Six Signs Your Furnace Is About to Explode

Furnace explosions are every property owner’s biggest nightmare, but you can’t weather a frigid Ohio winter without your heating system. Furthermore, knowing the signs your furnace is going to explode can save your home or business – and even the occupants’ lives. 

A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling predominantly provides heating and air repair in Dayton, Ohio. However, we also inform our customers about various HVAC issues and how to solve them. You want to stay warm, but you want to be safe, so learn more below.

You Should Know the Signs Your Furnace Is Going to Explode

Manufacturers design modern furnaces to the highest safety standards to prevent catastrophic events like explosions. However, rare issues may arise that kickstart problems, and since you only use your heating system about half the year, you might miss something.  

Even small problems lead to devastating results, so let’s explore the signs your furnace is going to explode so that you’ll know what to do and when to respond.

#1 You Can Smell the Fuel

Furnace smells are common, especially when it first cycles after a warm season of no activity. However, continuous smells after that first furnace run mean that something is off. 

A heating system fueled by propane or natural gas may smell like sulfur or rotten eggs if it springs a leak. Oil-burning furnaces have a distinct oily odor with hints of sootiness. If any of these fuel and gas odors persist long after the maiden cycle, turn the system off and contact your HVAC company immediately. 

#2 It Sounds Like Something Has Stuck in Your Furnace

The average furnace should only click a few times before it launches into its cycle. The air circulation sounds like a soft, hushed hum. Any unusual noises outside of these typical sounds indicate a problem on the horizon. 

For example, the following noises might be signs your furnace is about to explode:

• Abrupt banging: That banging already means a small explosion took place. Turn off your furnace and contact an HVAC technician to check the pilot light or heat exchanger. 
• Sharp shrieking: Piercing sounds don’t necessarily indicate an impending explosion, but they can point to problems, like tight, unlubricated parts, which lead to excessive heat buildup. That intense heat can lead to an explosion later. 
• Startup pops: Popping upon cycle startups means gas is building up in the burner area. 
• Loud rumbling: Rumbling or rattling sounds don’t necessarily mean an impending explosion on their own. Still, these sounds can warn you of loose parts or fuel buildup that might combust later on. 

#3 The Air Blows Hotter Than Normal

You depend on your furnace to make your building’s interior as cozy as possible during icy winters, but excessive heat buildup that makes you feel too hot, or forces you to peel off layers is one of the main signs your furnace is about to explode. 

You likely know how a typical heating cycle feels. If the cycles become much warmer than usual, you should shut down your furnace and request emergency HVAC assistance. Use space heaters to stay warm until the technician arrives.   

#4 Your Vents Produce Poor Airflow

A healthy furnace produces a strong, noticeable rush of heated air that easily moves through each vent grate. Hold your hand up to each vent. Does the air come out strong and warm?

If the airflow feels slow and weak, the furnace components or ductwork have an obstruction. Air obstructions can cause heat buildup inside the furnace system, which may lead to an explosion later on. You can:

• Change the return and furnace filters. 
• Check accessible ductwork for obstacles.
• Inspect other vents for blockages from furniture or belongings. 
• See if the outdoor exhaust and intake pipes have debris clogs. 

Turn off your furnace and remove anything that could inhibit airflow. If these measures don’t work, call an Ohio HVAC company like A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling. 

#5 The Pilot Light Looks Odd

Occasionally, check your furnace’s pilot light, as it can give you information about fuel usage and safety. The pilot light should be blue and have a steady, constant flame. An orange or yellow flame that flickers means pilot light issues – and is one of the signs your furnace is going to explode.

The blue flame means that carbon monoxide safely exits the furnace system. This deadly gas isn’t contaminating your home or business. Unsteady yellow flames may mean delayed ignition and other combustion issues. 

These problems can lead to carbon monoxide infiltration from a gas leak. Gas leaks can combust and explode in the blink of an eye. 

#6 You Find Soot Around the Furnace

When you inspect your furnace unit, do you find soot staining the exterior? That smoky, powdery debris is never a good sign. Soot means the combustion process didn’t fully finish. 

You might have a gas leak or broken components in the combustion chamber. Don’t use your furnace until an HVAC technician solves the problem and confirms it’s safe. 

Explosion Prevention 101

Furnaces and boilers can develop fuel or carbon monoxide leaks. Both situations are incredibly hazardous and can initiate explosions, but you can avoid these frightening outcomes with basic furnace maintenance, such as:

• Keep interior and exterior vents unobstructed. Remove debris from the openings and keep your belongings far away from them. 
• Maintain a clean furnace area. A crowded furnace can overheat faster. Give it at least two feet of breathing room.
• Recognize and handle new symptoms. Apply the above information to how you deal with furnace issues. You should also report any new symptoms to your HVAC technician. 
• Schedule an autumn maintenance service. A technician might sniff out issues you miss. Professional maintenance keeps your furnace in safe working order. 

Get Fast Emergency HVAC Service From A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling

Now that you know the signs your furnace is going to explode, apply these insights to protect your home or commercial space. Even small repair services, like replacing furnace ignitors, can prevent costly, deadly explosions. Schedule your maintenance tune-up with A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling at 502-708-2247.