How to Determine the Severity of a Furnace Problem

When a furnace has been regularly inspected and repaired, there usually isn’t any cause for concern.  Most furnaces can operate and run like a well-oiled machine, without any issues.  But sometimes, a furnace can break down unexpectedly, and it can be important to determine the difference between just a regular repair versus an emergency situation.  Some things are more threatening than other issues and require immediate attention whereas others are minor fixes that can wait.  But when is it an emergency that warrants calling in HVAC professionals as soon as possible?

Electrical Problems

HVAC systems rely on electricity to function.  But electrical issues can be a serious problem that needs to be addressed by a professional right away as attempting repairs on your own is not safe.  For example, your lights in your home should not flicker when your heating system turns on.  This is a sign that your HVAC system needs immediate attention. Any electrical issues are potential hazards that can be dangerous.  It is estimated that electrical malfunction was the cause of over 43,000 house fires that led to 1600 injuries and over 400 deaths.  It’s no joke when your HVAC system needs electrical work done.  Call the professional at Comfort Experts to ensure your furnace and its electrical hookups are working properly this winter.

HVAC Turning Off and On

Rapid cycling is when the furnace turns on and off again quickly.  There are many reasons as to why your furnace might be doing this.  It could be because the air filter needs to be changed. It could also be because there is an issue with the motor and belts.  If you change the air filter and it still doesn’t correct the problem, it’s time to call the HVAC professionals.  If your motor goes out and your heater can’t function, it can leave your home cold and uncomfortable on a chilly winter night.  For your comfort and for the health of you and your family, this may be a time to consider calling an HVAC professional no matter what time of day it is.

Loud and Unusual Noises

Some furnaces just run louder than others normally and there is no problem associated with the noise.  But if the noise is strange or different than usual, it could be a sign of something that is in need of repair.  For instance, the ductwork could have holes or leaks causing the strange sounds meaning it needs to be sealed.  Also, strange noises coming directly from the furnace could be related to the motor needing to have oil applied or the pilot light needing to be looked at.  Pinging or popping sounds are most likely ductwork expanding or contracting because of heat.  Squealing sounds may be caused by a belt issue.  Rattling noises are a sign that loose panels may need to be tightened.  Grinding sounds are a little more serious, possible because of repairs needed on the motor bearings.  None of these is an emergency per se, but they could be costly if they aren’t looked at sooner rather than later as it could lead to a more costly repair job in the future.

If you are in dire straights and need the help of an HVAC professional right away, Comfort Experts is only a phone call away.  We will be there as soon as possible to help you get your furnace back up and running once again.

Heater efficiency is an important topic to consider.  Lack of efficiency can lead to homeowners unnecessarily throwing away money on energy usage.  If your heating bills are noticeably higher than in the past or if you begin to wonder if your furnace is working properly, it could be an energy efficiency problem.  It may be time to consider having your heating system looked at by an expert HVAC technician to see what can be done to improve its efficiency.

Lack of Maintenance

When considering what is impacting the efficiency of your heating system, you must also consider yearly maintenance.  Lack of maintenance on an HVAC system can have an effect on the overall system over time.  Statistics show that each year you miss your annual maintenance appointment, your heating system goes down approximately 5% inefficiency.  Not only does maintenance improve efficiency, but it also keeps costly repairs down to a minimum.  Little problems can worsen over time turning into large, expensive problems.  But routine maintenance helps avoid the big repairs and can save you a major headache in the long run.

High Heating Bills

Higher than normal heating bills are a sure sign of a lack of energy efficiency.  Compare your heating bills from year to year to see if you notice a steady increase or significant change of any kind.  If your heating bill is impacting your budget, it is most likely because the heating system is draining energy and causing energy usage to pile up.  If you do notice a discrepancy in energy usage from year to year or even from your bill to your neighbor’s, it could be a sign to examine your energy efficiency.

Consider the AFUE Rating

The AFUE rating is a number that dictates how energy-efficient your unit is or should be. The AFUE number specifically tells about what percentage of the furnace’s energy turns to heat. Models with higher AFUE numbers are designed to be more energy-efficient than say older or cheaper models.  But the AFUE isn’t the all deciding factor of energy efficiency.  There are other factors to also consider, such as regular maintenance as discussed.  If you have a high AFUE number but aren’t seeing the energy efficiency you should, it’s time to call on the professionals. It may be that your heating system has been neglected and is in dire need of repairs.  It could also be the fact that the air filter hasn’t been changed on a regular basis.  HVAC professionals can help determine what steps to take to increase energy efficiency and help save you money this winter as you run your heating system.

Comfort Experts is here to help you save, both on your energy bill and costly future repairs. Give us a call today to schedule your yearly heating system inspection appointment.

There will be those moments when you’re completely in-tune with your heater, and you know when a repair is near. And then there are those times when a completely unexpected heater repair happens and you’re left with a cold home. When this happens, you need to be prepared to call the best heating and cooling company that handles emergency repairs, as well as routine maintenance, installation, and all of those other tasks that allow your heater to work in prime condition. Here are four times an unexpected heater repair can occur so that you can take a proactive approach.

#1: You’re Moving into a New Home

Even if you had the home inspection performed before you moved in, it can be a good idea to find a local heating and cooling company that can inspect your heating unit. The home evaluator will look over everything, but may not get as involved in the heating and cooling system or have the experienced eye to spot potential problems in the future. Once you’re in your new home, find a reputable heating repair company and have them do a complete inspection to prevent unexpected issues. Plus, you’ll know who to call in case you have heating needs down the road.

#2: You Don’t Know the Age or Repair History of Your Heating System

If you have no clue how old your unit is or when they last time it was given a routine service or repair, you should have someone come to inspect. While heaters have longevity, there will come a time when they expire and you’ll need to invest in a new one. However, if you don’t know how long your unit has been running, then a heater repair can creep up on you at an inconvenient moment.

#3: You’ve Been Alerted to Signs of a Heater Repair but Haven’t Seen Them Yourself

When you’re in charge of calling the heater repair company, you may not jump to every strange sound that your ten years old says that they heard. You may wait to hear it for yourself before you take your spouse’s word for it, but this can be one of those times that if you don’t investigate it, an unexpected heater repair could be in your future.

#4: You Just Got a New Heater but Can’t Find the People That Installed It

No one likes to be duped, but it does happen, and it can be an expensive lesson. If you invested in a heater repair performed by people that aren’t reputable, there’s a chance they can leave you in need of a heater repair before they pull out of the driveway. If you invested in a new heater, only to find that it doesn’t function properly, and now are stuck with a disconnected phone number or someone on the other line that isn’t being cooperative, you’ll want to start looking for a reliable company to correct their mistakes. When you do, you won’t have to worry about those unexpected heater repairs due to a lack of skills.

You might not be paying too much attention to whether or not you need a heater repair or tune-up just yet. It generally isn’t until those chilly nights are upon us that we realize there is an issue with our heater. Here we look at a few different signs that you need a heater repair. Take the time to pay attention to your heater now so that you can proactively get any repairs that are needed for smooth and warm holiday nights.

#1: Loud and Strange Noises

When your heater is making loud or strange noises then it’s time to call in the pros for a repair. You’ll want to pay attention to it when it’s working in prime condition so that you know what to expect from the sound of your heater. If you hear clanking, buzzing, scraping, whining, popping, and other odd and loud sounds coming from it, then there are numerous issues that could be at hand.

#2: High Energy Bill

You may be alerted to a heater repair when you start to notice a higher energy bill. When your heater is working harder than it needs to or has an issue, then it will take up more energy than it would if it was working in prime condition. Pay attention to your bill each month so that you know what to expect. At times that you’ll notice an increase in energy usage due to a change in weather and using your heater more, while at other times it will be because you need a repair.

#3: An Aging Furnace

As your furnace ages, it will start to need repairs from simple fixes too more advanced ones. And you should be prepared for these over time. As these repairs come more frequently, it may be time to get a new installation. Talk to the professionals about whether a heater repair is right for you, and how many you can expect in the future. If the cost of repairs seems like they will only grow, you’ll find savings by investing in a new heater.

#4: A Furnace Turning on and off Continually

If you’ve noticed that your heater is continually turning on and off throughout the day and night, then you’ll want to have an expert come run diagnostics on it to find out why. It can be a simple repair, or it might be something more complex. Either way, a heater repair will be essential to keeping temperatures comfortable in your home or workspace.

#5: It’s Been Years

If you can’t remember the last time you got a tune-up for your heater, then it’s time to have someone come and look at it. Now is the perfect time to have your heater maintained before the cold evenings get here. Once you get this box checked off your list, you’ll rest easy to know that you’ll have a cozy winter with a heater that works in prime condition.

As it begins to get colder outside, many homeowners are beginning to take stock of their home to make sure it is ready for the coming winter. You want to make sure that you have enough equipment to last during a small emergency and that all of your appliances are working. It will be stressful and frustrating if you have to replace an important home appliance, like your furnace, oven, or dishwasher in the middle of winter.

Examine which scenarios apply to you, your family, and the heater you have for your home. These will help you to make a better decision on whether or not it’s better to replace your heater or get basic heater repairs.

Know Your Budget

The amount of money you can afford to put into heater repair or a new replacement will make a big difference on what options are available for you. Other factors will impact which is actually necessary, but the amount of money you can afford to put into your heater will also affect how much money you save in the long run.

For example, if you are able to front a little extra money when your furnace is desperate for a replacement, you can save more money in the long run by purchasing a more efficient model. It will cost less to operate and won’t need many repairs in the near future.

Determine the Furnace’s Age and Lifespan

Once you know how old your furnace is, the better judgment you can make between whether or not it’s better to repair it or get a brand new one. If your furnace is getting old (nearing twenty years), then you will be better off with getting a new one. You’ll get a more efficient heater while avoiding the likelihood of numerous heater repairs in the near future.

On the other hand, if your furnace is fairly new and under ten years of age, then you may be better off getting a simple checkup and repair for it.

Have a Technician Examine the Heater

When in doubt, you can always have a professional technician examine the heater. A technician has a vast amount of training and experience working on heaters and air conditioning units. These technicians have the capacity to make well-informed decisions about the state of your heater, what repairs will be necessary, and whether or not it will be more cost-effective to repair or replace it.

Do you have any questions about heaters, repairs, replacements, or installations? Give us a call today at Comfort Experts, Inc. and we will make sure that you are taken care of. We don’t want you to end up cold this winter during the coldest days of the season. Stay warm this season by repairing or replacing your heater today!

During this time of the year, the fire department usually receives a lot of calls reporting a burning smell in their house. This happens after turning a heater on for the first time after a couple of months. Anybody would be alarmed by the burning smell, and it’s reasonable to call a professional, whether the fire department or your HVAC service experts, to check if something is wrong. The good news is this smell is completely normal once you turn your heater back on after not having it on for a while. However, there are instances that it can mean trouble.

It’s important that you pay attention and make sure there really is no risk of a fire or damage to your unit. Here are some reasons why your heater might emit the odor and what you can do to fix and avoid it.

It’s the First Time You’ve Used it in the Winter

The most common reason, as mentioned above, is that it is the first time you’ve turned your heater back on since last winter. Dust might have settled in your system during the time it wasn’t being used and maybe stirred up once you use it. Dust will burn off quickly and the smell should go away soon.

The Filter is Clogged

If your filter is dirty and clogged, the dust might move through your furnace, causing an intermittent burning smell. You need to check and replace your filters to avoid this. Another option is to use reusable filters that can save you money. Once your filter is clean, the smell should not be a problem.

Have a Proper Clearance

Foreign materials should not be placed beside or near the unit or vents. When your heater is being used and something is placed too close, there is a chance that it may become hot and might burn. Check for fabric, plastics, or any flammable material near your unit and remove it. Regular inspection should also be done by a professional for such clearance to ensure safety.

Other Cause

If you start to smell something burning, you should immediately check your system and look for possible causes mentioned above. But if you smell something different, like gas, do not let time pass by, and be sure to call a professional for help right away.

Prevention

Most of these instances are totally preventable and should not be a cause of worry. Before fall, you should already have your system inspected by a professional to make sure it will serve you better as winter comes. While the dust that is causing the smell can burn off and will be gone eventually, it is still important to have it checked since it can leave a residue that can cause harm to your heater. Remember, preventive maintenance is the key and should be done regularly. It can help you sleep warm and comfortable during your winter nights while also being sure of your safety.

Keeping yourself comfortable during the winter season should not mean being worried about the risk of a fire. Comfort Experts can keep your home safe by conducting maintenance service regularly and by answering any questions you may have in regards to your heater repair.