Acker Heating & Cooling

A red-tagged furnace should never be overlooked. During a routine maintenance call or utility inspection, your HVAC technician may find a critical safety problem with the unit, which could threaten the safety of you and your family. For this reason, the technician will issue your furnace a red tag. Until you repair or replace the furnace, you should refrain from turning it on. 

To learn more about a red-tagged furnace, take the time to read this article from Acker Heating & Cooling, known for quality heating and air conditioning services. 

Why Did Your Furnace Receive a Red Tag?

As required by law, faulty gas appliances and HVAC systems are issued a red tag in the event a safety hazard is identified. This may include a fire or electrical hazard or a damaged heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from fuel combustion to the air that provides warmth to your home during the winter season. If it’s cracked, poisonous carbon monoxide gas can leak out of your furnace and into your home.

There are two categories of red tags that determine the severity of your furnace issue. A Type A red tag is a high priority and poses the threat of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak. The gas supply is shut off immediately, and you won’t be able to use your furnace again until it’s repaired. On the other hand, a Type B red tag is more of a warning. You have a set amount of time to repair the issue, or else your gas will be shut off. While there may be no immediate threat to your safety, the gas company will still be informed of your furnace issue. 

What Should You Do With a Red-Tagged Furnace?

If your furnace has received a red warning tag, a professional should inspect your heating system to identify and resolve the issue. Here are some of the solutions you may want to consider:

• Repair or replace the heat exchanger. A damaged heat exchanger can be a big issue. As such, be sure to replace it as soon as possible. You can also consult your furnace manufacturer to determine if the issue is covered by a warranty to avoid unnecessary costs. In addition, since heat exchangers can be expensive, many homeowners have them repaired instead of replacing them. Nevertheless, whether you choose to repair or replace the heat exchanger, for quality results it’s best to hire an experienced professional technician.
• Install a new furnace. If you don’t want to risk your investment by replacing or repairing the heat exchanger, you may want to consider installing a new furnace. It will ensure better performance and efficiency, which is why it’s the best long-term solution if you have a red-tagged furnace.

If you’re searching online for a professional residential or commercial HVAC system, look no further than Acker Heating & Cooling. Call us today at (706) 715-2607 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.