Furnace Repair Spokane

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

What are the signs that my furnace needs to be replaced?

Indicators that your furnace may need replacement include:

• Age: If your furnace is 15-20 years or older, it is likely less efficient and more prone to breakdowns.
• Frequent Repairs: If your furnace requires frequent and costly repairs, it may be a better financial decision to replace it than to keep repairing it.
• Increasing Energy Bills: A significant increase in your heating bills could indicate that your furnace is losing efficiency.
• Inconsistent Heating: Uneven temperatures throughout your house could mean your furnace isn't functioning as it should.
• Strange Noises: Listen for odd noises coming from the unit.
• Yellow Flame: A healthy furnace flame should be blue. A yellow flame suggests a problem with the burners or venting. If you see a yellow flame, contact a qualified HVAC technician right away.
• Dry Air: If you notice excessive dryness, a new furnace could provide increased comfort.

If you notice one or more of these warning signs, have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your furnace.

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 is influenced by:

• Maintenance: Preventative maintenance can help extend the life 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.

If your furnace is over 15 years old and starting to experience frequent problems, it may be time to consider replacing it.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Possible reasons for cold air include:

• Pilot light or ignition problems: In older furnaces, the pilot light needs to be lit for the burners to ignite. In newer furnaces, a faulty electronic ignition system can prevent the burners from igniting.
• Thermostat issues: A faulty thermostat can prevent the furnace from turning on or cause it to cycle improperly. Check your thermostat settings is set correctly and is sending a signal to the furnace to turn on.
• Overheating: If the furnace overheats, a safety switch may shut off the burners, causing the blower to circulate cold air.. Overheating can also damage your furnace, so it's best to have a professional inspect the system.
• Ductwork problems: Leaks in your ductwork can allow heated air to escape into unconditioned spaces, reducing the amount of warm air that reaches your rooms.. This can also result in the furnace blowing cold air, especially if the leak is near the beginning of the ductwork run.

If your furnace is blowing cold air, it's important to troubleshoot the problem and, if necessary, call a qualified HVAC technician for repair.

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is a small, continuous flame used in older furnaces. When the thermostat signals for heat, the pilot light ignites the main burners, heating the air. . While pilot lights are generally reliable, they're not as efficient as newer ignition systems They also consume a small amount of gas continuously, even when the furnace is not actively heating. .