Furnace Repair Gainesville

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

What is a furnace tune-up?

A furnace tune-up is a preventative maintenance service performed by a qualified HVAC technician that assesses the furnace's condition, cleans vital parts, and makes any necessary adjustments. A typical tune-up involves several checks and maintenance tasks, which often include:

• Inspecting and cleaning the burners
• Checking the heat exchanger for cracks or leaks
• Inspecting the blower motor and fan
• Checking the flue pipe for proper venting
• Testing the safety controls
• Lubricating moving parts
• Checking refrigerant levels (for heat pumps)
• Testing for carbon monoxide leaks

A thorough tune-up can identify minor issues early on, reducing the risk of failure and prolonging the life of your furnace.

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 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 continues after the reset, don't attempt to diagnose or repair the issue yourself.

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. Higher AFUE ratings mean greater efficiency and lower heating costs. Look for high-efficiency systems for maximum savings.

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 less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
• 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 you have cold spots, it could be a sign of problems with your furnace or air distribution.
• Strange Noises: Banging, squealing, or rumbling noises can signal problems with the blower motor, igniter, or other components..
• 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. 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.

Don't ignore potential furnace problems.