5 Signs You Need an Emergency Furnace Repair

When it comes to being warm and comfy in our homes, our furnace is our best friend. But when it isn’t performing well, a furnace repair may be in order. However, as luck would have it, HVAC systems don’t always break down during regular business hours.

It’s stressful when your family’s teeth chatter in the night. So, how do you know the difference between a quick fix and needing an emergency furnace repair? Here are five telltale signs that you need professional assistance.

Furnace is Making Strange Noises

Many movies depict a rattling, snarly furnace waiting in the basement for innocent children to go by, and it is rather scary— but for different reasons. The reality is that there is something wrong with your furnace, and it needs attention ASAP. It could indicate a carbon monoxide issue and one that you don’t want to mess around with.

You may not need an emergency furnace repair if you are still in the milder months. Instead, you can call in the pros for a daytime furnace repair and have them assess your entire HVAC system while they are there.

It’s Not Heating Your Home

The furnace is not always the culprit. Perhaps someone’s hot flashes change the house’s preferred temperature, or one of the kids has been playing with the thermostat.

If none of these seem to be the issue, something is up with the furnace. As you begin your investigation and rule out other suspects, it’s time to check “under the hood” to discover the pilot light is out. What now?

The Pilot Light is Out

A pilot light is a small, visible flame that acts as the ignition source for appliances such as the furnace, water heaters, and gas fireplaces. It runs continuously, and if you don’t see it flickering away, it has gone out.

What do you do if your pilot light goes out? The pilot light runs on natural gas, and when it goes out, it usually indicates an interruption in gas flow. If turning on the gas and relighting the pilot light doesn’t work, you need professional help from a certified HVAC technician.

Seeing Sparks or Flames

Anything involving natural gas and flame deserves a good dose of respect without guesswork tinkering.

If you head into the furnace room to check the pilot light and notice sparks, there is reason to be concerned. Sparks can indicate the following:

The ignitor is not activating the burners
The ignition or burners are dirty
The flame sensor is malfunctioning
A wiring problem

The technician will shut off the natural gas and clean or replace the ignitor, burners, or flame sensor to solve the problem. However, with larger flames, extinguish them immediately and call for help.

Strong Smell of Gas

Another indication that your furnace requires attention is the smell of natural gas in your home. Again, even the faintest odour should be a red flag that something is amiss.

Rather than try to investigate, immediately vacate your home with your family and pets, then call the gas company’s emergency line. If they aren’t immediately available, contact your fire department. Leave your door open as you exit and wait for emergency crews to arrive.

Know Who to Call For Your Repair

Your furnace is vital to the comfort and well-being of your home and everyone who resides there. Have the reassurance of professional maintenance and repair by the trusted technicians at Excelsior Mechanical Ltd. in Saskatoon, SK.

Whether you need emergency furnace repairs or HVAC installation, they have the reliable, quality services homeowners need to keep their furnaces running smoothly. Get your furnace maintained today! Book your appointment online or by calling 306-652-1795.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share This Blog

Troubleshooting Common Hot Water Tank Issues at Home

August 27, 2025

As the summer winds down in August and you prepare for the cooler months ahead in Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, ensuring your home’s hot water tank is operating efficiently is more important than ever. Hot water tanks are the backbone of comfortable living—providing reliable hot showers, clean dishes, and peace of mind. But what should you do when problems arise? Understanding common hot water tank issues—and how to troubleshoot them—can help you avoid cold showers, water damage, or even costly emergency repairs. In this guide, Excelsior Mechanical Ltd breaks down frequent problems, offers troubleshooting tips, and explains when to call your trusted local HVAC experts. No Hot Water? Start Here If you turn on the tap and find only cold water, the issue may be simpler than you think. For electric hot water tanks, begin by checking the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. For gas models, confirm that the pilot light is lit—if not, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe relighting. Sometimes, the thermostat may have been accidentally adjusted, so verify the temperature setting. If your tank is still not producing hot water after these basic checks, a faulty heating element, thermostat, or thermocouple could be the culprit. This is the point at which calling a professional for hot water tank repairs is the safest and most efficient route. Inconsistent or Lukewarm Water? Adjust and Inspect When your hot water is lukewarm instead of piping hot, mineral sediment buildup can be to blame—a common issue during and after the busy summer months. Sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank and insulates water from the heating element, reducing efficiency. Draining and flushing your tank in August, before fall arrives, is a good maintenance practice. If you notice the problem persists, your tank’s dip tube (which brings cold water to the bottom of the tank to be heated) may be cracked or deteriorated, requiring professional replacement. Low Hot Water Pressure—Check the Valves and Pipes A sudden drop in hot water pressure throughout your home can be concerning. The most common causes in Saskatoon area homes are partially closed shut-off valves, clogged pipes, or mineral scale in the tank and plumbing system. Start by checking and fully opening the hot water shut-off valve near your tank. If that’s not the issue, cleaning aerators in your taps and showerheads can remove minor debris. For persistent pressure drops or signs of corrosion, it’s best to consult with your local plumbing experts at Excelsior Mechanical Ltd for a thorough inspection and solution. Strange Noises from the Hot Water Tank Popping or rumbling sounds coming from your hot water tank are signs that sediment has settled and is interacting with the tank’s heating elements. In August, as water usage shifts with the season, these noises often become more noticeable. Flushing the tank can resolve minor sediment buildups, but recurring noises could indicate that your tank is aging, or that an element is overheating—both of which require professional assessment. Leaking or Pooling Water—Act Immediately If you notice water pooling around your hot water tank, inspect connections, temperature-pressure relief valves, and pipes for visible signs of leakage. Occasionally, leaks stem from loose fittings and can be resolved by tightening connections. However, a leaking tank body—or any significant puddling—signals a serious problem and might require a tank replacement. Prompt action is crucial to prevent water damage and potential mold growth, especially as the weather begins to cool and windows close more frequently. When to Call Your Saskatoon Hot Water Tank Pros While simple issues like tripped breakers, pilot lights, or basic thermostat adjustments can be handled by homeowners, many hot water tank repairs and maintenance steps are best left to professionals. Licensed technicians from Excelsior Mechanical Ltd have the expertise and tools to safely flush tanks, replace faulty components, inspect for efficiency, and ensure compliance with all local codes and safety regulations. With decades of experience serving Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville, our team is committed to delivering efficient, lasting, and reliable hot water solutions for your home. Stay Warm and Worry-Free This Fall—Book Your Hot Water Tank Service! August is the perfect time to troubleshoot, repair, or maintain your hot water tank before the busy fall season arrives. Don’t wait for a breakdown or cold water surprise— contact Excelsior Mechanical Ltd today for expert hot water tank inspections, maintenance, and repairs in Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville. Visit www.excelsiormechanical.com or give us a call to schedule your appointment and keep your home comfortable, energy-efficient, and ready for the colder months ahead. Your neighbourhood experts are here to help—stay warm, stay comfortable, and trust Excelsior Mechanical with all your hot water needs!