The furnace is your home’s key heating system. It produces heat and can keep you warm on those cold winter nights when the power goes out, but what happens if it breaks? You’ll be left with no warmth at all! This article will teach how common problems affect HVAC systems so that hopefully we won’t have any customers asking for local repairs too soon (or ever).
The furnace is not Working—At All
The first thing you should do if your furnace is shut down, even though it may seem basic. Check and make sure that the thermostat setting on ‘heat’ with a circuit breaker or fuse intact for power supply as well in case there was an interruption from either source before calling La Mirada’s finest heating repair company!
Your furnace is not only an essential part of your house, it’s also very important to safety. If you have lost the access panel for any reason be sure that this problem gets fixed as soon possible because if there are no doors on your unit then they will just go out whenever someone removes them – which could cause major problems with carbon monoxide levels in some cases!
Not Enough Heat is Being Produced
The furnace is working, but you are still feeling cold. What could be the reason?
The furnace is not producing enough heat to make indoor temperatures cozier. Check your air filters for any debris or have them inspected from heating repair services because clogged filters are the leading problem of inefficient Furnace operation that leads towards subpar comfort levels indoors!
The Color of the Flame
A healthy furnace will have a blue flame, while an unhealthy furnace will have a yellow or orange flame. If you notice that the color of your furnace’s flame has changed, it’s important to call a professional for help. The Comfort Time team is highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and repairing furnace problems. We’re always here to help, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
A dirty or rusting burner can affect the efficiency of your HVAC furnace. An even, blue glow means that it’s working properly and producing sufficient heat while more magnificent yellow-golden tints indicate maintenance needs to be done on any reputable company’s service record!
No Air is Blowing from the Furnace
Check through inspection window whether or not the blower is working. Many furnaces are installed with flashing lights to indicate a fault (‘green’ for normal functioning and ‘red’ for failure) in the blower.
If you do not understand what’s going on there, then don’t exhaust yourself and schedule a visit from an experienced heating repair experts to deal with it.
Gas supply Issue
Maybe the furnace and all of its components are in their best condition, but not getting enough fuel to run. For that matter, you must check the gas supply line all through its length for any leaks and valve issues, i.e., from the burner to the primary inlet.
A quivering burner pilot is an indication that your furnace is not getting enough gas supply. Call for professional help, and they can guide you better whether it’s a fault in the furnace or you have to call your gas utility company.
No matter how well-maintained a furnace is, there comes a time when it can’t work to its full capacity. Experts from a local heating repair company can also help you estimate the remaining service life of the furnace so that you can have it replaced in time.
Your furnace is a robust machine, but it can break and stop working. Although you don’t have to replace them each time they breakdown (although repairs are necessary), knowing when something needs fixing now so as not be left with no heat at all this winter will save money on energy bills!
Winter is the least convenient time for your furnace to break down but it can happen. There are ways that you could identify warning signs leading up until freezing in order avoid this scenario, find out what these issues might be so as not miss any problems with savings on future repairs or service visits!
Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
Homeowners sometimes opt to repair common HVAC problems instead of buying a new furnace. But the initial cost can be less than what you’ll spend on repairs, so it’s worth checking out!
Your furnace is more than 15 years old.
Age is the most common reason to replace a furnace. These machines often have a 15 to 20-year lifespan. But waiting until its 2nd decade to replace it will only cause you headaches.
Most of the time, a heater stops working as it nears its expiration date. One of the signs it’s inching towards its last years is when it doesn’t heat up your house as much as it used to. Another is when it turns off on its own even when there are no electricity problems.
Your electricity bills have increased.
A common result of furnace problems is higher energy consumption. Since the machine is working harder to operate, it’s consuming more power.
“If you’re looking for ways to lower your electric bill in the winter, you’re better off replacing your old furnace.”
A new model will help you save electricity. Apart from the absence of performance issues, the latest models are designed to be energy efficient. They also use eco-friendly refrigerants, preventing harmful chemicals from entering your home.
Your furnace is making odd noises.
The occasional noise from your furnace is normal. But if they become more frequent and sound different from the typical noises, there might be something wrong with the machine’s internal components.
A rattling sound is often caused by loose parts or ducts.
A clicking sound is an indicator of a broken flame sensor or igniter.
A screeching sound indicates problems with your furnace blower motor.
You experience frequent temperature fluctuations.
Are you feeling cold even though the heater is on? Is one room warmer than the others? When your furnace is broken or malfunctioning, you will likely feel it in your home’s temperature. Although this problem doesn’t always require a replacement, you should still ask a technician to confirm.
Your home is dustier than usual.
If you notice more dust than usual, despite cleaning every day, your furnace might be malfunctioning. The dust might be coming from inside the machine, and the filter isn’t blocking it. Your furnace has filters that prevent airborne particles from accumulating in your home. A quick change of these filters can usually fix the problem.
However, if you still see dust and soot in your home after changing the filters, there might be something wrong with your furnace. In some cases, these particles may indicate an overproduction of carbon monoxide. Prevent health and safety risks by calling a technician.
Your furnace isn’t turning on automatically.
Heaters operate in a cycle. When your furnace fan doesn’t turn on automatically when your home dips below the temperature you’ve set, there might be a serious problem with the machine. Alternatively, the same could be said if the furnace doesn’t turn off once the thermostat reaches your set temperature.
Why Opt For Furnace Replacement?
Most homeowners and HVAC manufacturers would agree that replacing your furnace should be your last resort. However, you shouldn’t insist on keeping a broken machine in the hopes of getting it repaired.
When you don’t replace the furnace at a time it should be replaced, you end up with several consequences.
Your utility bills will continue to increase as your furnace consumes more energy than necessary.
You’ll end up paying for costly repairs and expensive parts that only provide temporary solutions.
You put your family at risk of inhaling harmful chemicals when the broken furnace begins leaking refrigerants and carbon monoxide.
Ask a professional to determine the next steps for your malfunctioning furnace. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.
HVAC technicians know all too well that a home’s heating and cooling system is essential for keeping residents comfortable. And with winter coming, it becomes even more important to have your HVAC unit checked-in working order so you can avoid any problems during this harsh season!
Common Furnace Problems
Your home’s furnace is a vital component of your HVAC system. With the right guidance, it can be an efficient and reliable work horse for years to come! But what happens when something goes wrong? That’s where this article comes in handy…
This is often the number one reason a heater won’t turn on. When you skip or forget your furnace’s upkeep, it will likely end up with performance issues.
The air filter can still accumulate dust, pet dander, and other debris when the heater is off. Make sure to check if the filter needs changing before turning the heater on.
When dust builds up in the burner, the flames won’t burn evenly. This creates insufficient heat that causes your furnace to work harder to achieve the ideal level of heat, consuming more energy in the process. Make sure to clean your burner before using the furnace to prevent this from happening.
A dirty blower can have performance issues that may lead to equipment failure. This is because the heat exchanger needs constant airflow to keep it from overheating. Clean the blower regularly to ensure top performance for your heater.
Improper Gas Supply
Your furnace needs a set amount of gas to operate properly. Failing to calibrate this will cause the system to malfunction.
When there’s too much gas, your furnace burns more, and your utility costs may increase. It will also cause the furnace to overheat, triggering the automatic switch to turn off.
When there’s too little gas, your furnace burns less, and you end up with a cold house during the winter. This can also cause your furnace to work harder to stabilize the heat, resulting in higher energy bills.
Malfunctioning Blower Capacitor
The blower capacitor is a component that looks like a large battery. It provides electricity to the fan motors, making sure there’s enough cool air to prevent the system from overheating. When it is malfunctioning, your heater won’t turn on. You will need a technician to determine if it needs a repair or replacement.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If you’re using a heat pump for your home, you have to regularly check its refrigerant. When refrigerant levels are too low, your heat strips will turn on more often than they should. At worst, the compressor might overheat and become damaged.
Malfunctioning Starting Components
Starting components can malfunction for different reasons. When this problem is unaddressed, you risk experiencing the following:
the blower won’t start properly
the unit won’t heat your home
the internal components will get damaged
Broken Draft Inducer
This motor helps clear out leftover gas before the furnace turns on. However, it can burn out and stop working. When it happens, the safety switch turns on and switches off your heater.
Broken Heat Exchanger
Although this problem won’t lead to a broken furnace, it will affect the machine’s efficiency and effectiveness.
“Before you know it, you will be wondering how to lower your electric bill this winter.
But this is not the worst scenario.”
When your heat exchanger has a crack, you risk filling your home with carbon monoxide and harming you and your family.
Improper Ductwork
This is a big problem for old houses. Ductwork design and installation take skill, but some homeowners choose to hire amateurs or do it themselves – which leaves the people who buy these properties with compromised ducts that may cause performance issues in their furnaces if they were never fixed by professionals before coming into possession of said home (or business). Are you feeling the chill this winter? You might need your furnace checked. Give us a call and we’ll send over a technician to inspect your heating system.
A furnace is an essential installation that keeps loved ones in your home warm and comfortable when it is chilly outside. Is yours operating at optimum?
Upgrading a furnace from 56 percent to 90 percent efficiency can cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 tons annually. You can contact your local, family-owned, furnace installation contractor today and enjoy reduced costs in fuel and maintenance.
The cold winter months are tough on furnaces. They can’t keep up with freezing temperatures and may break down quickly, especially if you’ve got an older home that wasn’t built for heating technology today! In addition to this problem many homeowners find themselves dealing with leaks or cracks in their unit which could lead not only them but also other family members who live at risk of getting sick due too poor hygiene practices around these types care units where as soon as something goes wrong there’s no time left before its too late–so make sure they get looked after by professionals every now and then.
Getting Your Furnace Size Right
When you are looking at furnaces, it’s important that the right size system is chosen. Larger units cost more than smaller ones but will provide greater comfort in winter by heating large spaces like rooms or whole houses rather then just small apartments where efficiency matters less because there isn’t any one spot close enough to people who want heat whenever they need some!
Manual J Load Calculation
If you are going to get your furnace replaced there is a chance of rushing to the internet and choosing what you think is suitable for you. That approach wrong.
Your best choice to getting it done right the first time is to invite a qualified contractor to do a Manual J load calculation for your home. If a contractor gives a quote without assessing your home, be ready for anything after the installation.
An undersized or oversized system won’t heat your home accurately. It may even fail way before its expected lifespan.
Contractors do Manual J load calculations to determine the HVAC equipment that is suitable for a building. The math takes into account the square footage of your home and the efficiency of ventilation.
The contractor will measure the walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, partitions and so on. He will also consider the building materials and the direction that your home faces.
Apart from these measurements, there will be some other technical considerations to take into account.
The exercise can be daunting. Fortunately, there are software tools that simplify the task. The report gives the BTU or Ton rating for the system that suits your home.
Source of Fuel
You can find contractors to install electric, gas, and oil furnaces. The choice depends on your preference, price, and location. However, there are some essential things to note about each.
Electric furnaces generate heat from electrical current. Electric heating is quite expensive. If you rely on the electrical grid for your heat, the system can empty your wallet.
The fuel in gas furnaces is natural gas. It is easy on the pocket when temperatures are low. Southern California has an abundance of natural gas which makes it very typical here.
The third type of furnace uses propane or oil. The fuels are reliable, but they require a lot of storage space.
If tidiness is a concern for you, don’t install this furnace since oil can mess up your house. It can also be more costly than natural gas, though prices keep fluctuating. However, it may be the only realistic option for homes in areas without gas lines.
An economical solution for heating and cooling in homes is installing an electric heat pump. The system uses minimal energy to transfer heat from an air stream to another. When temperatures are high, it serves as an air conditioner.
Efficiency
Most modern central-heating systems use gas. The annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating of a furnace determines the efficacy of the system.
The Federal Trade Commission requires that furnace and boiler manufacturers indicate the AFUE on their products. This information should be easy to find if you’re looking for a new home heating system online, but it’s also listed beneath most product specifications or descriptions when searching directly at companies’ websites
It’s vital to note that AFUE does not account for the heat wasted through the piping material or the duct system. The loss can be up to 35 percent of the system’s output depending on the quality of the ducts.
Zoning Systems
A building does not maintain the same temperature in different areas. It may be a consequence of design, location, or other factors. If you install a master thermostat at one place in your home, you will have irregular temperature patterns. Some rooms will be colder or hotter than expected, and you may end up consuming more energy than necessary.
To avoid such issues, find a contractor that can install a furnace with a zoning system. The system divides your house into sections and assigns an independent thermostat for each. Furthermore, dampers can shut or open the ducts for various zones to regulate the temperature as desired.
Costs: Buying and Installing
Pricing of furnace installations can be tricky, but it primarily depends on the features included. The more efficient varieties are more expensive than the ones with lower AFUE. The size and brand also matter.
When hiring a contractor, confirm whether the quote includes all the costs that are typical of HVAC installations, like permits and inspections.
If you are replacing an old furnace, you might not need to install new ducts. So, you will save a considerable amount. Your contractor can advise on any additional parts that you may need to buy.
Getting Your Furnace Replaced in Hacienda Heights – Bottom Line
You can find many models of furnaces from various manufacturers across the world. They come with different features that you may want to explore before making a decision.
Since a furnace is a long term investment, insist on value before price. Select a product that is reliable, energy efficient, and safe. We have explained how critical it is to involve an HVAC contractor to help with determining the right size.
Most of the information you would need is available online. You can take advantage of consultancy from the manufacturer or the dealer.
The Hacienda Heights area is home to many small businesses, which means that there are plenty of competitors for any given service. It’s important you do your research and ask around before deciding on who will install your new AC or heat pump!
Given that utilities cost the average homeowner a few thousand dollars a year, it’s vital to take your HVAC costs seriously. If you’re in the midst of a new HVAC installation, you need something that’s affordable and efficient to ensure you don’t overpay in the future. Choosing the right Hacienda Heights HVAC service installation company is a challenge but you need to ask the right questions.
Here are five questions to ask when you’re looking for someone to work with.
1. Do They Offer Emergency Services?
When you’re in the market for an HVAC installation company, it’s easy to be dazzled by their great work and forget that they could run into problems. But when there are no plans made about what might go wrong or how your home will fare during emergencies like power outages which can cause cooling systems shutting down immediately (and causing even more discomfort), these incidences will leave homeowners high-and dry without warning!
You need to know that the installation company is going to be offering 24/7 emergency services. Even if your HVAC system falls apart on a holiday, you need to ensure that you’re protected. Emergency services need to be provided by even the best HVAC installation company.
Just because they’ve installed an HVAC system that’s state of the art doesn’t mean it’s going to last forever. Problems arise with even the best systems on the planet and when that happens, they should be around the help yo with it. Since they’re the ones who installed it, they know how to fix problems better than anyone else in an ideal world.
2. Are They Certified?
When hiring an HVAC company, make sure they’re certified and registered with the state. Every technician who comes to install your new system should be qualified so that you know for certain if their work will withstand any challenges on-site before signing anything!
Ask your HVAC installation company about any certification they can provide. If they’re unwilling to show off certifications or try to skirt the question, they might not be the company you want to work with. They should be certified to both install and to repair the kind of system that you’re having put in.
It takes years of experience for mot HVAC specialists to become certified and experienced with any kind of system. These systems are updated and changed constantly, especially with the amount of smart home technology that’s been introduced in recent years. If you’re installing a new system, it’s going to have a lot of features that require an understanding of the future of smart home tech.
Make sure your technician knows how all of those features work and is ready to answer any questions you have.
3. Check The Reviews
We’re more empowered than ever before with the help of online reviews. With no Yellow Pages to guide us, consumers are forced into searching on Google or other sites like Yelp where they can find out information about products and services in their area without any hassle whatsoever!
Online reviews are a great way to find out if companies provide the products and services you need. Some people might think that they’re not trustworthy, but with detailed information on each company’s website or social media page including customer service contact details – it’ll be hard for anyone who searches them!
A search engine like Google will show several review sites when we click ‘search.’ We can read these critiques before making our decision about whom best suits us as well investors looking at investing in new businesses; this helps weed-out bad candidates by reading what others have experienced first hand (both good AND bad).
Read through for terms that look relevant to you and have to do with the kinds of products and services that pertain to you. If you’re looking for a specialized installation or a have a special kind of building you’re installing your new system in, look for details. You should be able to find more information to help you make a smarter decision about the kind of system you’re looking for.
4. Do They Specialize In What You’re Getting?
Every homeowner has their own particularities when they’re seeking a new HVAC system. Every home also sets up its own limits when it comes to the kinds of systems that are easy to install in it. If you have some clue as to what you’re looking to have installed in your home, then you should look to make sure they ‘re good at installing that kind of system.
Ask for details about how they’ve installed systems like that in the past. Find out what they can do differently than other HVAC companies in your region. They should be open and responsive.
If you find your HVAC company difficult to communicate with or that they’re a little squirrely on details, look to someone else. A reputable company is going to do everything in their power to be straightforward and open.
5. Are The Prices Competitive?
At the end of the day, you’re going to be looking for competitive prices. You need a company that provides you with value without having to haggle forever.
You should have a warranty that comes with the new system you’re installing. The price for repair and for service shouldn’t be out of this world. If you’re looking for a system installation that’s within your reach and your budget, ask for a breakdown of the price in advance. Reach out to us!
Hacienda Heights has a reputation for warm weather, but the reality is that during winter months it can get fairly cold. In fact in December-January and February temperatures may dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius). This means most residents choose to invest in furnaces as well because they know how important heating your home properly is!
Are you thinking about installing a furnace in your home? Trying to find a high-quality installer? If so, read on! We’re going to explain how to find the best furnace installation company in Hacienda Heights.
Create a Pool of Candidates
The first step in finding a furnace installer is to create a pool of suitable candidates. You can find suitable candidates in a number of ways. However, the two best options are to look online and to ask friends or family.
When you’re looking for a company that can install furnaces near me, simply get onto Google and search “furnace installation.” Hacienda Heights-based companies will appear. Look at star ratings of these various businesses; then make your list with those who have four or more stars.
When asking friends or family, simply inquire as to whether they’ve used a furnace installer in the past. If they have, and if they were happy with the service, add said installer to your pool.
By doing these two things, you should be able to create a pool with at least 10 suitable candidates. This is more than enough candidates to choose from.
Prioritize Experience
Now that you’ve gathered your pool of candidates, you need to start studying them. Start your studying by finding out how long they’ve been in business. Generally, companies with more experience are more competent than companies with less experience.
In most cases, you’ll be able to find a specific company’s establishment date by looking at its website. This is usually found on the “about” page, and usually reads something like “Established in 2005”.
We recommend choosing a company with at least 5 years of experience. Any furnace company which has stayed in business for 5 years has proven its ability to get work done right.
Inquire About Insurance
Next, you’re going to want to find out whether or not your prospective companies have insurance. If they don’t, we recommend dropping them from your pool.
Insurance is a great way to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances. If your installer’s employees cause damage or injury on the job, they’ll be able cover it because their company has been insured all along!
When it comes to insurance, there are two types that you furnace installation service should have. One of these is general liability insurance. The other is workers compensation insurance.
While furnace installers can have other types of insurance plans, those plans are not important to you. The ones discussed above are important because they ensure that you don’t end up being financially responsible for any mishaps which occur on or to your property.
Look for Certification
Not only do you need to make sure that your furnace installer has insurance, but that it has certification as well. In the state of California, all HVAC contractors are required to be certified with the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board.
It’s simple: if one of the installers in your pool of candidates is not licensed, you need to drop it. Under no circumstances should you utilize the services of an unlicensed HVAC company.
Wondering how to tell whether or not a company is licensed with the state? All you have to do is use this license lookup tool!
Get a Feel for Reputation
Next, you need to do everything in your power to get a feel for your prospective companies’ reputations. There are a number of ways to achieve this, but perhaps the easiest way is by reading online customer reviews.
Sites such as Google, Yelp, and Facebook are loaded with reviews of businesses from past customers. By reading these reviews, you should be able to form a pretty good idea as to what each company can do for you.
If the vast majority of a company’s reviews are positive, it will probably provide you with good service. It the majority of its reviews are negative, you shouldn’t even think about utilizing its services.
Ask About Warranties
After you’ve narrowed your options down to only companies with positive reputations, you need to start taking a good, hard look at what they have to provide. While all of these companies can properly install your furnace for you, some of them provide warranties which set them apart from the others.
Our advice is to call up the remaining companies on your list and ask about any warranties or guarantees that they might provide. Most companies will provide warranties and guarantees of some kind. There’s no good reason to choose one which doesn’t.
Obtain an Estimate
Lastly, you need to ask for an estimate of the work that is to be done. While furnace installation cost is usually around the same price regardless of who installs your furnace, you can never be too careful. Make sure to call up each of the companies remaining on your list in order to get an idea as to what they charge.
You shouldn’t have any trouble obtaining an estimate from each of the companies that you call. If a company won’t furnish you with an estimate, you shouldn’t even consider using its services. Failure to obtain an estimate could result in surprisingly large bills hitting you months down the line.
Utilize Our Furnace Installation Services
If you’re looking for a high-quality furnace installation company in Hacienda Heights, look no further than Comfort Time Heating and Cooling. Family owned and operated since 2008, ours is the premier HVAC company in Los Angeles County.
Regardless of your heating needs, our team of skilled and dedicated technicians can help you.