Many different types of furnaces and central heating units are available to serve families needing heat in the home. However, most of these heating appliances depend on electric power or natural gas to function. Some older furnace models use fuel oil as a source of energy for producing warmth.
One thing, however, remains constant:
- These appliances must be maintained in good operating conditions to function efficiently. The following article is designed to help homeowners keep their heating appliances in proper working order by focusing on furnace repairs.
Furnace Repair & Maintenance Tips
A critical aspect of maintaining any heating appliance involves regular inspection and cleaning. For instance, dirt can impede airflow that carries heated air from the heater’s furnace to rooms in the home, resulting in inadequate heating and a higher energy bill.
Inspecting Furnace Filters
Heater filters should be located to be easily accessed for inspection and cleaning purposes. In general, most filters are mounted near the heating appliance itself. Still, some models have the filter located inside an access panel at one end of an air duct leading from a heater to a room or space heated by this appliance.
What type of filter is used varies depending on the type of unit being serviced:
- Some furnaces make use of disposable filters made from material such as fibreglass; other furnaces might use permanent washable filters made from good quality which will stand up under repeated laundering.
- Furnace filters should be inspected regularly, at least once each month, and replaced or laundered if dirty. Filters made from foil lose their ability to catch dirt particles as they age, resulting in less airflow through the heater’s ducts over Time.
- If more than one filter is used in your heating unit, make sure that all of them are clean at any given time; replace or launder them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations:
Cleaning Your Furnace
Taking care of your furnace isn’t difficult and can save considerable expense and energy loss over the years. The following article provides several helpful tips for maintaining your heating appliance, including cleaning procedures that don’t require much work.
Cleaning a Forced-air Heating System that Makes Use of a Dust Collection Filter
When maintaining a heating unit with a dust collection filter, it is essential to clean this type of furnace at least twice a year. The procedure for doing this involves removing both the metal outlet and inlet screens located inside the heater’s access door:
- This screen is generally made from steel mesh and requires little more work than running them under hot water, followed by brushing with an old toothbrush or other brush designed for cleaning purposes. Be sure to wipe off the interior surfaces of the filter box before replacing these screens; they should be reinserted facing outward from the unit when replaced.
Required Tools and Materials for Cleaning a Forced-Air Heating System
- Bucket or container for catching the water runoff
- An old toothbrush or other brush designed for cleaning purposes
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Clean rags
- Furnace cleaner (optional)
Furnace Repair Costs Breakdown
Furnace Repairs: $426.92 for a typical forced-air furnace (price to be used as a reference only)
Estimated Time Needed: 1.5 hours for installation and troubleshooting; 2 hours for parts replacement; cleaning not included.
The cost of furnace repairs can vary depending on the type of heating unit and the specific problem that needs to be addressed. However, the average price for furnace repairs is typically around $426.92, as shown in the table below. The estimated Time necessary for parts replacement and installation ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours, while cleaning typically does not require additional Time.
Type of Heating Unit Furnace Repair Cost
- Forced-air furnace $426.92
- Electric furnace $326.14
- Oil furnace $537.02
- Gas furnace $407.01
- heat pump $543.64
If you are unsure whether or not your heating appliance requires maintenance or if you need to have it serviced, contact a professional furnace repair technician for assistance. By keeping your furnace in good working order, you can avoid more costly repairs and keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Most Typical Furnace Repair Jobs
- replace filters
- inspect wiring
- repair thermostat
- tighten screws and nuts
- replace control panel
- clean or replace blower motor
- lubricate fan motors and bearings
- replace burners and heat exchangers
- repair gas valves
- check for cracked heat exchanger
There are several reasons why you might need to have your furnace repaired. The most common problems that require furnace repair include dirty filters, clogged air ducts, a broken thermostat, faulty wiring, and malfunctioning pilot light. In some cases, the entire heating unit may need to be replaced.
How To Reduce Home Furnace Repairs
The best way to reduce the need for home furnace repairs is by regularly maintaining your heating appliance. This includes cleaning the filters and ducts, inspecting the wiring and thermostat, and lubricating fan motors and bearings. You can also save money on repairs by purchasing a quality furnace filter and changing it regularly.
If you experience problems with your furnace, it is crucial to address them as quickly as possible. Waiting too long to make repairs can result in more severe damage and increased repair costs. By following the tips provided in this article, you can help keep your furnace running all winter smoothly long.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of furnace maintenance let’s look at some of the most common furnace repairs and how they can be avoided.
Most Common Furnace Repairs and How To Prevent Them
dirty filters – regularly change furnace filters, or set a reminder on your calendar to change them every 60-90 days
clogged air ducts – hire an HVAC professional to inspect and clean the ductwork; make sure the registers in each room are free of debris and furniture, and open before turning on the heat
broken thermostat – shut off power to the unit at the circuit breaker; replace control with a standard programmable thermostat that you can adjust to suit your needs
faulty wiring – turn off power supply at circuit breaker; check connections for loose wiring; call an electric if links appear damaged
malfunctioning pilot light – relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions; if the problem persists, contact a technician
The entire heating unit needs to be replaced – weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of purchasing a new heating unit; consult with a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.
By following these tips, you can help keep your furnace running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. For more information on furnace repairs or to schedule a service appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a qualified technician.
Find Us Here:
Mor Air Inc – AC Repair
11661 Saticoy Street North Hollywood, CA 91605
818-203-2878
