Question 1

Is a cracked heat exchanger an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a cracked heat exchanger is a serious safety emergency and you should stop using your furnace immediately.

A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most dangerous furnace problems a homeowner can face. The heat exchanger is the component that separates combustion gases — including carbon monoxide (CO) — from the air that circulates through your home. When it cracks, those toxic gases can leak directly into your living space. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, meaning you won't know

Question 2

What should I do if my AC is smoking?

Accepted Answer

Turn off your air conditioning system immediately and do not use it until a licensed HVAC technician inspects it. Smoking from an AC unit indicates a serious electrical or mechanical problem that could lead to fire or equipment damage.

Immediate steps to take: First, turn off the AC at your thermostat, then go to your electrical panel and switch off the breaker for the air conditioning system. This ensures the unit is completely de-energized. Do not attempt to investigate the source of the smok

Question 3

Can I run my furnace with a broken blower motor?

Accepted Answer

No, you should not run your furnace with a broken blower motor. The blower motor is essential for circulating heated air throughout your home and preventing dangerous overheating of the heat exchanger.

Why a broken blower motor is dangerous: When the blower motor fails, heated air cannot circulate properly through your home's ductwork. This causes the heat exchanger to overheat, which can crack the metal and potentially allow carbon monoxide to leak into your living space. Modern furnaces have

Question 4

Is it an emergency if my furnace stops working in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a furnace failure in winter is considered an emergency, especially when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. Without heat, your home can become dangerously cold within hours, and frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage.

Immediate steps to take: First, check your thermostat settings and ensure it's set to "heat" mode. Replace your furnace filter if it's dirty, as a clogged filter can cause the system to shut down. Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers and

Question 5

What should I do if I smell gas from my furnace?

Accepted Answer

If you smell gas from your furnace, leave your home immediately and call Enbridge Gas at 1-866-763-5427 from outside your house. Do not turn any lights on or off, don't use electrical switches, and don't try to locate the source of the leak.

Once you're safely outside, call Enbridge's 24-hour emergency line - they will dispatch a technician immediately to shut off your gas supply and investigate the leak. Never ignore a gas smell as natural gas leaks can lead to explosions or carbon monoxide po

Question 6

Should I turn off my furnace if it smells like burning?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you should turn off your furnace immediately if you smell burning, especially if it's a strong, acrid, or unusual burning smell. This is a safety precaution that could prevent a potential fire hazard or equipment damage.

Different burning smells indicate different levels of concern. A light dusty smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season is usually normal - it's just dust burning off the heat exchanger after months of sitting idle. However, strong burning smells, electrical

Question 7

Who do I call for emergency furnace repair in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

For emergency furnace repair in Ottawa, call a licensed HVAC contractor immediately - Ottawa HVAC Pro offers 24/7 emergency service for heating system failures.

When your furnace stops working, especially during Ottawa's harsh winters, you need immediate professional help from TSSA-licensed technicians. Emergency situations include complete heating system failure, strange burning smells, unusual noises, or if your carbon monoxide detector is sounding. Never attempt to repair gas furnaces yourse

Question 8

What do I do if my heat pump is making a grinding noise?

Accepted Answer

Turn off your heat pump immediately - a grinding noise typically indicates a serious mechanical problem that could cause expensive damage if the system continues running.

Grinding noises in heat pumps usually point to worn bearings in the fan motor, a failing compressor, or debris caught in the outdoor unit's fan. These are not normal operating sounds and require immediate attention. The grinding could also indicate that internal components are rubbing against each other due to loose mounting h

Question 9

What temperature is dangerous for pipes to freeze?

Accepted Answer

Pipes can start freezing when temperatures drop to 32°F (0°C), but the real danger zone begins when outdoor temperatures fall below 20°F (-7°C) for extended periods. However, pipes don't always freeze exactly at the freezing point due to factors like insulation, water movement, and thermal mass.

The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls. In Ottawa's climate, we typically see pipe freezing issues when temperatures drop below -1

Question 10

What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Accepted Answer

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, immediately evacuate everyone from your home and call 911. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly within minutes at high concentrations. Your CO detector is designed to alert you before levels become fatal, but you must act quickly. Get everyone outside to fresh air immediately - don't stop to investigate the source, grab belongings, or turn off appliances. O

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