Installing an electric or gas furnace can be a great way to escape the chilly winter season in Big Bear. A sturdy furnace often works overtime to keep you snug and comfortable in the biting cold.
While most furnaces are built to last, they can run into problems once in a while. Some issues are minor and need simple, easy-to-do repairs. Others may require you to hire a technician specializing in furnace repair service. If nothing works, you can choose a Big Bear furnace replacement agency as your last resort.
Before you fire up your phone and pull up search results for “furnace repair near me,” let us look at a few of the most common heating problems that technicians in Big Bear are accustomed to handling.
1. Seven Heating Problems That Furnace Repair Services in Big Bear Deal With
a) Constantly Running Furnace
A furnace also tends to run continuously when one of its components is clogged. You can check the furnace blower and clean out any dirt or blockage. While you are at it, you can also lubricate the blower motor.
If none of this solves the problem, it is probably in your best interest to contact a furnace repair service. A competent technician will be able to spot and solve the problem quickly, saving you a lot of time and unnecessary expenses.
Another reason why your furnace may be running non-stop is a faulty limit switch (an element that detects the heat inside the unit). In such situations, you will have to get an experienced professional to replace the switch as soon as possible to avoid any unprecedented accidents.
b) Odd Noises
Noises like squeaks, pings, or rattles often indicate that your furnace has encountered a mechanical glitch. For example, loud rattling sounds may mean that the blower motor requires lubrication. Similarly, squeals can point towards a damaged blower belt.
Unless you are an expert on furnace heating problems, it may be difficult for you to identify the exact reason behind these noises. To avoid making a costly misjudgment, you can turn to your smartphone and look for “furnace repair near me.”
c) Inadequate Heating
If there is a decline in your furnace’s heat output, you should check the heating ducts for dirt and debris deposits before calling a professional technician. It is a fairly simple and inexpensive fix that can instantly improve heating performance.
In other cases, your furnace may be producing less heat because its thermostat is set to “fan”. If the fan setting is engaged, the furnace will not blow hot air across your living space. A low-temperature setting on the thermostat can also be the reason why your furnace is not heating your home well enough.
Once you check the thermostat, take a look at your furnace’s pilot light (or electrical jumpstart mechanism found in modern furnaces). The pilot light is responsible for igniting the fuel inside the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light can lead to poor heating.
Under such circumstances, you can reach out to a reliable furnace repair service provider to carry out the appropriate fixes.
d) Water Leaks
Like air conditioners, most high-efficiency furnaces also produce condensate. Drain pipes are installed to ensure that the water is effectively removed. That said, clogs and cracks in these drain pipes can lead to leaks.
Since a leaking furnace can quickly turn into a major problem, you should waste no time in contacting a service technician.
On the other hand, if you have a standard-efficiency furnace, a leak may suggest that the exhaust or flue pipe is of an incorrect size. Standard-efficiency furnaces do not produce any condensate, which is why a water leak in them should be professionally investigated.
You can hire an expert from your furnace repair near me search list to resolve the issue quickly.
e) Dirty Air Filter
You probably already know what a furnace filter is. Besides keeping the ductwork cleaner, the filter helps maintain indoor air quality by getting rid of germs, pollutants, allergens, and dirt in the air, among other things.
Usually, if a furnace’s air filter is dirty, the blower will work harder to push the air through it. In other words, a dirty air filter increases the blower’s energy consumption. This can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
A furnace filter is not meant for infinite use. You will have to get it changed periodically. While the specific timeline can vary depending on what filter you use, the change should take place as regularly as possible.
We recommend hiring a skilled HVAC technician from a reputable furnace repair service company to see these replacements through.
f) Unusual Smells
It is quite normal for your furnace to smell like fuel, especially when you switch it on for the first time in the year. Generally, the smell tends to fade away as the unit keeps running. But if the odor persists, you may have to Google furnace repair near me to find a service agency.
Sudden fuel smells around your heating unit may stem from dust accumulation or gas leaks. In any case, it is best to have a professional determine the exact reason and take the appropriate countermeasures.
g) Trouble with Jumpstarting the Unit
With certain old furnaces, you may have trouble switching on the heating unit. This usually happens due to disconnected internal wiring or a damaged thermostat. Fortunately, if you are living in Big Bear, you will only have to Google “furnace repair near me” to find skilled local technicians who can solve the issue.
2. How to Keep Your Furnace in Good Shape
Even though you may not be using your furnace the entire year, a little care can go a long way. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your furnace in top-notch condition. If you cannot remember all these steps, we suggest you consult a furnace repair service provider to draft a conducive maintenance schedule:
• Check the furnace’s wire connections and temperature gauges. Missing or malfunctioning wires often disrupt the connection between the thermostat and the heating unit, causing a break in service.
• Inspect the unit for dust and damage.
• Jumpstart the unit even when you do not need it. Look out for dust deposits, burning smells, and carbon monoxide leaks as these issues may require your immediate attention.
• Lubricate the blower motor regularly.
• Check the burner for corrosion.
• Check the flue gap for dents.
Conclusion
Your household furnace plays a significant role in keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter seasons, which is why you should take even the smallest glitch seriously. Professional furnace repair service technicians in Big Bear are well-equipped to handle a range of catastrophic furnace problems. Going forward, if your furnace acts up, you will know exactly who to call for help.
Contact Our Competent Furnace Repair Service Providers Today!
If you are looking for a group of skilled professionals who can fix your household heating system in no time, look no further than Bear Valley Plumbing & Heating. Our technicians are at your service 24/7. Call us at (909) 584-4376 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Heater Replacement
