Furnace Repair Spokane

Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Repair

How do I maintain my furnace?

Proper care to keeping your furnace running efficiently and safely and avoiding breakdowns. Here are some essential steps for furnace maintenance:

• Change or Clean Air Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the system work harder. If you have pets or allergies, changing the filter every month is recommended.
• Annual Inspection and Tune-Up: It's essential to schedule professional furnace maintenance once a year, preferably before the start of the heating season.. A professional technician can also test for carbon monoxide leaks and other safety hazards.
• Clean the Area Around the Furnace: Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of debris. Maintain a clear space around the furnace for optimal operation.
• Check the Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is working correctly and set to the desired temperature.
• Inspect Ductwork: Inspect your ductwork for any leaks or damage and seal them promptly to optimize heating.

Regular maintenance is an investment that protects your system and enhances comfort.

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.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Possible reasons for cold air include:

• Pilot light or ignition problems: If the pilot light is out, the burners won't light, and the furnace won't produce heat. Ignition issues are a common culprit.
• Thermostat issues: An incorrectly set or malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the furnace from turning on or make it cycle improperly. Check that your thermostat is set correctly and is sending a signal to the furnace to turn on.
• Overheating: If the furnace overheats, it could activate a limit switch. This is typically caused by a restricted airflow, often due to a dirty air filter.
• Ductwork problems: Seal any ductwork leaks to improve performance. This can also result in the furnace blowing cold air, especially if the leak is near the beginning of the ductwork run.

If you're not able to identify the cause and fix the problem yourself, contact a furnace repair professional.

What is a pilot light?

A pilot light is a tiny flame used to ignite the main burners. 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. .