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Unusual noises, strange smells, frequent on and off cycling, presence of cold areas, water leaks, and increase in energy bills are all signs of your heating system needing professional help. However, turning a blind eye to these signs could end up costing you your home, your money, and even putting your family’s safety at risk during a sudden emergency in icy Metro Vancouver. (source)

Why failures in the middle of winter are so common

Heating systems break down most when they are at their highest working load, that is, during long, damp and continuously cold days when your furnace or boiler is constantly running in Metro Vancouver. and A small performance problem such as airflow limitation, minor leaks, or ignition issues will often snowball and cause a total breakdown if ignored for weeks during the peak usage period. (source)

1. You will not be able to miss strange noises

The most evident sign of something going wrong with your furnace or boiler is new or louder noises coming from it. Noise types like banging, whistling, grinding, or rattling can be the result of delayed ignition, loose or defective blower components, worn bearings, or internal scale accumulation that, if left untreated, can cause expensive damage to the equipment. (source)

Typical cases:

• Banging or booming during startup might indicate a gas furnace rocking due to delayed ignition, which can eventually stress or crack the heat exchanger.
• Grinding or high-pitched squealing is the common sign of problems with the motor or belt leading to a sudden breakdown.

2. Unusual smells or odors

Any new or persistent smell from your heating system deserves attention. A burning, metallic, or electrical smell could mean overheating components or wiring issues, while a sulfur‑like or “rotten egg” odor around gas equipment can signal a gas leak, which is a serious safety hazard. (source)

Key points:

• Foul or chemical smells from boilers can indicate gas or combustion issues and should trigger an immediate service call.
• A persistent burning smell after the initial “first use of the season” dust burn‑off period may point to overheating parts or accumulated debris in the system.

3. Short cycling or running constantly

Short cycling happens when your furnace or boiler turns on and off frequently in very short bursts, while constant running happens when the system never seems to shut off. Both patterns are warning signs that your system is struggling—commonly due to overheating, thermostat problems, airflow restrictions, or sizing issues—and they dramatically increase wear and energy use. (source)

​Why this matters:

• Short cycling is often a self‑protection response to overheating and can increase energy use by 30% or more because most power is drawn at startup.
• A system that runs nonstop but never quite reaches the set temperature usually has deeper efficiency or distribution problems that call for professional diagnosis.

​4. Cold spots and inconsistent heating

When one room feels nice and warm while the others remain cold, your heating system may not be functioning properly. Inconsistent heating often points to the same problems—ducts that need checking, circulation issues, or an unsatisfactory system which has not been serviced sufficiently. (source)

​Warning signs to watch:

• You keep raising the thermostat, but certain rooms never catch up, or the house feels “drafty” despite the system running.
• For boilers, radiators or zones that never fully heat can indicate air in the system, circulation pump issues, or internal scale restricting flow.

​5. Visible leaks, rust, or corrosion

Water where it shouldn’t be is a big red flag whenever heating appliances are concerned. Spots where water is leaking, rust, or corroded areas on or near a boiler and near any of your furnace’s drainage or venting parts can point to low pressure. Consequently, damage or faulty seals and gaskets that seep will worsen if neglected. (source)

Risk factors:

• Boiler leaks and corrosion lower the efficiency and they can ultimately lead to the collapse of the structure or it being damaged by water. 
• Rusty or corroded parts could also be a sign of substandard venting or humidity issues that, if not addressed, could make operation unsafe over time. 

6. Rising gas or electricity bills without a clear reason

If your energy bills for winter are getting higher and your thermostat settings along with your lifestyle have not changed, it is likely that your furnace or boiler is losing some of its efficiency. The most common reasons for this include dirty burners, clogged filters, internal scale, failing parts, or control problems that require the system to work harder than it should for the same level of comfort. (source)

What to look for:

• Month‑over‑month or year‑over‑year increases in energy use despite similar weather and usage patterns.
• A noticeable gap between how long the system runs and how comfortable your home feels, suggesting wasted energy.

​7. Frequent resets, error codes, or no heat

Modern furnaces and boilers are designed to shut themselves down or throw error codes when they detect a fault. If you find yourself frequently resetting the system, seeing recurring fault codes, or experiencing partial or total loss of heat or hot water, your equipment needs professional attention—these are not issues to “wait out.” (source)

​Serious red flags:

• A boiler that repeatedly locks out or takes longer and longer to start up, which can indicate ignition or circulation faults.
• A furnace that refuses to start, loses the flame, or shows pilot/ignition problems, especially in combination with odd smells or noises.

​The Importance of Calling a Professional

Heating systems are powered by gas, operate at very high temperatures, and are equipped with intricate safety controls. This is the reason that DIY repairs are not only dangerous but also likely to void any warranties or insurance coverage. The ones who are certified and skilled are the technicians who can identify the problem at the root—hence they won’t just clear the fault temporarily—thus an incident of carbon monoxide leaks, fires, and repeated breakages will be less likely. (source)

Mid-winter tune-ups and round-the-clock emergency assistance from Ace Tech

The regular tune-ups are capable of catching a lot of the warning signs long before they develop into no-heat emergencies in the middle of winter. The general maintenance includes safety checks, cleaning of burners and heat exchangers, venting and electrical components checking, and also making sure that your system is running and is very efficient for the season. (source)

Ace Tech Plumbing & Heating Ltd. does offer complete HVAC service—furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, etc.—and also provides 24/7 emergency HVAC support in every part of Metro Vancouver. The certified technicians of this company do the diagnostics, repairs, and seasonal tune-ups that ensure the safety and comfort of your home, even on the coldest and dampest nights. (source)

To learn more about Ace Tech or request service, contact us today:

• contact@acetechltd.ca
• +1(844)704-4177