Frequently Asked Questions
It’s normal to panic when your furnace or heater emits an unfamiliar odor, but odd smells don’t always mean disaster is about to strike. Here’s what’s likely causing your heater to smell.
Dust: When you turn your furnace on after it’s been idle all summer, you will likely smell an odor: dust burning as the system heats up and moves through the vents. Burning dust is normal, and the smell usually disappears after a few minutes. However, if you still smell something off after an hour or so, call an HVAC technician to investigate.
Clogged Air Filter: A clogged air filter causes your heater to work harder, causing overheating and a burning odor. Clogged filters can also contain dust and other particles that burn as the system gets hot, releasing a foul smell.
Burning Plastic: If your heater emits a burning plastic smell, it could be a foreign object, like a child’s toy, lodged in the system that melts as the heater gets hotter. Another cause of a burning plastic odor is when plastic wire casings melt. Regardless of the cause, if you smell burning plastic, shut the system off and call a professional for help.
A faucet that drips even when shut off typically happens when a rubber washer inside the faucet is worn out. Over time, rubber washers become brittle and deteriorate, leading to leaks. A faulty valve seat could also cause a faucet to drip continually. In most cases, replacing the worn-out parts fixes the problem, but if your faucet is old, it may be better to replace it.
Imagine relaxing at home and suddenly hearing popping, cracking, or rumbling sounds from the water heater. Is it time to panic? Most likely, no, and here’s why.
Popping Noises: The most common noise you’re likely to hear from the water heater is popping. Popping noises typically mean there’s sediment buildup in the tank, which happens in areas with hard water. As the sediment layer hardens, water becomes trapped and makes popping noises as steam bubbles burst through.
Screeching: Screeching noises are often caused by restricted water flow, typically from a faulty inlet control valve. If the valve is damaged or partially closed, it prevents water from flowing into the tank.
Crackling Sounds: It’s common for gas-powered water heaters to develop condensation on the burner, causing a crackling sound. While annoying, it’s not a sign that your water heater is in danger of exploding.
The good news is that residential water heater explosions are rare, and it’s usually poorly maintained systems that are at risk.
Clogged toilets are one of the most common household plumbing problems. However, in most cases, clogs are avoidable if you know why they happen.
Excessive Toilet Paper: Using too much toilet paper at once can cause a clog. If you must use more than usual, consider flushing multiple times to remove the waste.
Foreign Objects: Children love to flush things down the toilet, so it’s easy for toys and other objects to get stuck in the trap, leading to a clog.
Non-Flushable Items: The only things you should flush are human waste and appropriate toilet paper. Baby wipes, paper towels, sanitary napkins, cotton balls, and everything else should go into the trash.
Tree Roots: Tree roots can infiltrate the sewer line and grow, causing a blockage. You can usually tell if the sewer line is blocked because multiple drains throughout the house will empty slowly or not at all.
Low-Flow Toilets: Older low-flow toilets were made to reduce water consumption. While they were great for that, they often lacked flushing power to remove waste effectively. Modern toilets use considerably less water but still have enough power to do the job, so it might be worth considering an upgrade.
When facing a stubborn drain clog, most people reach for an over-the-counter drain cleaner. However, you should be cautious using these products, and here’s why.
Possible Pipe Damage: Chemical cleaners can be harsh on your pipes. Over time, they can corrode metal pipes or damage PVC, leading to cracks or bursts. Frequent use of harsh chemicals is particularly risky for old, weak plumbing systems.
Health and Safety Risks: The chemicals used in drain cleaners, like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, can cause severe burns, respiratory issues, or eye injuries if you’re not extremely careful.
Effectiveness: The truth is that chemical drain cleaners can be effective for certain clogs, like hair or grease, but they won’t work on blockages like tree roots.
Temporary Solution: Drain cleaners might provide a quick fix, but they typically don’t address the underlying problem, and you end up with another clog soon.
The safest, most effective way to deal with clogs is to hire a plumber.
When installing a furnace, you might think bigger is better, but that’s not the case. Choosing a too-big or small furnace can compromise your comfort and cause the system to fail prematurely. So, how do you decide which size to get?
Calculate the Home’s Square Footage: Measure the total area that needs heating. Furnace size is often based on the square footage of the home. Each square foot requires a certain amount of BTUs (British Thermal Units) for efficient heating.
Consider the Climate Zone: Different climates require different heating needs. You may need a furnace with a higher BTU rating in colder regions compared to milder climates.
Insulation Quality: The insulation in your home affects how well heat is retained. Better-insulated homes may require smaller furnaces, as less heat is lost through walls, floors, and ceilings.
If you’re unsure which system is right for you, consult with your local HVAC professional.