out until emergency responders say it is safe. Then call a qualified technician before using the equipment again.
How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?
Only an inspection can tell. Warning signs include soot, flame changes and CO alarms, but a cracked heat exchanger can be silent.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.