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Emergency Heating Solutions: What To Do When Your Furnace Fails This Winter


Posted On January 14, 2025
Smart Home Services in Littleton and Denver CO

When temperatures drop in Colorado, an unexpected furnace failure can quickly become dangerous. To ensure the safety and comfort of your family, you need the right emergency heating solutions. At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, you can access the top furnace repair in Denver & Littleton, CO. 

As soon as you reach out, one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians can quickly go to your home to diagnose and repair the problem. For a warm, toasty home, give us a call or fill out our online form!

Immediate Steps You Need To Take After Your Furnace Fails

As soon as your furnace fails, you can use the following steps to troubleshoot the problem. If these techniques don’t work, reach out for professional heating repair near you and keep the cold from creeping indoors. With a fast, reliable emergency furnace service, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable winter this year.

Check Thermostat Settings

Before you panic about a lack of heat, start by checking your thermostat. Sometimes, loved ones will turn off the furnace or change the temperature without letting you know. 

On your home’s thermostat, look to see if the heating mode is switched on. Then, check the temperature. 

For easier, more efficient heating, you may want to consider switching to a smart thermostat. These high-tech thermostats allow you to easily check settings from anywhere that has an internet connection. They are also programmable, so you can change the settings for different days or times.

Look at Your Power Supply

Sometimes, the reason why a furnace stops working is because it lacks power. For instance, the power switch may be flipped. You can try turning the switch on again to see if the furnace starts working normally again. 

Alternatively, electrical fluctuations may have triggered the breaker to flip. After finding the flipped switch on the breaker panel, you can switch it on again to see what happens. If it immediately flips again, you likely have an underlying electrical issue and need a professional HVAC technician to repair the problem.

Inspect Air Filters

Airflow issues can prevent air from reaching your rooms and effectively heating your home. Normally, you should change your air every 30 to 90 days. However, this can vary based on usage, the manufacturer’s specifications, and how much dust is in the air. If your air filter gets too dirty, it can impede airflow and keep your filter from functioning correctly.

Find and Seal Drafts

Drafts are another common issue that can lower your energy efficiency. Check to see if there is a door or window that has a draft. Once the draft has been sealed, it should improve your heating performance. 

When in Doubt, Turn It Off 

If you have tried all of the other troubleshooting techniques and been unsuccessful at fixing your furnace, it is time to turn off your HVAC system. Some issues, like electrical problems and gas leaks, can be dangerous. At the very least, you don’t want your furnace to experience added wear because of a faulty component. 

Call a Professional HVAC Technician

Once you’ve turned your furnace off, it’s time to reach out for 24-hour furnace repair services. At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, you can get around-the-clock heating repair services. We know that heaters don’t break on a set schedule, so our team is ready for all types of furnace breakdowns at all times of the day and night.

COMMON FURNACE ISSUES THAT REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL HELP

As a homeowner, it can be difficult to know when you need to reach out for fast heating repair services. Once you notice signs of a problem, it’s important to arrange for heating repair near you. The best emergency heating solutions can help you quickly diagnose and repair your furnace, so you can relax in your home’s toasty interior.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Professional Repairs and Maintenance

If you notice any of the following problems, you may need to contact our local furnace repair company for professional heating repair services.

  • Pilot Light Problems: If the pilot light is flickering or turns yellow in color, it indicates incomplete combustion. As a result, there is a risk of carbon monoxide building up in your home.
  • Weird Smells: Your furnace shouldn’t make any unusual scents. If you notice burning smells or the odor of sulfur, it’s important to turn off your furnace and schedule a fast heating repair service. These scents can indicate electrical malfunctions or gas leaks, so they should be taken seriously.
  • Clogged Filters: A clogged filter can lead to inadequate heating and weakened airflow. Filters are normally supposed to prevent dust and contaminants from getting into the rest of the furnace components. If the filter becomes dirty, it can no longer do its job and may cause additional malfunctions in your HVAC system.
  • Unusual Sounds: Banging, squealing, grinding, and rattling noises can happen if there is something wrong with your furnace. Anytime you notice a strange sound, you should schedule an emergency furnace service and a professional maintenance inspection.
  • Blower Issues: Poor airflow, frequent cycling, and unusual noises can all indicate blower issues. Once your blower starts to malfunction, it will negatively impact your system’s performance and energy efficiency until you get it repaired. 
  • Short Cycling: If your furnace turns on and off more frequently than normal, it may need maintenance or repairs. The underlying cause needs to be fixed so that your other components don’t experience unnecessary wear. 

When Should You Call for Emergency Furnace Repair? 

You should always call for emergency heating solutions if you are concerned about your safety. For example, gas leaks can be physically dangerous for your loved ones and can cause an explosion. Similarly, electrical malfunctions can cause electrocutions and fires.

Additionally, you should call for emergency furnace service if there is no heat coming out of your furnace. Denver’s winters can drop down as low as 6°F, so you don’t want your furnace to be out of commission for long. The best 24-hour furnace repair service can help you quickly diagnose and repair the issue, so you don’t have to freeze in a cold house.

Ultimately, the best option is to start early with scheduling your maintenance and furnace repair for winter. Ideally, homeowners should schedule routine maintenance each fall, so they can fix furnace issues before colder weather sets in.

THE BENEFITS OF 24/7 EMERGENCY FURNACE SERVICES 

If you notice signs of a furnace problem, it’s essential to look for professional heating repair near you. When problems are allowed to continue, they can cause additional damage and more costly repairs in the future. By working with Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical for your furnace repairs, you can enjoy a few important benefits.

Get 24/7 Support

By reaching out for emergency repair services, you can access 24/7 expertise. Elkhorn offers around-the-clock support, so you never have to deal with furnace problems on your own. Thanks to our expertise, you can quickly get problems diagnosed. 

Improve Your Energy Efficiency 

When your furnace isn’t maintained properly, it can impact your energy efficiency. The furnace has to work harder to achieve the same level of performance, which requires increased energy consumption. While furnace repairs may cost a little more upfront, they will save you money in the long run by lowering your energy consumption and minimizing the risk of additional repairs.

Increase Performance 

With a local furnace repair company, you can quickly fix issues that drag down your HVAC performance. A well-maintained heater will have an easier time heating your rooms, so you can enjoy a more comfortable home.

Boost Air Quality 

If your furnace has airflow problems, there may be an issue with your ducts, blower motor, or air filter. All of these causes can end up harming your indoor air quality. Over time, poor air quality can lead to more respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma attacks. Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, increasing the importance of clean indoor air.

Prevent Further Damage

When one of your furnace’s components is faulty, it increases the strain on the rest of your system. Because of this, avoiding minor repairs in the short run can increase the likelihood of having larger, more costly repairs in the future. Through the best furnace repair in Denver & Littleton, you can avoid additional damage.

Protect Your Warranty 

Often, furnaces come with a warranty for specific components. To protect that warranty, homeowners must maintain their furnaces regularly. Maintenance and repairs must be performed by a certified professional. 

If your furnace breaks down, you need a professional HVAC technician to protect your warranty. Additionally, Elkhorn offers a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be confident about the quality of your results.

Enjoy Better Peace of Mind

By scheduling professional heating repair near you, you can enjoy better peace of mind. Avoid the stress of wondering if DIY repairs might lead to an electrical malfunction or a damaged blower motor. With expert HVAC technicians, you can trust the quality and reliability of your repairs.

Professional repairs not only improve heating performance but also reduce the likelihood of future breakdowns.

Don’t let the cold take over your home. Call our team for fast, reliable emergency furnace repair in Denver!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EMERGENCY FURNACE SERVICES 

Over the years, we’ve found that Denver and Littleton residents typically have a few common questions about emergency heating solutions and common furnace problems.

How quickly can you repair my furnace?

In many cases, furnace repairs only take a few hours to complete. Once the technician arrives at your property, they will quickly diagnose the problem and evaluate the situation. Then, they will discuss their recommendations and how long the repairs will likely take.

Do you offer emergency heating services in my area?

We have served the Denver metro area since 1998. Thanks to our convenient location, we can serve customers in Littleton, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Centennial, Lakewood, and Denver.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air? 

Furnaces may blow cold air for a few common reasons. An incorrectly set thermostat, pilot light problems, overheating, or ignition issues can lead to cold air. By scheduling routine maintenance and furnace repair for winter, you can get these problems fixed and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

What is the typical furnace lifespan in Colorado? 

On average, a furnace will last for about 15 to 20 years. However, this can vary significantly based on how frequently it is maintained, usage patterns, and the climate.

Should my furnace make noise? 

While it is normal for a furnace to make some noise when it’s just starting out, excessive noise indicates a problem. The best option is to call for an emergency furnace service so that you can fix the underlying issue.

How often should furnace maintenance be? 

To prepare for Colorado’s cold winters, you should get furnace maintenance at least once a year. This maintenance appointment should ideally take place in the fall, so your furnace is ready to keep your home warm all winter.

Why is there water near my furnace? 

If your furnace seems to be leaking water, it may be due to a humidifier leak, condensation, or a secondary heat exchanger leak. To figure out the cause of the problem, you need to reach out to a professional emergency furnace service.

Can I install a furnace on my own? 

You should never install a furnace on your own. Improper installation can cause safety issues and increase wear on your system. It can also void the manufacturer’s warranty. That’s why we always recommend getting a professional furnace installation service by certified technicians.

ACCESS TOP-QUALITY EMERGENCY FURNACE SERVICES WHEN YOU NEED THEM

If you’re struggling with a furnace malfunction in Denver or Littleton, we have the emergency heating solutions you need. Rather than freeze during Denver’s frigid winters, call for emergency furnace services. Our experienced team has the technology and know-how to quickly repair your furnace, so you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home.
Don’t spend your winter freezing in the cold. Call for 24-hour furnace repair today!

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