5 Dangers Of Ignoring Home Furnace Repair

The furnace plays a big role in keeping your family comfortable in cold weather, but it can also be a source of woe. This complex apparatus has various electrical and mechanical components, which can become faulty from wear and tear or old age. The furnace also burns combustible fuel, which adds an element of risk. Apart from posing a health hazard to your family, it could also cause property damage. So, what are the risks of ignoring furnace repair?

1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

Carbon monoxide comes from incomplete burning of fuel. It is heavier than air and can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas. If you are exposed to high concentrations of CO, it could kill you. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when the heat exchanger cracks and starts leaking gas into your house. You should have a carbon monoxide detector installed to avoid this problem and call for emergency furnace repair when it detects this problem.  

2. House Fire      

If your furnace pilot light is faulty or has loose electricity wires, your furnace could catch fire. A fire in the furnace could spread, especially if there is lint in the ducts. Switch off the furnace and call for a furnace technician if you notice the pilot light is faulty or see loose wires. 

3. Poor Indoor Air Quality       

If you ignore furnace repair, you could suffer from poor indoor air quality. This happens when dust accumulates on your furnace's heat exchanger and filter. The dust can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, resulting in symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Over time, you could develop a respiratory illness. 

4. High Power Bills  

If your furnace runs inefficiently or has an electrical problem, it will use more power than usual to keep your house warm. This will result in higher power bills. In extreme cases, your furnace could burn out, requiring you to replace it. Always call for furnace repair to make the unit efficient.

5. Costly Repairs or Replacement  

If you ignore emerging problems, you risk costly major repairs or a complete replacement if the unit is extensively damaged. This is a very expensive proposition. It is a better idea to schedule regular maintenance and minor repairs. 

The best way to deal with these risks is by repairing your furnace at the first sign of trouble. Don't wait until you're freezing or spending too much money on power bills to call for repairs. Schedule furnace maintenance ASAP when necessary.