Is Your Furnace Ready for Winter? Let the Furnace Repair Experts Help

The heating season in Texas comes late, but it certainly comes regularly and certainly. If you are entering the heating season with a furnace that concerns you, here are some essential furnace repair tips for you to consider.

Remember When

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are important components of mechanical building systems that deserve careful consideration. Like all mechanical systems, even with regular maintenance, all good things will come to an end. Research and decades of experience reveal that quality HVAC systems, composed of air conditioning and furnace components, have a pretty consistent and useful lifespan.

• Air conditioners have a lifespan that ranges between 15 and 20 years—regular maintenance can add another 5 years or so.
• Furnaces have a lifespan of around 20 years–regular maintenance can add another 5 years or so.

An HVAC system that is approaching 20 years old will need to be replaced soon, make plans. If you can’t remember how old your system is, check the model/serial number tag on the furnace. The brand website should identify the manufacture year.

Are You Feeling It?

Old furnaces may have a hard time keeping the space warm and comfy, so walk around the home and check for cold spots. A cold spot can be caused by more than one reason, so continue your investigation.

• Check the thermostat. Make sure the setting is correct and there is a discrepancy between the setting and the sensor. Do you have a heat pump? When the temperature drops very low, make sure the thermostat is set to Emergency or Auxiliary heat, since there is inadequate heat to be gathered from the outside air.
• Check the air filter. It seems weird, but a clogged filter can restrict air flow, making it impossible for the furnace to heat the home properly.
• Check your vents. If a rug, a piece of furniture, or clothing covers vents, it will prevent the hot air from entering the space as desired.

Did You Hear That?

Whatever noise the HVAC system makes, it should be consistent from beginning to end: when it suddenly becomes louder, it is a sound of trouble ahead.

• New or loud clicks, humming, or buzzing can be signs of electrical problems. Even if these sounds are short-term, they are calling for repairs.
• There are few moving parts, so screeching or grinding indicates a problem that needs to be repaired.

What Ya Looking At?

Even subtle changes in appearance usually mean something, so don’t ignore them.

• HVAC systems depend on sealed chambers and ducts, so rust and corrosion are indications of imminent problems. This is especially true concerning the heat exchanger for a natural gas furnace. If the rust damages the exchanger, it can allow carbon monoxide to leak into the house.
• Check the burner assembly for damage from rust or corrosion. Water vapor is a byproduct of burning natural gas, so rust can be a real problem.
• If the flame on the burner assembly is yellow, this indicates the gas is not burning properly. This produces excess carbon monoxide and wastes a lot of energy. The presence of a black, powdery substance (soot) is another indication of incomplete combustion.

What Is That Smell?

The air moving through the HVAC system should match the air in your home. If the air moving from the ductwork smells off, it can indicate that something is wrong with the system.

Any one of these indications, especially in combination with a long lifespan, should be sending you messages that replacement is imminent.

Don’t Put Off Heater Repair Any Longer!

As the heating season begins in Texas, it’s essential to assess the condition of your furnace and HVAC system. If your system is nearing 20 years old, or showing signs of poor heating, unusual noises, or rust and corrosion, it may be time for a furnace repair appointment or a replacement. Regular maintenance can extend your furnace’s lifespan, but paying attention to these warning signs of furnace repair can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure your home stays warm all season.

Houston Trane can connect you with a Trane Licensed Furnace Replacement Contractor who can answer your questions about HVAC system repair and installation. To find a local Trane Furnace Replacement Contractor, visit our Local Dealer search tool.