As the “winter weather” has made its way to us, remember to maintain your heating systems to keep your home safe.
If you have natural gas heating in your home, you probably know that natural gas has a sour smell (think rotten eggs). If you smell gas, it is important to be cautious because you likely have a gas leak. Here are some tips if you should smell gas:
Avoid Flammable Items. Any spark can set off an explosion. Avoid turning on lights, igniting flames of any kind and do not shut down electronic equipment.
Leave Your Home. It’s not safe to stay in your home if you suspect a leak. Leave immediately upon the smell of gas.
Call The Professionals. Call your gas company or 911 from your mobile phone away from your home. They will come out to your home to inspect the leak and be able to remedy the situation.
If you have an electric furnace, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Little or No Heat. Try increasing the temperature by five degrees and give the system a few minutes to register the change. Also, check the filter. A dirty filter can prevent proper airflow and reduce the heat.
Blower Runs Nonstop. Switch the thermostat from on to off or auto. If the motor doesn’t turn off, it’s probably a faulty relay and you’ll need a qualified professional repairman.
Noisy Furnace. This may be indicative of a bad belt that is worn, damaged or sticking.
No Power. If the furnace won’t kick on at all, check the fuses to see if one is blown or tripped. You can reset the power or shut off the unit for about thirty minutes, then reset the furnace. Sometimes the furnace may just be overloaded.
It is recommended to have your furnace, water heater, and other natural gas appliances inspected annually by a licensed technician. Prevent problems by spending the time and money to have your heating systems inspected.
And, stay warm everyone!
Rowland Title Company 