Furnace Repair Gainesville

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

What is an AFUE rating?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE helps consumers compare the efficiency of different furnace models. It's a percentage reflecting how much of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for your space. For instance, a furnace with a 95% AFUE rating converts 95% of the fuel's energy into usable heat, and only 5% is wasted. Always choose a furnace with the highest AFUE rating you can afford. The minimum AFUE rating for new furnaces is 80%, but high-efficiency models can have AFUE ratings of 90% to 98% or more.

What causes a furnace to stop working?

There are several reasons why your furnace might stop working, from minor issues to major breakdowns. Some of the most common causes include::

• Lack of power: Check the circuit breaker to ensure the furnace is receiving power. A tripped breaker is a common and easily resolved problem.
• Thermostat problems: Check that the thermostat is set correctly to 'heat' and at a temperature higher than the current room temperature. Replace batteries if the display is blank or not working. Try resetting the thermostat or replacing the batteries. If that doesn't solve the problem, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
• Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and prevent the furnace from working efficiently.. Try replacing the filter.
• Ignition problems: Issues with the igniter or pilot light can prevent the furnace from starting. In newer furnaces, electronic ignition systems control this process and should be checked if there are problems.
• Blower motor issues: The blower motor is crucial to distributing warm air throughout your home. If the blower motor is broken, the furnace may not produce enough heat.
• Gas supply problems (for gas furnaces): Gas furnaces require both gas and electricity to function properly. Check that there are no gas leaks.
• Other component failures: Other components, such as the inducer motor, capacitor, or pressure switch, might be responsible.

If you cannot identify or resolve the issue yourself, contact a furnace repair specialist .

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 reset.
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 or if you encounter error codes, don't attempt to diagnose or repair the issue yourself.

How often should I change my furnace filter?

It's recommended to change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, or more often if you have pets, allergies, or live in a high-pollution area. Regularly replacing filters is simple and helps prevent many furnace problems. A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, wasting energy and shortening its lifespan.