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It’s that time of year again. Time for hearty soups, fleece blankets, and cozy sweatshirts. It’s also time to start up your home heating system and make your home a warm and inviting retreat from the cold outside.

But if you notice an unusual odor as your furnace kicks into high gear for the first time, it could be an indication that something is not quite right. While some very faint odors are common when a furnace cycles on for the first time after hibernating all summer, others could lead to system failure, or worse, a dangerous explosion.

So how do you know what odors to look for and when to call a professional? Here are four of the most common furnace odors and their causes.

1. If you notice a dusty or smoky smell, first make sure that your heat registers are open throughout your house. For proper air circulation, at least 80% of your home’s registers should remain open. If that’s not the case, it could simply be that your furnace is burning off the dust that has accumulated on its components over the warm weather months. The dusty smell is just as likely coming from air flowing your ducts, an environment where dust loves to gather.  We recommend a thorough duct cleaning every 3-4 years.
2. An electrical burning smell usually means system components or wires are damaged and causing the unit to overheat. It’s best to shut the furnace off and call an HVAC contractor who will inspect the furnace and repair or replace any necessary parts.
3. A musty, moldy smell is most often a sign of mold growth in your vents or on system components, typically due to moisture build-up. The mold would need to be eradicated and the source of the moisture identified and fixed in order to prevent this problem and stop the flow of mold spores into your living space.
4. The most dangerous smell – a rotten egg or sulfur odor – requires immediate action, as it could mean you have a gas leak in your furnace, which could lead to an explosion. Evacuate your home immediately, no matter what time of day. Then call 911 from a safe location.

Your best move, always, is to have your heating system cleaned and inspected at the start of the heating season, strange odors or not.  It’s your best bet for a season long of safe and reliable operation, not to mention lower utility costs.  To schedule service and check one more thing off your “worry list”, contact Absolute Air today.

972-932-5373
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Your home’s best friend through the colder months in Forney and Terrell is a well-running furnace.

The longer you’ve had it, chances are the more you take it for granted.  Sorry to be the bearer of not-so-glad tidings, but it’s not going to last forever.  As time goes by, it’s common for a furnace to begin acting up.  So, by understanding the three main components of your heating system you’ll have a better idea of what the problem might be.

The heat source.

Aptly named, this is where the heat originates. If your furnace is gas-burning and it is not heating, then the furnace most likely is not receiving the fuel it needs to ignite.

The distribution system.

This component to your heating system is responsible for delivering the heated air throughout your home, i.e. your ductwork, vents, and registers. If your furnace turns on but heat doesn’t seem to be reaching the rooms in your home, the distribution system is most likely the culprit.

The thermostat.

A faulty or malfunctioning thermostat can cause your furnace to turn off and on repeatedly or not at all. Since the thermostat is responsible for sending a signal to your furnace to turn on or off, it can easily be the source of the problem if your heat is in short supply.

If you experience problems with your furnace this winter, particularly if it doesn’t respond when you try to turn it on, follow the steps below to see if you can get it going again:

• First, check the circuit breaker to make sure the furnace is receiving power. Also look for a secondary power switch, located on the furnace itself.

• Check the furnace for a ‘reset’ button, which is typically found on or around the motor housing. For a gas furnace, leave the unit off for approximately 30 minutes before pressing the button to let the unit cool off first. If that doesn’t do the trick, wait another 30 minutes and try again.

• If you have a natural gas furnace, inspect the pilot light to make sure it’s functioning properly. Check that the gas supply is turned on as well.

• Ensure that your thermostat has been set correctly. Increase the temperature setting by 5 degrees to trigger the unit to turn on.

At Absolute Air, we offer a host of home heating services, including annual preventative maintenance, expert repairs, plus new system design and installation.  If you have a home heating need or require air conditioning services in forney tx, you can count on us for sound advice, prompt service, and outstanding workmanship.  We look forward to your call.

Do you welcome the fall season with giddy excitement or grudgingly make your peace with summer coming to an end? Either way, there’s no denying that fall is here. Maybe not according to the calendar just yet, but the days are getting shorter, the thermometer is dropping, and fall fashions are out in force.

Still, before your thoughts turn to apple picking and pumpkin carving, make sure that your biggest investment – you home – is ready to embrace fall and the colder weather ahead. A little time spent now, can save you time, and money, later.

1. Spring isn’t the only season for deep cleaning. Take the time to launder drapes and comforters, vacuum behind and under furniture, refrigerators, and your stove to reduce allergens and improve air quality. Also clean or replace your HVAC filter, and if you run a humidifier clean the plates or pads to keep it running efficiently.
2. Keep your fires burning bright…and safe! Inspect your wood stove, and schedule a professional cleaning of your chimney.
3. Prevent drafts and heat loss by sealing or caulking any cracks around your windows and doors. Now is also a good time to replace screen windows and doors with energy-efficient storm windows and doors.
   
4. Prepare your home comfort system by scheduling an HVAC tune-up. A small investment now could save you hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars should your furnace or boiler decide to quit in the middle of winter.
   
5. Conduct a safety inspection. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries as needed. Have a family safety plan in place in the event of a fire and make sure your fire extinguishers are full and at the ready.
6. Make sure your gutters and down spouts are free of debris, and inspect your roof for broken, loose, or missing shingles or tiles.
   
7. Prep your garden by clearing away dead foliage. If you utilize a compost pile, be careful not to throw any weeds in the mix unless you want to lay down a fresh bed of weeds on your lawn come spring.
8. Vacuum your vents and registers in preparation for the warm air that will soon be flowing through them.

Allow us, for just a moment, to return to point #5.  You know, the part about having your heating system professionally serviced.  All joking aside, it’s an important fall and winter preparedness step that will help your system run better, last longer, and cut back on your home heating costs.  Contact Absolute Air today to schedule service so you can check #5 off your to-do list.