Furnace Repair Houston

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

What is a furnace tune-up?

A furnace tune-up is an annual checkup performed by a professional to ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and safety. 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

Annual tune-ups maximize the life and efficiency 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 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 or if you encounter error codes, don't attempt to diagnose or repair the issue yourself.

What is an AFUE rating?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It is a measure of how effectively a furnace converts fuel to heat. . 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. The minimum AFUE rating for new furnaces is 80%, but high-efficiency models can have AFUE ratings of 90% to 98% or more.

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 you have cold spots, it could indicate problems with your furnace or ductwork.
• Strange Noises: Unusual or loud sounds 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.