Furnace Repair

It is essential to have regular maintenance on your furnace if you want it to perform well and last a long time. The pros say to have your furnace serviced by a professional at least once a year, and they usually recommend having that done before you need to start using the furnace in the winter. When a service is done, the technician looks over almost a hundred different parts, cleans some that really need it, and sees if there are any issues that might be on the verge of becoming a big problem. This checkup can also really help with the efficiency of the furnace and prevent big breakdowns.

Your furnace can exhibit certain signs that suggest it's time to call a pro. For one, if you hear odd sounds—banging, rattling, or squealing, for instance—coming from your furnace, then what you're hearing isn't normal and could indicate a mechanical problem within the system. And if your furnace is working inconsistently, cycling on and off frequently, or if your energy bills have suddenly spiked, that could also point to serious trouble. Finally, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, you should have it inspected regularly, and any signs of trouble should prompt an immediate call to a qualified technician.

The expense associated with fixing a furnace can differ greatly, based on the problem and the specific type of furnace you own. Simple repairs might set you back $100 to $300. But if your furnace is having more serious issues, you might be looking at a $500 to $1,500 bill. The age of the furnace, the type and difficulty of the problem, and what parts (if any) need to be replaced all factor into the cost of repairs. If your furnace is on the older side, what's wrong with it might be more fixed than replaceable. More good news: Some furnace problems are just plain old easy to fix.

Most furnace repairs necessitate the know-how and skill that only a professional can provide. Sure, some homeowners can handle a few tasks that approach the realm of furnace repair and maintenance—changing an air filter, for instance—but most of us are not built or trained to perform the kinds of complex, critical-for-safety tasks that a certified HVAC technician does. If your furnace isn't working and you don't think the problem is with the electrical supply to the unit, the next most likely culprit is a gas or mechanical issue. And if that's the case, you really should call a pro rather than trying to solve the problem yourself.

With the right maintenance, an average furnace lasts about 15 to 20 years. Many factors can affect a furnace's life, such as the installation's quality, the regularness with which the unit is serviced, and the nature of the service to the unit—that is, how it's used. High-efficiency models might have shorter lives than standard units. Nonetheless, regular professional maintenance can help any furnace achieve a long life and allow it to perform at a high level for the duration of its life.

Boosting the efficiency of your furnace depends on consistent upkeep and uncomplicated upgrades around your home. Change your furnace filters every one to three months to keep the system working efficiently and to prevent the system from working too hard and causing a mini power outage. The two most effective home upgrades in this regard are insulation and sealing air leaks. Insulating your home will not only help keep the warm air in during the winter but the cool air in during the summer. If you can do both of these effectively, your furnace (along with your air conditioner) will work way better and use less energy to do it.

There are many possible reasons for a furnace to quit working: mechanical failures, electrical issues, or fuel supply problems. If you look at the typical furnace troubleshooting guide, you'll find a number of common problems and their solutions. Dirty air filters, for instance, are very common in gas and electric furnaces. The furnace can't get enough air, and it either overheats or runs well below its rated efficiency. Then there are the problems that are common to any type of furnace: malfunctioning thermostats, pilot light issues, and worn-out components.

Choose a furnace repair service that employs licensed, insured, and well-respected individuals. To find such a company, you might want to start with some online research. Look for reviews and give them some weight. Also, ask around. See if friends or family can point you to someone with a good reputation. Once you have some names, check their credentials. Make sure they're professionals. Then, get a few quotes. Pay attention to the lighting in the room. If it suddenly goes dim, that's a sign you're with a bad company.

The repairing of furnaces is the act of mending certain elements or problems with the current structure. However, when the furnace is beyond mending, we must turn to the option of replacement. Choosing between replacing and repairing a furnace often comes down to cost. If repair exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit, we are better off replacing it. Other considerations include the age of the furnace and whether it has become inefficient or is in poor health overall.

Furnace repair frequency can be reduced with preventive maintenance. This entails arranging for a professional to inspect the furnace at least once a year. Such inspections can reveal weak components before they fail. Mostly, just don't let the furnace and its surroundings get dirty. The area around the furnace should be clean and clear. And you should check the furnace itself for cleanliness. Don't let the furnace turn into an unfriendly element for the airflow.And farther on: Don't ignore sounds that the furnace starts making. Don't ignore airflow that seems to be too much or too little. Don't ignore anything that seems off.