Gloved hands working on electrical controls — Photo: Unsplash License. Illustration of the topic, not a service endorsement.

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Safety first

Some HVAC problems are safety issues, not just comfort issues.

Gas smell

If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Do not flip switches inside.

Carbon monoxide

Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas, especially with gas furnaces. If one sounds, get everyone outside and call for help.

Burning smells or sparks

Turn the system off at the thermostat and the breaker, and call a professional.