Furnace Safety Red Flags Spokane Homeowners Should Never Ignore 

Spokane winters aren’t subtle. They come in fast, dip into the teens, and stay long enough to test the limits of any heating system. In older homes especially, it’s not unusual for furnaces to run nonstop for days or even weeks. That kind of demand, year after year, puts serious stress on your system. Safety issues can pop up quietly if your furnace is aging, neglected, or just plain tired.  

Carbon monoxide leaks, gas odors, strange furnace behavior—these aren’t just “wait-and-see” problems. They’re warning signs that something inside your heating system could be failing. Whether your furnace is brand-new or nearing retirement, understanding these signs is key to protecting your family, home, and peace of mind. 

Heating repair in Spokane isn’t only about comfort—it’s about safety. When your furnace is running full-time during the coldest parts of the year, a small malfunction can turn into a serious hazard. Recognizing the early signs of trouble might just prevent a major emergency. 

Why Furnace Safety Should Be a Priority in Spokane 

Living in Spokane comes with a few guarantees, including cold winters, snow-covered rooftops, and a furnace that needs to work hard just to keep things comfortable. But behind that comfort, there’s combustion. Gas or electric furnaces rely on high-heat components, fast-moving motors, and a series of vents and valves that need to be perfectly balanced. 

If anything slips out of sync, like a cracked heat exchanger, a worn-down seal, or a clogged flue, it can lead to dangerous conditions. Many warning signs go unnoticed because they happen inside the unit or over time. 

Safety risks include: 

• Carbon monoxide leaks 

• Gas leaks from faulty connections 

• Fire hazards due to electrical arcing or dust buildup 

• Soot buildup or poor combustion causing indoor air quality issues 

With Spokane’s extended heating season and the area’s mix of vintage and newer homes, it’s especially important to keep a close eye on the condition of your furnace. And that starts with knowing the signs. 

Strange Smells? Your Furnace Might Be Sending a Signal 

Not all furnace smells are a cause for panic. A mild burning smell when turning your heat on for the first time each season is usually just dust burning off. But persistent or unusual odors deserve attention. Always trust your nose. If something smells “off,” it probably is. 

• Furnace gas smell (like rotten eggs): This smell is a major red flag. Natural gas is actually odorless, but utilities add a chemical called mercaptan to give it that telltale sulfur smell. If you ever notice it, turn off your furnace, leave your home, and call your gas company immediately. 

• Burning plastic or electrical smells: These may indicate overheating motors, melting wire insulation, or electrical arcing. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to fire hazards. 

• Musty or damp smells: These smells are usually caused by moisture or mold in your ductwork or near the blower motor. This can affect your indoor air quality and worsen allergies. 

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Danger in Many Homes 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is odorless, invisible, and deadly in high concentrations. It’s a byproduct of combustion, which means your furnace produces it as part of normal operation. That’s fine, as long as your system is venting properly and no components are failing. 

But when CO starts leaking into your home due to a crack in the heat exchanger or improper airflow, it can put your family at serious risk. 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include: 

• Headaches 

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Confusion 

• Chest pain (especially in children or elderly individuals) 

Many CO poisonings are mistaken for the flu. That’s why every Spokane home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector, ideally near bedrooms and the furnace area. The batteries should be replaced twice a year, and the detector should be tested monthly. 

If your CO alarm ever goes off, get outside, call emergency services, and do not re-enter until given the all-clear. Then, schedule a professional evaluation with a licensed HVAC contractor. 

Local Climate Makes Spokane Homes Especially Vulnerable 

Furnaces in Spokane work harder than in many parts of the country. Average nighttime lows in winter dip well below freezing, and many homes have older heating systems or limited insulation. These factors add up. 
 

Cold temps can expose weak points in your furnace, such as: 

• Cracks in metal parts from expansion/contraction 

• Flue blockages from ice or snow 

• Extra stress on aging motors and ignition systems 

• Drafts that interfere with proper combustion 

If your home is over 20 years old and has never had a furnace upgrade, or if your system runs constantly just to maintain a comfortable temperature, you’re at higher risk for failure or unsafe conditions. That’s why regular tune-ups, especially before peak winter, are essential in this region. 

Don’t Overlook These Easy-to-Miss Warning Signs 

Some furnace issues creep in slowly. They don’t always come with a loud bang or flashing error code. In fact, the most dangerous problems are often the quiet ones or the subtle changes that are easy to brush off or misattribute to something else. If your furnace feels “off” in any way, trust your instincts and get it checked. 

Here are a few extra red flags Spokane homeowners should take seriously: 

• Unusual Furnace Cycling: If your furnace is turning on and off too frequently (called short cycling), it could be overheating or struggling with airflow. Both situations stress your system and increase safety risks. 

• Spike in Utility Bills: A sudden jump in your heating bill may mean your furnace is working harder than it should. That could point to a failing part, poor combustion, or a blocked vent—all of which deserve attention. 

• Dry Air and More Dust Than Usual: Excessively dry air and dust buildup can signal your system isn’t filtering or circulating properly. Dirty burners and clogged filters also pose fire risks. 

• Pilot Light That Won’t Stay Lit: If the flame keeps going out, you might have a thermocouple issue, a gas flow problem, or a deeper malfunction that needs checking. 

What a Furnace Tune-Up Actually Includes 

A good furnace tune-up is about more than cleaning. It’s about catching safety risks before they cause problems. This kind of care can make the difference between a quiet winter and a sudden, costly emergency in Spokane homes. 

During a proper inspection, technicians check and test the following: 

• Heat exchanger: Look for common sources of CO leaks like cracks, rust, or warping. 

• Gas line connections: Ensure all fittings and joints are tight and leak-free. 

• Combustion efficiency: Verify clean and safe burning with proper flame color and strength. 

• Electrical components: Inspect the blower motor, control board, limit switches, and wiring for safety. 

• Ventilation system: Check for blockages, corrosion, or improper vent sizing. 

• CO detectors and alarms: Test for correct function and placement and recommend replacements if needed. 

Furnace Maintenance = Peace of Mind 

Scheduling a furnace tune-up might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner. Think of it like a wellness check for your heating system. You wouldn’t skip a yearly doctor’s visit, right? 

A properly maintained furnace will: 

• Keep your family safer 

• Lower your monthly energy bills 

• Extend the life of your equipment 

• Help you avoid mid-winter breakdowns 

It’s never too early (or too late) to start taking better care of your home’s comfort system. And the benefits of regular maintenance aren’t just comfort—they’re safety. 

What to Do If You Smell Gas or Suspect CO Exposure 

Act fast. Even mild exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to serious health issues. Taking these symptoms or warnings seriously could save a life. 

If you smell gas (rotten egg smell): 

• Do not turn anything on or off. 

• Don’t use your phone inside the home. 

• Leave immediately. 

• Call your gas company or 911. 

• Only re-enter once cleared by emergency services. 

If your CO detector sounds: 

• Evacuate your home right away. 

• Get fresh air. 

• Call emergency services. 

• Do not return until it’s safe. 

• Follow up with a professional inspection. 

Don’t Wait for a Crisis! Make Heating Repair in Spokane a Priority 

Your furnace isn’t just a comfort appliance. It’s a complex machine running under intense conditions, especially during Spokane’s long winters. If it’s not maintained properly, it can become a serious safety risk. 

The good news is that most of these problems are completely preventable. A professional inspection can reveal early warning signs you may never notice on your own, such as a tiny crack in the heat exchanger or a failing ignition system.  

Fixing small issues now can help you avoid costly repairs or emergency breakdowns later. It’s not just about staying warm. It’s about protecting your loved ones and preserving your peace of mind. 

So, if you’ve noticed odd smells, haven’t had your furnace checked in over a year, or you’re just not sure your system is running as safely as it should, call Holliday Heating + Cooling + Electric today. 

We’ll make sure your home is warm, safe, and ready for whatever winter throws at us. Contact us today to schedule your furnace tune-up or safety inspection now! Trust Spokane’s most dependable heating repair team—backed by guarantees that truly mean something.