What to Do if Your Furnace Gets Red-Tagged
In Kentucky and throughout the rest of the U.S., approximately 10% of active furnaces get “red-tagged” each year during safety inspections. A red tag means that issues have been found that require immediate or prompt attention. American Chimney & Fireplace of Louisville, KY, would like to share some helpful information about the red-tag process and what you need to do if your furnace receives one of these warnings.
Two warning levels
A furnace or gas inspector can place a type-A or type-B red tag on your furnace.
Type-A red tag
A type-A red tag means a very serious problem exists and that your gas service provider may curtail service until the problem is fixed. This warning is usually given when a fire or a carbon monoxide leak is considered likely to happen.
Type-B red tag
Type-B red tags are given when damage or malfunction issues need to be addressed soon. You have a little time, but usually not more than 30 or 45 days, to get the problem fixed.
Most furnace red tag warnings come because of:
- Furnace ventilation problems that can produce a buildup of gas
- Blocked vents
- Damage to parts or components of the system that are causing gas leaks
- Damage to electrical components that could lead to a fire
- Cracks in parts of the heat exchanger
Four steps to take if your furnace gets red-tagged
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Stop using the furnace
After your furnace receives an inspection red tag, stop using the appliance. You should bring out a licensed HVAC professional or furnace specialist to evaluate the issue and make recommendations.
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Consider a second opinion
Depending on what your technician tells you, you may want to contact another furnace repair company for a second opinion on both the cost and the tasks involved.
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Decide between repair and replacement
If you have an older furnace, you might have to decide between repairing it or replacing it. Your furnace technician/inspector will help you work through options and make the best decision.
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Schedule a follow-up inspection
After the repair or replacement work is done, bring out an inspector to look it over. It’s ideal to schedule the follow-up inspection with the same person who placed the red tag on the furnace and is more familiar with the situation.
How to reduce the likelihood of future furnace red tags
Here are some tips.
- Have your furnace inspected once a year by a licensed furnace professional.
- Replace old and dirty air filters to help the furnace work more efficiently.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms near the furnace and make sure they’re always operational.
- Keep your eyes and ears open for unusual noises, odors and visual issues. Don’t put off calling a technician if anything seems “odd” to you.
- Give the furnace room to “breathe” by keeping the area around it free of boxes and clutter that could impede the circulation of air.
Schedule an inspection
American Chimney & Fireplace provides licensed furnace venting inspections for all types of furnaces throughout the greater Louisville, KY, region. Schedule an inspection or learn more about furnace safety by giving us a call or reaching out through our contact form.
