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Furnaces, Oil and Gas Frequently Asked Questions

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What is that smell every year when I start up my furnace?

Should I replace my indoor AC coil at the same time as my furnace?

Why is the LED light flashing on my furnace?

How do I light the pilot on my furnace?

How do I know if my furnace is leaking carbon monoxide?

What is that smell every year when I start up my furnace?
Typically over the summer when the furnace is not in use the heat exchanger inside the furnace gets coated with a layer of dust and when you start up your furnace in the fall the heat exchanger burns this dust off which is what you are smelling. This is normal for most heating equipment that has not run for several months and does not harm the equipment. As for indoor air quality concerns I would have to say that it may be a good idea to open some windows to be on the safe side.
 
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Should I replace my indoor AC coil at the same time as my furnace?
It makes sense to upgrade and replace the indoor coil when you replace a furnace even if you are not replacing the air conditioning unit. This is because the furnace itself in many cases must be removed to replace this coil or other extensive work may be necessary to make the new larger coil fit, if you were to consider the cost to upgrade the coil at a later date versus doing it now you will basically be paying two to three times as much for that same coil when the added labor is figured into the cost. All newer air conditioning units require an upgraded coil to match the efficiency ratings in SEER so it just makes sense to change that coil while it is easier and cheaper.   

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Why is the LED light flashing on my furnace?
If your furnace status LED is blinking a steady single blink this usually means the system is either in stand by mode or is receiving a call for heating or cooling. If the LED light is blinking rapidly more than once and then pauses and does more this usually indicates the furnace has an issue and some sort of failure or a safety device has tripped. The codes can be difficult to read unless you read them all the time but they normally refer to two specific numbers that correspond to a troubleshooting chart in the manufacturer manual or sometimes right on a sticker on the furnace door. Each code usually tells the technician what to look for on the system and in most cases there can be more than one thing to check.     

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How do I light the pilot on my furnace?
Most modern furnaces today no longer have a standing pilot light like the ones seen on gas water heaters. Most furnaces today will either have an electronic spark ignition or a hot surface igniter system. But if your furnace does have a standing pilot light the best advice is to follow the instructions on the stickers and labels on the furnace itself. If your pilot will not stay lit then you need to clean or replace your flame sensor. 

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How do I know if my furnace is leaking carbon monoxide?
If you are even remotely concerned about carbon monoxide in your home then the smartest thing you can do is to go and buy a carbon monoxide detector from a big box store and plug it in any electrical outlet, one on each level of your home. These devices cost a little more than a cheap smoke detector and are well worth the expense for any home because just like smoke detectors, they save lives. most reputable HVAC contractors have carbon monoxide meters and almost all gas companies have them as well, they can come to your home and measure the carbon monoxide levels in your home. Having said that you should also have your furnace inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor if you even suspect your furnace is leaking and all manufacturers recommend that the furnace be inspected and serviced annually.  

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