You need your furnace to run as efficiently as possible; however, even with routine servicing there are things that may go wrong and require the assistance of an emergency HVAC technician. Here are four reasons to call in your local HVAC experts for emergency heating repairs rather than waiting until regular business hours.

Your Furnace Doesn’t Turn On

If your furnace fails to turn on, takes longer than usual to turn on, or turns on but doesn’t stay turned on, there are several issues that could be causing this problem. For example, the pilot light may not be working correctly or there could be faulty wiring.

Either of these problems can cause additional significant damage to the furnace, so it is important to contact an HVAC repair technician for emergency services to prevent the problem from getting worse.

A Family Member’s Health Is at Stake

Elderly family members, children and anyone in the house who’s sick may not be able to endure a lengthy period of time without heat. If the furnace suddenly turns off or if you cannot get it to turn on, check to make sure the circuit didn’t flip and the thermostat is set correctly. If neither of these is the problem, contact an emergency HVAC technician right away, and let them know that someone in your home may not be able to handle a long wait without heat.

Your Furnace Is Making Strange Sounds

A furnace generally makes some type of noise when it is running; however, if you notice unusual sounds – such as banging, groaning or whining coming from your furnace, you should contact an emergency HVAC technician. These types of noises may indicate a broken part or a loose belt, which may cause more damage if not repaired quickly.

You Smell Gas in Your Home

When there is a residential gas leak, you will smell an unusual odor, such as sulfur or rotten eggs. If this occurs, shut off your main gas line and immediately contact an emergency HVAC technician. You should also routinely check the pilot light. The flame should be blue. If it is yellow, it may be a carbon monoxide leak, and you should have it repaired immediately.

Ways to Stay Warm While Waiting for the Technician to Arrive

As soon as you call your local emergency HVAC team, they will send someone to service your call. While you are waiting for them to drive to your home, here are a few things you can do to stay warm until they arrive:
Choose a room on the warmest side of your house, one that is away from cold winds. It’s also best to avoid rooms with large windows; an interior bathroom typically has the lowest air leakage and heat loss.
Isolate the room from the rest of the house by keeping the doors closed and hanging a quilt or blanket over the entryways.Layer with blankets. In fact, your bed may be the safest, warmest place for a short period. This is an especially good way to keep children and the elderly warm. Two or more people in the same bed will help to conserve body heat.

Keep in mind that when the weather is especially cold, delaying heating repairs may be dangerous for your health. It is much safer to contact an emergency HVAC technician than to risk harm to your family. It’s also best to request emergency services if you suspect that running the furnace may cause further damage.

If your home’s heating system breaks down in the middle of a cold winter day (or night), contact your local emergency HVAC company immediately. Modern Heating & Cooling, Inc., has emergency technicians available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to make sure you stay comfortable and warm all winter long.