Homeowners should know a few furnace repair tips. An example would be knowing when the best time to have their heating systems inspected and repaired. This would be during late summer to early fall when the weather is still mild. Furthermore, the wait times are short. This way, you can be sure that your furnace is in tiptop shape when the cold season arrives.
Basic maintenance includes finding any issues your furnace might have and repairing them immediately. This is a must, especially if you have an old system or if it seemed strained the last time it was in use.
This article will include a few of the usual indications that tell you whether you need furnace repair. It also has a few furnace repair tips when you think it isn’t working as it should. We also included some guidelines on finding an HVAC repair company in your area.
Do You Need Furnace Repair?
Your heating system’s age is certainly a factor, but it is not the only cause for furnace repair. After all, even a relatively new unit can be neglected or damaged. A few signs to watch out include:
- Reduced Home Comfort: A house that is either too hot or too cold could mean something is wrong with your system. Some of these could be worn-out parts, a clogged filter, a loose belt, a broken fan motor, among other things.
- High Energy Bills: A furnace in perfect working condition is highly energy efficient. Therefore, it consumes less energy and it is more cost-effective. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy costs, you should call a certified HVAC technician and have it checked.
- Hot Or Cold Spots: If you feel cold or hot spots around your home, your furnace might be clogged, damaged, or have worn parts. Efficient heating and cooling units should provide consistent temperatures throughout your house. Have your furnace inspected when there are cold and hot spots in your home.
- Gas Leaks: Turn off your furnace as soon as you smell gas or fuel. Even the slightest spark can ignite fires, so it is best to switch it off. Contact your trusted HVAC contractor immediately.
How To Troubleshoot Your Furnace
Some heating system issues do not need professional attention. A homeowner can do simple repairs and preventative measures to ensure that the heating unit operates efficiently. Below are some basic steps you can take:
- Furnace Filter Replacement: The air filters prevent contaminants from circulating throughout your house. These get clogged over time and result in reduced airflow and low indoor air quality. Make sure to check these once a month. Clean or have them replaced when necessary.
- Thermostat Maintenance: If your furnace isn’t working correctly, replace the batteries in your thermostat first. Any dust and dirt on the thermostat should be removed using a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.
- Switch And Electrical Panel Check: The switch and electrical panel should be checked if your furnace fails to turn on. Someone might have turned off the switch or electrical breaker, and this may be why your furnace isn’t working. You should also check for any discolored, melted, or damaged fuses. If so, get them replaced with new ones.
- Pilot Light Relighting: The pilot light and furnace flame might have gone out. Make sure to follow the owner’s manual when relighting the pilot light. Ensure that there are no gas leaks as well. If you smell gas or see leakage, shut it off and contact your local HVAC company immediately.
- Open Vents: Ensure that all vents and registers are open. Otherwise, the furnace won’t be able to warm your house efficiently. Make sure that there are no obstructions as well. Move any furniture or anything blocking the vents as they block the vents’ airflow.
Common Furnace Problems You Might Have
Common furnace issues you might experience down the line include the following:
- Cracked Heat Exchanger: An odd smell around your furnace might be due to a damaged heat exchanger. Other signs that point to this include the presence of soot, cracks, and corrosion.
Damaged or Loose Blower Belt: If you hear a high-pitched squeal from your furnace, you might have a loose or damaged blower belt in your hands. It needs to be replaced for your furnace to be up and running again. - Damaged Ball Bearings: If there is a scraping noise when you turn on your furnace, it might be because the ball bearings are worn-out. Call an HVAC contractor to have them replaced.
- Frequent Short Cycling: A furnace that turns on and off repeatedly might have issues with the filter, thermostat, or airflow. If basic fixes do not work, call a professional and have it inspected.
- Yellow Or Flickering Pilot Light: The pilot light should be blue with a yellow tip. If it flickers or is mostly yellow, then it might be due to a high carbon monoxide level in your furnace. Call a furnace repair technician asap.
Furnace Repair Vs. Replacement
Repairs can solve some furnace problems. However, you might want to get a heating appliance replacement if your furnace has these conditions.
- Old Age: Furnaces generally have long lifespans. However, you might want to replace it if it is older than 15-17 years old and is constantly used.
- Reduced Energy Efficiency: An increase in your heating costs despite proper maintenance means it is no longer as efficient as before.
- Poor Performance: Cold spots throughout your home indicate that your heating unit does not operate as effectively as before.
- Frequent Repairs: If you need repairs frequently or the cost of a repair is 50 percent or more of a replacement system’s price, get it replaced.
Top Tips For Choosing A Furnace Repair Service Company
It is a nice feeling when you find an excellent heating and cooling company. You get peace of mind knowing that there is a company you can turn to when your furnace acts up. A reliable furnace repair service also ensures that your heating unit experiences fewer issues. This way, you remain warm and comfortable during the winter season.
However, finding a reputable company is not as easy as it sounds. Many homeowners have a bad experience from time to time with a company. The tech may show up late or not at all. There are also cases when a technician does not find the issue and causes more damage to the system.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when searching for a trustworthy HVAC company. We discuss a few of these below:
Look For A Specialist Heating Company
Search for a company instead of a furnace repairman. Look for companies that specialize in heaters as well. This will provide a few benefits. One of the advantages includes having an expert who has knowledge and experience working on different furnace brands and models.
Working with a company instead of a single repairman allows you to get help from multiple technicians. If one technician cannot find the issue, another expert from the same company might be able to. It might cost more when you hire a reputable company rather than a quick, cheap fix. However, you will receive peace of mind knowing that your furnace is in good hands. Also, you do not have to pay for the same repair twice.
Check The Website & Reviews Of The HVAC Company
First impressions, although not always right, are a good starting point. Check the website to be sure you are choosing the best HVAC company in your area. This gives you a general idea about the company. A website that looks professional and has a high production value is a good sign. On the other hand, one that looks outdated and has little information is not good.
Read HVAC company reviews as well. These reviews will help you determine what other customers think about the company. Most companies include them on their website. Although this is helpful, you should also remember that the company owns the site and controls what is published. To read both good and bad feedback, search Google and other online platforms. This allows former customers to give ratings and write feedback without the companies controlling what gets posted. This way, you get a real review of the HVAC companies.
Start by searching for “furnace repair near my location” or “gas furnace repair near me” to find a reputable HVAC company in your area.
Call The HVAC Repair Company
Reach out to the HVAC company you have in mind. Talk to them on the phone. This way, you can get some insight into the company’s values and principles. If the customer representative sounds like they know what they are talking about and they are happy to assist you, you are most likely in good hands. Whereas, if the individual seems annoyed, uninformed, and disinterested, it can leave a bad impression.
After you hang up, go with your instinct. Give the company a chance if you think that there is a connection. Most HVAC companies offer free consultations. Take advanatge of this and meet with the company to see if it is a good fit.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Of Your Furnace Repair Needs
Make sure to hire a highly-skilled and trained HVAC technician when your heating system needs repair. Do not conduct DIY repairs as you might end up damaging your system more. A professional tech has the certification, tools, and knowledge to service it correctly. Not all HVAC companies have the same quality of work, so make sure to find the right one.
Give PFO Heating & Air Conditioning a call when you need high-quality HVAC repairs. We’ll be glad to talk about your furnace problems with a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate.
Our company hires experienced technicians with knowledge of the latest advancements in the industry. Our services include A/C maintenance, furnace repairs, boiler installations, and more. All our technicians are equipped with extensive knowledge and years of experience to fix your HVAC unit correctly. We have one of the most affordable furnace repair prices in the area. If you need a replacement system, we can provide the best recommendation while working within your budget. Book an appointment by calling PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We offer free, in-home consultations.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!
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