Furnace Repair Birmingham

Find Heating Repair in Birmingham

Receive multiple Heating Repair quotes for your project today! Compare profiles, reviews, accreditations, portfolio, etc... and choose the best service.

Service Needed
City or Town
Find Pros

Over 15,611+ HVAC Companies on our directory

Our HVAC experts operate in Birmingham and beyond!

HVACCompaniesHub has curated and vetted Top HVAC Businesses near Birmingham. Find a reliable contractor today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

Is your furnace acting up? Get answers to common questions about furnace repair and find trusted local technicians.

How do I know when it's time to replace my furnace?

Here are signs that your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan and may need replacing::
  • Age: If your furnace is 15-20 years old or older, it's likely time to consider a replacement.
  • Frequent Repairs: Multiple repairs, especially costly ones, suggest it's more economical to invest in a new, more reliable unit..
  • High Energy Bills: A noticeable increase in your heating bills could mean an inefficient furnace.
  • Uneven Temperatures: If some rooms in your house are colder than others, it could indicate problems with your furnace or ductwork.
  • Strange Noises: Banging, squealing, or rumbling noises suggest mechanical issues.
  • Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame: A healthy furnace flame should be blue. A yellow or flickering flame can indicate a variety of issues. If you notice a yellow flame, contact an HVAC technician immediately..
  • Dry or Dusty Air: An old furnace may cause dry, dusty indoor air. A new furnace with improved filtration can help alleviate this problem.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's advisable to consult with an HVAC professional for a furnace inspection and assessment.

What is the average lifespan of a furnace?

The average lifespan of a furnace is typically 15 to 20 years. However, this can vary depending on several factors: is influenced by:
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance significantly impacts the lifespan of your furnace. A preventative maintenance plan can make your furnace more reliable.
  • Usage: Frequent or continuous use puts more strain on your system.
  • Quality: Well-built models are typically more durable.
  • Proper Installation: Correct installation is crucial for optimal performance and longevity..
If your furnace is over 15 years old and starting to experience frequent problems, it may be time to consider replacing it.

How do I reset my furnace?

Before calling for repairs, consider resetting your furnace. Here's how to reset most furnaces:
  1. Turn off the furnace: Set the thermostat to the 'off' position.
  2. Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker for your furnace and switch it off.
  3. Wait: Wait at least 30 seconds, though longer is sometimes recommended for the system to fully power down.
  4. Turn the power back on: Flip the circuit breaker back to the 'on' position.
  5. Turn on the furnace: Turn the thermostat back on and set it to your desired temperature.
If the problem persists after the reset, don't attempt to diagnose or repair the issue yourself.

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is a tiny flame used in older furnaces. It's how older furnaces ignite the gas. Most modern furnaces use an electronic ignition system. While pilot lights are generally reliable, they're not as efficient as newer ignition systems Electronic ignition systems are usually safer and more efficient.

How do I know when it's time to replace my furnace?

Here are signs that your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan and may need replacing::
  • Age: If your furnace is 15-20 years old or older, it's likely time to consider a replacement.
  • Frequent Repairs: Repeated service calls can mean underlying problems.
  • High Energy Bills: A noticeable increase in your heating bills could mean an inefficient furnace.
  • Uneven Temperatures: If some rooms in your house are colder than others, it could indicate problems with your furnace or ductwork.
  • Strange Noises: Unusual or loud sounds suggest mechanical issues.
  • Yellow or Flickering Burner Flame: A healthy furnace flame should be blue. A yellow or flickering flame can indicate a problem with the burners, insufficient airflow, or a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. This should be addressed right away.
  • Dry or Dusty Air: An old furnace may cause dry, dusty indoor air. Upgrading your system can improve comfort and IAQ.
If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's advisable to consult with an HVAC professional for a furnace inspection and assessment.

What is the average lifespan of a furnace?

The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15-20 years. How long your particular furnace will last depends on several factors, including::
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your furnace. Annual checkups and timely repairs can make your furnace more reliable.
  • Usage: The more frequently you use your furnace, the shorter its lifespan will be.
  • Quality: Well-built models are typically more durable.
  • Proper Installation: Correct installation is key to longevity.
An older furnace may require more repairs and cost more to operate.

How do I reset my furnace?

If your furnace isn't working correctly, a simple reset can sometimes resolve the issue. Here's how to reset most furnaces:
  1. Turn off the furnace: Set the thermostat to the 'off' position.
  2. Turn off the power: Locate the circuit breaker for your furnace and switch it off.
  3. Wait: Wait a few minutes for the system to fully power down.
  4. Turn the power back on: Flip the circuit breaker back to the 'on' position.
  5. Turn on the furnace: Turn the thermostat back on and set it to your desired temperature.
If the problem continues after the reset, it's best to call a qualified HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair..

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is a small, continuous flame used in older furnaces. It's how older furnaces ignite the gas. Most modern furnaces use an electronic ignition system. While pilot lights are generally reliable, they can sometimes go out or malfunction, requiring relighting or repair. Electronic ignition systems are usually safer and more efficient.