Heater Repair

Heater Repair

Heating equipment is complicated, so when one component malfunctions, it impacts the entire system’s ability to operate. Here are some common reasons to contact Aire Serv for emergency furnace repair:

• The furnace won’t turn on.
• The pilot light is out.
• Strange noises are coming from the furnace during startup or operation.
• The main burner won’t light or won’t stay lit for longer than three seconds.
• The blower never turns on after the burners are lit.
• The furnace blower stays on constantly.

Reasons the Furnace has Stopped Working Properly

It’s easy to notice when the above problems are occurring, but they are merely symptoms of an underlying cause. Here are the top reasons your furnace has stopped working and how Aire Serv technicians repair them:

• No power to the furnace: If the fan doesn’t respond to raising the thermostat’s temperature, a breaker may have tripped, the wiring could be loose, or the furnace switch might be turned off. More complicated problems include trouble with the transformer, thermostat, control board, run capacitor or blower motor. A technician can perform a diagnostic test to pinpoint the exact problem and come up with a solution.
• Failing motor: Squeaks and squeals may emanate from a motor that’s about to fail. Immediate attention from a technician is required to save the furnace from a complete breakdown.
• No ignition: In furnaces with spark ignitions, rapid clicking sounds indicate that the burner is trying to ignite. Failure to do so could be caused by a blocked flue, faulty control board, or improper limit control. Repairing or replacing these parts should remedy the problem.
• Main burner problems: Burners that won’t stay lit are most commonly caused by a dirty flame sensor or a clogged condensate drain in the case of condensing furnaces. If the burners won’t light at all, the gas supply could be cut off. Cleaning key components and making a few adjustments should be all a technician is required to do for this furnace repair.
• Issues with the run capacitor or motor: These problems cause the blower not to turn on after the burners ignite.
• Clogged air filter: Assuming the thermostat isn’t set to “on,” which keeps the blower motor on continuously, a clogged air filter is the primary cause of a blower motor running all the time. The restricted airflow may have damaged the limit switch, which senses the internal furnace temperature. An Aire Serv technician not only replaces the switch; he also pinpoints the problem. If a clogged filter is the cause, he will educate you on changing the air filter and the process for doing so.

Preventive Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is a preventive heating service that involves a thorough inspection and tune-up of your system. Given that most people only call for HVAC service when something goes wrong, you may be wondering, “Do I really need furnace maintenance service?”

Yes—you really do need furnace maintenance if you want to save money, stay comfortable, and enjoy some other benefits. To explain why this is the case, here are some helpful answers to common questions about furnace maintenance service.

WHAT DOES FURNACE MAINTENANCE INCLUDE?

Furnace tune-ups involving checking all of the system’s essential components and adjusting, cleaning, testing, and/or lubricating them, as needed. Some of the specific tasks involved in our furnace maintenance checklist include:

• • Inspecting the vent system and air intake grilles, removing any blockages
  • Checking the heat exchanger for signs of damage or corrosion
  • Examining and cleaning the blower, removing any debris
  • Checking the blower motor and testing its amp draw
  • Inspecting the electrical connections, tightening them and/or replacing damaged wiring as needed
  • Checking the burner and flame sensor
  • Examining the belts for any signs of damage or cracks
  • Inspecting the thermostat and calibrating it as needed
  • Lubricating all moving parts in the heating system
  • Checking the air filter, cleaning it, and replacing it as needed
  • Checking and testing the system’s safety controls and startup cycle

If you have an oil or gas furnace, additional steps included in furnace maintenance service include:

• Examining fuel lines for potential leaks
• Checking and testing gas pressure, the burner, and the pilot
• Inspecting the thermocouple
• And more!

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A FURNACE TUNE-UP?

At Green Apple Mechanical, we recommend getting furnace tune-ups:

• At least once a year: Annual furnace maintenance can keep your system running efficiently. If you’re serious about maintaining optimal indoor air quality—or if anyone in your home has respiratory issues or a compromised immune system―it’s generally best to get furnace tune-ups more frequently, like two to four times per year.
• Before the cold season: The ideal time for furnace maintenance service is before you’ll be running your system on a daily basis when the temperatures drop. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, the best time for a furnace tune-up is usually during the end of summer and the beginning of fall. By getting a furnace tune-up before winter sets in, you can make sure your system is ready to support your comfort needs during the entire cold season to come!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANNUAL FURNACE MAINTENANCE?

Regular furnace tune-ups offer several advantages, including:

• Saving money: Furnace maintenance keeps your heating system running as efficiently as possible. That can mean monthly savings in energy bills. Over time, this savings can cover the cost of regular furnace tune-ups!
• Maintaining the warranty: Many furnace warranties include terms that require regular maintenance. If yours does, getting routine tune-ups is key to keeping your warranty valid and ensuring you have the coverage you need if anything does go wrong during the warranty period.
• Minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns: With regular furnace maintenance, minor issues can be identified and addressed before they become more serious problems. That means fewer system failures, a reduced need for heating repairs, and minimal chances that you’ll be left without heat during the cold season.
• Maximizing the service life of a furnace: A well-maintained furnace can last for well over a decade, letting you get the most out of your investment.

WHAT DOES FURNACE MAINTENANCE COST?

Furnace maintenance is one of the most affordable heating services you can get from a professional HVAC company. While the exact cost can depend on the type of furnace you have, in general, you can get the best deal on furnace maintenance when you sign up for a maintenance plan.

At Green Apple Mechanical, we offer:

• Money-saving maintenance plans: Our maintenance agreements make it as affordable and convenient as possible for homeowners in the Twin Cities to get the regular tune-ups and service they need.
• Special offers and deals: We regularly run special promotions to give our customers an opportunity to save whenever possible!