Top 11 Common Furnace Repair Questions – And Answers!
Furnace repair is not something that you want to put off until it becomes a major problem. Minor issues such as low voltage, dirty filters, and air leaks can be addressed quickly and inexpensively before they become larger problems. As with many appliances, though, things can break down over time making them less efficient or needing repairs. That’s why it’s good to know what some of the most common furnace repairs are. Here are the top 11 common furnace repair questions with answers:
Question #1: How much do furnace repairs cost?
Answer: There’s no one size fits all answer to this question. The cost of furnace repairs will vary depending on the situation and you should be charged for a service call before getting details about what needs repairing. In some cases, people are given an upfront quote without having work done right away while other times they may need two separate estimates because not every problem shows up until afterward or during routine maintenance visits from professionals.
Questions #2: What about emergency furnace repairs?
Answer: During an emergency repair call, your furnace technician will inspect the system to diagnose any issues preventing it from producing heat. Some problems can be fixed on-site and others may require parts or a new installation before they’re resolved fully which is why you should always ask about costs ahead of time so there are no surprise charges.
Questions #3: What can I do to prevent having my furnace repaired?
Answer: Maintaining your heating system ensures that you never have to worry about a breakdown or damage. Preventative maintenance performed annually by a technician helps avoid these problems, and an annual tune-up will keep the important parts in good shape so they work as efficiently as possible. It’s a good idea to clean your furnace filter monthly as well since those contribute to energy efficiency and ease of use.
Question #4: What are some signs that my furnace might need repairs?
Answer: You should routinely check your furnace to make sure it is working properly. Several signs indicate you may need repairs, such as:
– A decrease in heat output
– Abnormal noises (e.g., banging, hammering) coming from the unit when it turns on or off, popping sounds while running, or changes in airflow around vents and registers.
– Leaks at connections where hoses connect to the unit, coils leak into compressor room due to low refrigerant levels.
– Forced ignition of pilot light fails frequently if thermocouple needs replacement.
– The cracked heat exchanger heats up, this will cause carbon monoxide poisoning so call a professional immediately.
Question #5: What causes my furnace to leak water?
Answer: If you have ever had a leaky water heater, chances are it won’t be long before your furnace starts leaking too. The most common cause of water leaks in furnaces is faulty gaskets and seals between components like the blower assembly housing or air handler unit and other parts. Water can also seep through cracks in the heat exchanger. With both types of problems, usually, only one component inside will need to be replaced rather than an entirely new system installed which saves money on installation costs for heating repair services
Question #6: Why does my furnace keep turning off?
Answer: When your furnace keeps turning off, it’s important to get on the phone with an HVAC contractor immediately. This is never a good sign for any homeowner and can lead to serious problems in your home if you leave this issue unattended long enough.
Questions #7: How do I light the pilot light on a furnace?
Answer: Once again, this is a very common question that comes up for people when they are trying to repair their furnace or install one. The pilot light on your furnace should be lit before you turn the main burner switch on if it has not been turned off recently. This can sometimes get tricky because there are several different types of pilots depending on what kind of gas valve system your home uses and where in the country you live. The most important thing here is to make sure you know how many times and at what intervals someone needs to go out and relight them so you don’t have to get any accidents.
Question #8: Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Answer: This is a classic symptom of low airflow. The easiest way to check this would be to open the front door and use your hand at the top grille on the outside of the house. If you feel no air coming out, then it’s most likely that there is an obstruction in one or more parts of the circulating system inside the furnace.
Question #9: Why does my furnace keep on running?
Answer: Furnaces will run until the furnace has reached a certain set point, so when your furnace seems to be running continuously it’s best not to worry.
Question #10: What causes a furnace to be so loud?
Answer: A furnace that is making a lot of noise can be due to several things. It could be as simple as the dirt build-up, which means you have to get it cleaned out by an expert service technician or there may also be loose parts inside your heating system. Another thing that might cause loud noises within your unit is worn seals and even some metal fatigue issues with the blower blades themselves.
Question #11: Why does my furnace smell?
Answer: Smells coming from your furnace is often due to a variety of different reasons, but typically it’s related to some sort of oil or lubricant issue. One common cause is the main grease filter on top of the blower assembly housing has become obstructed and needs cleaning out. Another reason could be that there was an overfill of refrigerant in the home either by accident or done incorrectly during installation which then causes odors every time you turn it on.
If you are looking for answers to your most common furnace repair questions, or have a question that’s not covered in this article, give us a call. We would love the opportunity to help answer any of your questions. Call today and we can provide an estimate on what it will take to fix up your furnace.
Do You Need a Home Furnace Installer You Can Trust?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As the premier Commercial and Residential HVAC Service provider for Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, Superior Mechanical can do it all, from heating and air conditioning services to boiler services, to plumbing services. Our technicians are certified professionals who will ensure every part of your project is done right using a careful checklist to guide and test each step. At the end of your appointment, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your new system and give you tips on maintenance so it lasts for years to come. Contact us today for amazing service tomorrow!
