Many getting furnaces checked as frigid temps loom

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Making the rounds during this cold snap, Mike Furraj with Budget Heating and Cooling has been busy checking furnaces.

"We've having a hard time keeping up, but we're able to manage right now," he said.

It's not even officially winter and Furraj will be working around the clock with three technicians on call through the weekend.

"Last year at this time we had 60- to 65-degree weather as opposed to single digits this year," he said.

Already this year his company getting three times those calls.

Homeowner Joni Marra says she gets her furnace checked once a year to be proactive. She was told by another company that her heat exchanger was cracked and potentially leaking carbon monoxide. Furraj did a visual inspection, used a camera to check inside the furnace, and used another device to test the carbon monoxide levels.

"The visual inspection showed a little bit of rusting," Furraj said.

But, nothing to worry about, no cracks at all. Good news for Marra, who says being proactive gives her peace of mind.

"I know that tonight going to bed I have a very good working furnace. I know tomorrow when I get up and it's going to be with 15 below with a windchill factor that my furnace will be warm in our house," she said.

Furraj says it's a good idea to get a second opinion, especially if a company is suggesting big repairs or replacement. Another reminder, he says, is to put your carbon monoxide detectors in areas away from combustible appliances and the kitchen.

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