Furnace Repair: Top 18 Commonly Asked Questions About Your Furnace | Dallas, TX

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Understanding your heating system gives you confidence in knowing when to call a furnace repair in Dallas, TX. If you want to know how your furnace works, how to maintain it, and learn how to troubleshoot issues, then read this article. We’ll talk about frequently asked questions about your heating system. Feel free to contact us if you have questions.

1. How does a furnace work?

Your furnace has five main components: the burner motor, burners, thermostat, heat exchanger, and ductwork. They all work together to make you safe and comfortable when the temperatures start dropping. In addition, there are about four main types of furnaces based on the type of fuel required. They include oil, electric, natural gas and propane.

If you want a more economical and energy-efficient furnace, then consider going with a gas furnace but make sure that you only hire a certified technician for installation. Electrical furnaces are also popular as you won’t have to worry about carbon monoxide problems. Also, furnaces that run on electricity are very affordable. However, while furnaces that run on fuel are more affordable than gas furnaces, they are not a good option for homeowners that want to save money. If you’re not sure what to install for your home, consider speaking with one of our furnace repair technicians for assistance.

2. What’s a thermostat, and what does it do?

The thermostat is not only responsible for measuring your home’s temperature but also signals your furnace when to turn on or off. Consider getting a programmable thermostat as it automatically adjusts to the temperature, helping you save more energy and money.

3. What are furnace filters?

The air filters play an essential role in the efficiency of your heating system as it’s responsible for catching dirt, allergens, dust and debris. They come in different sizes and types, and some filters are also very effective at catching even the tiniest particles in the air. It’s essential that you care for your filters, or you may end up with a very dusty home. Dirty filters will also strain your system and consume more energy. It may also lead to costly furnace repairs. If you want to avoid calling a furnace repair technician in Dallas, TX, then clean your filters every two to three months.

4. How should I clean or replace my heating system’s filters?

When it comes to cleaning the filters, do make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. You need to replace your filters every two to three months.

Also, there are different types of filters that you can install. If you have family members suffering from respiratory issues or allergies, then consider getting HEPA or UV filters, as they are the best in eliminating the tiniest contaminants in the air. Check for the MERV rating in choosing filters for your home. The higher the rating, the more effective it is in killing the tiniest particles in the air. For installation, only work with a licensed technician.

5. What is a MERV rating?

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value or MERV is a rating between 1-16, measuring how efficient an air filter is for trapping contaminants in the air. The higher the rating, the more effective the air filter is for removing particles in the air. If you’re concerned about contaminants, consider getting an air filter with at least a MERV rating of 9 or above. For installation, make sure that you only work with a furnace repair technician.

6. Help! My thermostat isn’t working. What should I do?

There are several reasons why your thermostat isn’t working. It could be due to a loose wire connection, a dirty thermostat, batteries needing replacement, an old thermostat, or you might have blown a fuse. Consider calling a furnace repair technician near you if you don’t know how to resolve your thermostat issue.

7. Why is my furnace leaking?

Do you have an energy-efficient furnace? This could be due to a clogged floor drain or condensation tubing. Call a furnace repair technician right away for an inspection. An experienced technician can help you diagnose the problem and then resolve it for you.

If you don’t have an energy-efficient furnace, the water leak could be a clogged internal drain, faulty heat exchanger, or humidifier. Get help from a technician right away.

8. How can I improve the efficiency of my heating system and extend its lifespan?

There are many things you can do to improve the efficiency of your unit. One of them is to ensure that you regularly replace your air filters every two to three months or frequently when there’s heavy use. Make sure that you also work on your home’s insulation, seal cracks or holes, and fix drafts. Your heating system will only work harder when the heated air escapes outside. Eventually, it could also lead to a system breakdown. If you want to avoid calling a technician in Dallas, TX, for furnace repair, then help your system by keeping curtains down or installing shades.

To extend your heating system’s lifespan and avoid calling a technician ensure that you get a regular inspection of your unit. Have it serviced at least once a year to ensure it’s in excellent shape? During the service call, the technician would check all the components of your furnace and ensure it’s in good working order. Regular tune-ups can give you peace of mind, knowing that your system won’t suddenly break down in the middle of a freezing winter.

9. Is it worth it to invest in a high-efficiency system?

If one of your goals is to save energy, we recommend buying an energy-efficient furnace for your home. However, you need also to make sure that you only work with a licensed technician in Dallas, TX, for the installation. Poor installation can lead to numerous problems. To avoid calling for furnace repair, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating today.

10. I know I need regular tune-ups, but what maintenance can I do by myself?

You can replace the filters and clean some of the components of your system. Also, always be on the lookout for signs that there might be issues with your furnace. For example, if you hear strange noises or smell something different from your furnace, contact a furnace technician for an inspection. Our technicians can do a thorough inspection of your system and find out what’s wrong.

11. How long do furnaces last?

They last between 15-30 years. The exact number of years depends on how well you maintain your unit. If you want your heating system to last longer, then ensure that you do proper maintenance.

If your furnace is more than 15 years old showing signs that it’s no longer that efficient, consider calling a furnace repair technician in Dallas, TX, for an inspection. Do this when your bills have suddenly skyrocketed, or you have inadequate heating or cooling in your living spaces. It might be more cost-effective to get a new replacement than paying for costly heating and AC repairs. The technician can help you decide if it’s more cost-effective to get a furnace repair or buy a complete replacement.

12. What is the SEER Rating?

It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures system efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient your system is. The only downside to this is that it costs a lot more than the conventional units. However, it may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially because you can save more energy every month. For installation, make sure that you only work with a licensed furnace repair technician.

13. Why does my furnace smell?

When there is an unpleasant smell coming from your heating system, it could be due to a clogged air filter, a gas leak, overheating unit, or your furnace has not been used for a while. If you smell gas, please turn off your furnace, open all your windows for proper ventilation, leave your home, and contact a furnace repair technician near you. This is an emergency, and you need to call for help at the soonest possible time.

If it’s not gas, you still need to contact a technician for an inspection. A reliable technician should get to the root of the problem and provide you with the best solutions.

14. My furnace is making noises. What’s wrong with it?

When your heating system makes unusual noises, we suggest that you get help to avoid further problems and a more costly furnace repair. For example, a loud noise could indicate loose debris, leaky ductwork, or improper blower assembly. Call a technician right away so they can properly inspect your furnace.

15. Why is my heating system blowing cold air?

The first thing you need to do is check the fan setting and make sure it’s set to “auto” and not “on.” Another reason could be dirty or clogged air filters. As mentioned earlier, you need to replace your filters every two to three months. Otherwise, it’s going to affect the efficiency of your system.

If you have an old furnace, the unit may no longer be that efficient. Consider calling a furnace repair technician for an inspection. They can advise you on whether or not it’s wiser to get a replacement than system repair.

16. My pilot light is out. What should I do?

As a homeowner, it’s crucial that you know how to operate your furnace. Otherwise, you may end up calling a technician for an issue that you can fix on your own. When your pilot light goes out, simply turn the pilot dial to “off” and then wait for about five minutes before turning it back to “pilot.” Next, hold the reset button and then bring the flame of your lighter close to the light opening. Doing this should turn on the pilot light. If it doesn’t, then contact a technician near you.

17. How do I know it’s time to replace my heating system?

When you start getting higher utility bills, the culprit could be your heating system. Over time, it will begin to lose its efficiency and will consume more energy as a result. If you have to get it repaired more than once a year, it may be time to get a new replacement. For installation, ensure that you hire a licensed furnace repair technician in Dallas, TX.

Other signs to watch out for include water leaks, unusual signs, strange smells, the unit keeps acting up, inadequate heating/cooling. Contact a furnace repair technician right away for assistance.

18. Why do I need to hire a licensed technician for installation and repair?

It’s crucial to hire a licensed technician to ensure that you won’t have problems down the road. Also, if you’re installing a gas furnace, you should only hire a certified technician to do it. It’s not allowed to hire a handyperson for the job or do it yourself.

Contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas

Do you need furnace repair in Dallas, TX? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team of professionals is committed to providing exceptional furnace repair services in your area. We can also help with furnace installations and maintenance. In addition, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas offers a wide range of heating and cooling services, including emergency services. You can call us anytime because we operate 24/7. Our HVAC truck is also fully equipped with everything you need, and there’s no problem we can’t fix. Whether it’s a simple or complex problem, our licensed and experienced technicians can promptly help you resolve the issue. Contact us today for an appointment.