Maybe you’ve experienced problems with your home’s HVAC systems, perhaps a broken down furnace or a malfunctioning AC. For many Bay Area homes, the furnace provides not only the “warmth” for winter heating, but it also provides air distribution for the air conditioning during the summer months. So it’s important to remember that your furnace actually works all year long. Though our winters here are relatively mild, extreme summer temperatures or even big temperature swings can sometimes play havoc with the cooling/heating processes.

The thing is, there are signs and indications that you need a furnace repair—or at least thorough maintenance. Unfortunately, many homeowners disregard these signs until their unit malfunctions.

Sure, you can always call for an emergency furnace repair, but unexpected furnace repairs are often costly and almost always inconvenient. Here’s where an ounce of prevention is way better than a pound of cure.

That said, there are times when you need to call a professional to fix your furnace ASAP, even if the issue doesn’t seem too serious. Ignoring the problem, pushing past the season, or attempting a DIY solution can be risky. Here are some common furnace problems that absolutely require an expert.

If you smell gas

If you smell gas, this can be very serious! Act quickly! Leave the area immediately and call PG&E ASAP at 1-800-743-5000. Other signs of a gas leak are: hissing, whistling or roaring sounds, damaged connection to gas appliances, dead or dying vegetation in otherwise moist areas over or near gas piping, unusual soil movement or bubbling water. When it comes to natural gas, don’t take chances – it’s always best to err on the safe side.

Combustion issues

Any problem related to your furnace’s heat-producing function should be handled by a licensed HVAC repair technician. Unusual odors emanating from the direction of your furnace, or an unexplainable spike in your utility bill could signal a potential furnace combustion issue. Keep in mind that malfunctioning furnace combustion often results in higher CO emissions so call a professional right away to inspect your heater.

Regular scheduled maintenance

Your HVAC system plays an important role in the comfort, safety and value of your property, so it only makes sense to keep it in tip-top shape at all times. To avoid unexpected and expensive furnace repair costs, consider investing in regular preventative maintenance, like our Superior Service Club. Like your twice yearly dental check-ups, regular scheduled HVAC maintenance allows you to correct small issues before they become BIG issues. In addition, regular scheduled maintenance assures a safer home and can extend the life of your HVAC system by as much as 7 years.