If you have recently had your furnace examined by a professional and received a red tag, you may not understand the meaning of the tag. In short, a red tag means that your furnace cannot be used until it is repaired. While you may not receive a physical, red tag, you will receive paperwork from the expert stating that the furnace cannot be used. In some cases, the gas is disconnected from the furnace until it can be repaired and inspected again.
The problem that leads to a red tag can be any number of issues. One of the most common issues is a cracked heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can be deadly – it allows carbon monoxide to escape into your home, which can lead to death when inhaled in large amounts. If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, you must stop using it right away to ensure the safety of your family.
Other reasons for a red tag on your furnace include:
- Fire hazards
- Electrical hazards
- Other carbon monoxide hazards
- Leaking gas
1) Be thankful the issue with your furnace was discovered. It will certainly be a surprise if you were expecting a minor repair, and you may naturally be concerned about the associated costs, but using the car analogy, wouldn’t you prefer to know your car had a major issue that was potentially a safety issue. A cracked furnace heat exchanger can silently leak deadly carbon monoxide into your home.
2) Furnaces only have a certain lifespan, and it’s likely yours has reached the natural end of its. If your furnace is relatively new it may have a 10-year warranty that would cover many of the major repairs.
3) Old furnaces are very inefficient; a furnace that is 15 years old may only be only 30 – 40% efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend on heating, 60 – 70 cents is wasted. See this as an opportunity to invest into a modern high efficiency furnace that will be 95 – 98% efficient.
4) Know you have options. There are various rebates and incentives available for energy efficient upgrades to the home. BC Furnace also offers great finance options.
5) Think of your new furnace as an investment in your property. It will last for a decade or more and will be a selling feature if you sell your property during that time.
Don’t panic if you get a redtag
