Furnace Repair Lubbock

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

What is a furnace tune-up?

A furnace tune-up is an annual checkup performed by a professional that assesses the furnace's condition, cleans vital parts, and makes any necessary adjustments. A typical tune-up may 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 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, it's best to call a qualified HVAC technician for diagnosis and 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, while the remaining 5% is lost as exhaust gases.. 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.

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

Consider these indicators that your furnace might 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: 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 might be caused by an inefficient furnace.
• Uneven Temperatures: If some rooms in your house are colder than others, it could be a sign of problems with your furnace or air distribution.
• 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.