Freezing temps spark heater problems across El Paso

As the temperatures in the Borderland continue to drop, more and more homes are turning on their heaters.

Gray Heating and Air Conditioning says the freezing temperatures always brings an increase in house calls for malfunctioning heaters.

“Customers see crazy weather in El Paso and it comes and goes,” Benjamin Macho, a technician with Gray, said. “The customers will say, ‘I am good,’ but when the snow comes, they will call us and say their heat is not working.” The technician said he would make more than six house calls today and that his company will probably help at more than 20 homes.

Macho said you can avoid calling for help if you do maintenance on your unit. “Change your filter. Make sure your sensors and vents are clean,” Macho said.

Macho said about 90 percent of homes in El Paso use gas, which is why he said, customers should be cautious of carbon monoxide. “Have a carbon monoxide tester that you keep plugged in, or call use to check your levels.” he said.”

ABC-7 followed Macho to a house call on the west side, where a family was having problems with heat.

“Last night, I realized the second floor of the house was cold and the bedrooms are up there,” homeowner Heitor Santos said. “I went to check the heater and I didn’t see any flames.”

Santos said he tried fixing the problem himself but after several failed attempts he decided to call-in the professionals.

“I didn’t feel comfortable taking a chance and doing something on my own that I wasn’t sure of,” Santos said.

Macho said trying to fix heaters can be dangerous for someone who is not properly trained and recommends calling a professional instead of taking a risk.