How did your furnace perform last winter? If it didn’t keep your home warm as well as it should have, now is the time to get help. Waiting until temperatures drop could mean you’re left in the cold.
If you aren’t sure whether you need a furnace repair service, we’ve included the top five reasons homeowners hire San Diego HVAC companies.
Don’t let colder weather catch you off-guard. Take a minute to learn why you may need furnace repairs.
1. Clogged Filters and Restricted Airflow
A clogged air filter is a silent adversary that can wreak havoc on your furnace. Air filters are like lungs for your heating and cooling system. They trap debris, fine dust particles, and other contaminants.
When the air filter becomes congested, there’s nowhere for the contaminants to go other than back through the air ducts and into your home. The impact is inefficient heating, increased energy consumption, and heightened strain on the entire system.
Another result of clogged filters is poor indoor air quality. Does anyone in your household suffer from respiratory conditions? Failing to change the filter can trigger allergies or asthma.
Consider changing filters every 3 months. Depending on factors like usage, pets, and indoor air quality needs, you may need to replace filters more often.
2. Unraveling the Mystery Behind Short-Cycling
Short-cycling occurs when your furnace kicks on and shuts down more frequently than necessary. It compromises energy efficiency and subjects your furnace to wear and tear.
Ignoring the problem can result in numerous issues. You may see increased utility bills, reduced furnace lifespan, and inconsistent heating.
Most homeowners don’t have the tools or expertise to troubleshoot short-cycling. A furnace repair service does and they can get to the root of the problem quickly.
Whether it’s a malfunctioning thermostat or issues with the flame sensor, you need an expert to diagnose and fix the problem. Investing in professional intervention is an investment in the future of your furnace.
As the seasons change, it’s the ideal time to schedule repairs. It’s possible you’ll only need a furnace tune-up. Either way, it’s best to schedule service before winter arrives to avoid a furnace breakdown during cold weather.
3. Inconsistent or Poor Heating Performance
There’s nothing as frustrating as a furnace that can’t seem to agree on a comfortable temperature. Uneven heating or poor performance from your furnace is more than a source of irritation. It’s a sign that your heating system needs attention.
Several issues can cause poor heating performance, including:
- Leaky ductwork
- Failing thermostat
- Clogged air filters
- Aging furnace components
- Poor insulation
A professional furnace repair technician knows how to quickly identify the cause of inconsistent heating. Most furnace repair services arrive at your home with a fully stocked truck. That means they can not only identify the problem, they can fit it on the spot.
Make sure you partner with a furnace repair service that offers quick turnaround times. If it’s not possible to repair your system, you’ll want a service that can perform a new heating installation without delay.
4. Unusual Noises and Vibrations
Your furnace should hum quietly in the background. When it’s running smoothly, you won’t hear much other than when it powers up and shuts down.
When a furnace rattles, bangs, or squeals, you’ve got problems!
Rattling could indicate loose screws, bolts, or panels. Over time vibrations from normal furnace operations can cause these things to loosen. It’s also possible you have an issue with the blower wheel or heat exchanger.
Several things can cause squealing, including:
- Bad bearings in the blower motor
- Loose blower motor belt
- Misaligned or damaged blower wheel
- Gaps or loose connections in ductwork
- Lack of lubrication
- Worn-out furnace components
What about banging noises?
If you notice a loud gunshot-like sound when you start your furnace, it could signal a gas build-up. Don’t ignore this noise.
You could have a cracked heat exchanger, which is not only hazardous but costly. Turn off the system right away and reach out to a professional for help.
Whether it’s tightening loose screws, lubricating moving parts, or replacing worn-out parts, you want a furnace repair specialist to help. Fixing whatever’s causing the noises not only gives your ears a break, it helps prevent potential damage.
5. Ignition or Pilot Light Problems
When you need your furnace to keep your home warm, the ignition system plays a significant role.
If your furnace operated seamlessly last year, but suddenly refuses to ignite, you may have a malfunction in the electronic ignition system. You could also have an issue with the standing pilot light.
Another common culprit is dirty burners. Dirty gas burners make your furnace work extra hard. Even if you’ve set your thermostat to a lower temperature, dirty burners may cause the furnace to use more energy.
Clogged burners can increase the carbon monoxide in your system. This could create a safety hazard.
It’s possible you have a faulty flame sensor. The flame sensor is a furnace’s safety guard. If it doesn’t detect a flame, it shuts down the furnace or prevents it from turning on.
Here’s the funny thing about furnaces. When it fails to ignite or continue operating, the problem could be something as involved as a heating replacement, but it could be as simple as an air filter change.
While most homeowners can handle changing the air filter, the average person is lost when it comes to other furnace repairs. To avoid issues with flame sensors and pilot lights, consider upgrading to an electric heating and cooling system.
Partner with a Furnace Repair Service Today
Furnace repair service and general maintenance are vital if you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Don’t compromise on your comfort and peace of mind.
If you’re in the San Diego area and need reliable furnace repairs, partner with Air Pro. With a combined 40 years of experience, our team can troubleshoot and repair any furnace problem. We’re here 24/7 and offer same-day furnace repairs and heating replacement.
Warm up to winter without the worry-reach out today and request an estimate.
