SUGAR LAND, Texas – With temperatures expected to dip into the 20s this weekend, HVAC experts say now is the time for homeowners to make sure their heating systems are working safely — not just efficiently.
KPRC 2 walked through a full heating service inspection with All Cool AC and Heating, where a technician demonstrated what they look for when checking a furnace ahead of extreme cold.
“Getting your heater checked is all about safety,” said Cody Bellamy, vice president of the family-owned company. “You have gas burning, and if it doesn’t burn properly, you can have carbon monoxide leak into the home.”
Carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible, and potentially deadly — making it especially dangerous when heaters are running nonstop during cold weather.
Bellamy says preventative maintenance helps ensure safety features inside the furnace are working correctly before temperatures suddenly drop.
“In Houston, winters are usually mild, but when it gets cold, it happens fast,” Bellamy said. “If people haven’t had their heaters checked, that’s when systems tend to fail.”
Experts say there are several red flags that signal a potentially dangerous heating problem:
- A strong gas smell, often described as rotten eggs
- Hissing sounds near the furnace
- Rattling noises that could indicate blower motor issues
- A burning smell that lingers after the system starts
- Rapid on-and-off cycling of the furnace
“If you smell gas, shut the system off immediately, turn off the gas valve, and call a professional,” Bellamy said. “Do not ignore it.”
Technicians say heater inspections are especially important before a cold snap because emergency calls tend to spike once temperatures plunge — leading to longer wait times and higher stress for homeowners.
Most heating issues, Bellamy says, can be fixed if caught early.
Experts recommend homeowners test their heaters now, listen for unusual sounds, and make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly throughout the home.
With freezing temperatures approaching, HVAC professionals say a little preparation now can go a long way in keeping families warm and safe.