A furnace breakdown can be stressful, scary, and potentially dangerous, especially in cold Edmonton temperatures. But if you know what to expect, how to respond, and who to call, your furnace breakdown might not be as scary as it seems. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about emergency furnace problems! Keep reading to learn more.
If you are experiencing a furnace emergency and need immediate support, call Weiss-Johnson at 780-463-3096 for 24/7 support.
What is Considered a Furnace Emergency?
Not every heating issue requires immediate emergency service, but certain situations definitely do. Generally speaking, a furnace emergency is when your furnace fails to provide heat during extreme weather conditions. With Edmonton’s winters regularly reaching low temperatures, a non-functioning heating system can quickly become life-threatening. Examples of a furnace emergency include:
- A non-functioning system
- Gas leaks
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Electrical issues
- An overheating system
Call a professional immediately if you smell gas, see sparks or smoke coming from your furnace, or notice unusual sounds during operation.
What to Do When Your Furnace Stops Working
Step 1: Don’t Panic
We get it: furnace breakdowns can be stressful, especially when facing cold Canadian temperatures. But here’s what’s important to remember: furnaces can stop working for many reasons, and some issues are easily fixable without professional help. In the next section, we’ll walk you through some simple troubleshooting steps.
Step 2: Assess the Situation
While placing a service call immediately might be tempting, it’s important to inspect your system and look out for some common problems. Here are some simple things to check before calling an emergency furnace repair technician:
- Thermostat: Is your thermostat operational and set to heating mode? In many cases, a lack of heat is caused by improper thermostat settings.
- Breakers: Make sure the power in your house is functioning properly.
- Furnace Vents: Are your vents blocked by snow, debris, or other obstructions? Many furnaces will automatically shut down as a safety measure in these cases. Clear the obstruction and wait for your furnace to operate again.
- Furnace Filter: Dirty filters are the number one cause of heating system issues. Excess buildup can restrict airflow and cause system shutdowns in extreme cases. Think: When was the last time you changed your filter? If it has been longer than a year, try replacing it and see if this restores heat in your home.
Step 3: Call a Furnace Repair Technician
If none of these basic troubleshooting steps restore heat to your home, it’s time to call an expert. Contact them promptly, especially if you suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide issue. Fast professional service helps reduce downtime and minimizes potential damage to your system.
At Weiss-Johnson, our highly skilled and trained technicians can identify the root cause of any heating emergency. With over 250 employees and more than 125 service trucks, one of our techs will be on-site in no time to help repair the heat in your home. If your furnace requires significant repairs, we’ll use our extensive in-house stock to provide any necessary parts.
Step 4: Conserve Heat While You Wait
While you wait for your emergency furnace repair technician to arrive, you can take steps to keep your home as warm as possible:
- Ensure all windows and doors are completely sealed. Use weatherstripping or other insulation to seal gaps even further.
- Turn on your fireplace or space heater to generate some warmth.
- Close any curtains or unused rooms to keep heat centralized.
How to Prevent Future Furnace Emergencies
Want to avoid an emergency? Here’s the truth: Regular preventative maintenance is your best defence against unexpected breakdowns. When you schedule annual tune-ups, expert techs will spot problems early before they become emergency repairs.
Need Emergency Furnace Repair? Call Weiss-Johnson Today!
Don’t panic—we are here for you! Weiss-Johnson is Edmonton’s first choice for reliable, professional service. Our certified technicians are available for emergency calls and equipped to handle any heating system problem, from simple repairs to complete system replacements. In nearly 50 years of service, we’ve helped thousands of Edmontonians achieve ultimate comfort in their homes. Check out our customer reviews to learn why we are Edmonton’s first choice for all HVAC needs.
