Did you know that one of the most common repairs for a furnace is the ignition?
Are you wondering how furnace repair works? Commercial or home furnaces are items you can’t go without during winter in St. Louis.
Do you hear a buzzing in your furnace or notice your home getting cold? If so, it might be a problem you can’t fix yourself.
A furnace technician can look at your furnace and help you determine what’s happening. Reliable repairs are essential in the winter to make sure your family stays warm.
Want to learn what you can expect from furnace repairs? Read on to find out!
How to Spot When Your Furnace Needs Repair
Heater repairs are something you don’t want to put off. You might think you can get away with using a broken furnace, but that’s not the case.
It’s not only a matter of comfort but safety as well. A furnace that isn’t working right can put your family at risk.
There are a few things you can look for to see if your furnace needs repair:
You notice your energy bills going up without explanation
Your furnace is making strange noises
There are visible signs of wear and tear on your furnace
Your home isn’t getting as warm as it used to
If you notice these things, it’s time to call for furnace repairs. Furnace technicians can take a look and let you know what needs to happen.
Strange Noises
Are strange noises coming from your furnace? One of the most common signs people notice is weird noises. Pay attention to banging, squealing, or any other out-of-the-ordinary noise.
It’s important to remember the furnace will make noise when it starts. Yet, if the noise continues or gets louder, there’s a problem.
Banging could be a sign of loose parts. Squealing may show that the motor bearings are wearing out. If you hear a humming noise, it might be that the blower belt is loose or needs replacing.
Cost of Energy Keeps Climbing
Thermostat issues are one of the most common problems. Have you recently noticed that your energy bills have been climbing? There’s a good chance your furnace is the culprit.
When your furnace is running, it should maintain a consistent temperature. You have a problem if your home is getting colder or hotter without you touching the thermostat.
The same is true if your furnace is running more than usual. If you have to adjust the thermostat more often, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
Visible Wear and Tear
If you can see physical damage to your furnace, it’s a sign that it needs replacing. That’s especially true if the damage is to any electrical components.
Even if you can’t see any damage, it’s a good idea to have your furnace looked at if it’s more than 15 years old. Furnaces often have a lifespan of 10–15 years. After that, they start to break down and become less efficient.
Cycles Nonstop
If your furnace runs more than it used to, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Your furnace should cycle on and off to maintain a consistent temperature. If it’s running nonstop, it’s working overtime to heat your home and wasting energy.
It’s also a safety hazard. A furnace running nonstop is more likely to overheat and cause a fire.
Are there any reasons for these cycling issues? It could be that the sensors need cleaning. That could cause the continuous cycle of starting up and turning off.
What if the sensors are already clean? Cleaning might have already happened during a recent annual tune-up.
One other potential issue is the limit switch. The limit switch tells the furnace when to turn it off. The furnace will keep running if it’s not working the right way.
It’s better to hire a professional when dealing with challenging issues. Otherwise, you might end up making the problem worse.
Furnace Repair Process
Once you’ve decided to get furnace repairs done, what happens next? The process is pretty straightforward.
Most furnace repair companies will send a technician to your home to examine the problem. They’ll assess the situation and give you a quote for the repairs.
If you decide to move forward, the technician will get to work. In some cases, they might need to order parts. In other cases, repairs can happen on the spot.
Once the repairs are over, the technician will test the furnace to make sure it’s working right. They’ll also clean up any debris from the repairs.
How to Find a Contractor
If your furnace needs repair, you might be wondering how to find a qualified contractor. The best place to start is by asking friends and family for recommendations.
You can also look for contractors online. Look for companies with good reviews and a history of satisfied customers.
Once you’ve found a few contractors, call them and ask for estimates. Make sure to ask about their qualifications and experience.
Make sure the estimate is in writing before you agree to anything. Here’s a checklist of what contractors should include in a furnace repair estimate.
The type of work that needs to happen
A breakdown of the parts and labor costs
The total cost of the repairs
The contractor’s qualifications and experience
The length of time the repairs will take
Be sure to read over the estimate carefully before you decide. And don’t be afraid to shop around either. Quality companies will understand if you want to get a second opinion.
What Furnace Repairs Cost
The cost of furnace repairs will vary depending on the problem. Sometimes, it might be a simple fix that only costs a few hundred dollars.
In other cases, you might need to replace major components of the furnace. That can cost a few thousand dollars.
The best way to get an accurate cost estimate is to call a furnace repair company. They’ll be able to take a look and give you an estimate of the repairs.
Get Quality Furnace Repairs Today
Now you know more about the furnace repair process. If you think your furnace needs repairs, don’t wait to fix it.
Waiting often makes the problem worse and can be a safety hazard. A prime example is if you have a gas leak. Gas leaks are rare but can be harmful.
Remember to ask around for recommendations. As well as get many estimates before deciding. And, of course, choose a qualified contractor that you can trust.
Looking for reliable repairs now? Check out our heating services in St. Louis!
