Congratulations, you survived the latest Alberta cold snap! Did your home heating system struggle? Could your furnace keep your home nice and warm? Did you suffer from a home heating emergency? Let’s look at the three most common HVAC heating emergencies that you might want to avoid next time we get a burst of cold Alberta winter weather.
⚠️ Emergency #1: Plugged Air Intake Vent
To work properly, your furnace needs adequate airflow. If your furnace is having problems starting, or seems to be trying to start but can’t, a blocked airflow from the intake pipe could be the culprit. Even if you aren’t having trouble with your furnace, it’s a good idea to check your intake before the cold weather arrives. Most often snow and ice are the typical causes for blocked air intake vents, and it’s a common reason to cause your furnace to stop running. Having a properly installed fresh air intake is the first step to improving your home’s indoor air quality. We suggest you double check that your fresh air intake is clean and free of snow and ice to keep your furnace running smoothly all winter.
⚠️ Emergency #2: Dirty Furnace Filter
How long has it been since you last changed your furnace filter? Replacing your filter on a regular schedule will keep your furnace working at it’s optimal performance. A clean air filter not only improves your indoor air quality, but it can also improve your heating and cooling system’s airflow and efficiency. This can help lower your utility bill and extend the life of your equipment. If your filter gets too dirty, it can block the return air flow to the furnace. It’s like putting a blanket over your head and asking you to breath normally! So change your filter on a schedule (hint: we recommend changing your filter every 3 months or as recommended by your equipment manufacturer manual) to keep your furnace running smoothly.
⚠️ Emergency #3: Failing Flame Sensor
No heat at all – during extreme winter weather this is the most troublesome home heating emergency! It can be alarming to wake up to no heat in your home. With the temperature dropping to dangerous levels at night this is definitely something you should avoid to keep your family safe and warm.
If your furnace keeps shutting down and cannot provide heat to the entire house, it may be because your flame sensor is failing. There are three signs of a bad flame sensor. First, the furnace starts working but then quickly shuts down – also known as “short cycling”. Second, there could be cracks in the porcelain of the flame sensor which can cause it to quit working properly. Finally, if the flame sensor is corroded or needs cleaning it could stop functioning all together.
How Can You Avoid A Home Heating Emergency?
An HVAC professional from Ignite Heating can identify your home heating emergency and offer the best solution. We repair all makes and models and can locate the parts to repair your furnace. It may even be time to replace your furnace if a repair solution is not an option. We offer free quotes on furnace replacements and can recommend the best home heating system for your home. Contact Ignite Heating today by calling (780) 919-4916 or fill out the contact form here.
Your furnace may need a “clean & check” to make sure it’s prepared for the next drop in temperature. We charge $125 to come to your home and clean and check out your furnace thoroughly – contact us today to book a clean & check. That way you will be prepared for the next cold snap and most likely avoid a home heating emergency!
At Ignite Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., your comfort is our concern! Call us today at (780) 919-4916 for all your home heating repair emergencies and inquiries. Why not add our professional, friendly technicians, available 24/7, 365 days a year to your phone’s contact list – just in case you need us during the next Alberta cold snap!