Gas Furnace Installation & Repairs in Christiansburg & Blacksburg
What are the benefits of a gas furnace installation?
Unlike electric furnaces, natural gas furnaces require gas lines to be installed in the first place. These can be expensive to put in if you do not already have them running out of your house. You may also have to purchase additional equipment to go with your gas furnace, including an indoor evaporator coil and a carbon monoxide detector. As we’ve already covered, these systems are a bigger fire hazard than electric furnaces, but they can pose a risk for gas leaks, too.
On the other hand, gas furnaces always provide a powerful amount of heat, regardless of what other type of HVAC equipment you are pairing them with. You can easily make them worth using an air conditioner or a heat pump, and some modern furnaces often have an AFUE rating as high as 98%. These systems’ ultimate advantage is that natural gas is an extremely affordable utility, meaning that your energy costs are likely to stay low for years to come when you install a gas-powered furnace.
What is better: a gas furnace or an electric heat pump?
While natural gas furnaces do usually cost more upfront, they also tend to be more energy-efficient in the long run compared to electric furnaces, which can end up raising your energy bills. That isn’t to say that an electric furnace isn’t the right call for many homes, however. If you live in a smaller home or somewhere in the United States where temperatures do not get as low and you do not have to run your furnace as much, electricity-powered units can still be a great option.
You may also want to consider an electric heat pump, as these systems do not use a lot of electricity and require no outside fuel, basically making them the most energy-efficient heating equipment on the market. Fortunately, no matter what your residential heating needs are, you can count on our skilled and experienced HVAC experts at Eric’s Heating & Air to provide you with exactly what you’re looking for.
Common Problems with Gas Furnaces
There are few things worse as a homeowner than a malfunctioning furnace. But the unfortunate fact is, eventually, we all deal with maintenance issues regarding our home’s heating system. While you definitely will want to get your furnace repaired as soon as it’s stopped working, there are some things you can look for to diagnose issues early, possibly saving you on a more expensive furnace repair or replacement.
So what are the 10 most common furnace problems that you can run in to? Let us explain.
Thermostat Isn’t Working
One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn’t working properly is if your fan is constantly running. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently. Check this by setting the fan on auto, and seeing if it is running constantly at all heating settings.
Dirty & Clogged Filters
A dirty or clogged filter can reduce the intake your furnace needs to function, reducing its efficiency. It could also potentially lead to the damage of your limit switch. Ensure your filters are swapped out once a quarter to ensure peak performance
Flickering, Weak or Oddly Colored Pilot Light
Your pilot light is essential to your furnace functioning properly. If you notice that it’s flickering or is of a yellow color, then it could mean that there’s excessive carbon monoxide in your gas furnace. Any change to your pilot light should require a call to your local furnace technician.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
This is, unfortunately, a costly issue. Your heat exchanger separates the warming flame from the air, keeping your furnace running safely. Unfortunately, if you over-heat your house or if you don’t keep up with your air filter replacement, your heat exchanger could crack. If your heat goes out, call a furnace technician to diagnose the issue. This usually requires the replacement of the heat exchanger.
Malfunctioning or Frayed Blower Belt
Your blower belt is a part of a motor that helps your furnace’s fan run. Unfortunately, these will occasionally start to fray or break. This is often noticed by a high-pitched squealing sound from your furnace while it’s running. Replacing this belt will help improve the efficiency and performance of your fan.
Frequent & Over-Cycling
Do you notice that your furnace seems to kick on frequently, often when it just finished a cycle? Then you may have a clogged filter, improper airflow, or are running your furnace too high or too low. Having a frequently cycling furnace will result in a higher power bill.
Limit Switch Malfunction
If your limit switch isn’t functioning properly, you’ll notice that your furnace may be continually blowing, even when it shouldn’t be. Unfortunately, replacing this requires a professional technician.
Furnace Isn’t Blowing Air
A handful of issues could cause this issue. The primary issue is ensuring your blower isn’t clogged by making sure your blower is clear of any debris. Next, see if there is a flashing light on your blower. If it’s flashing red, you likely will need to call a technician to help you repair the issue.
Worn Out Ball Bearings
Your furnace’s ball bearings help the motor work properly. Unfortunately, over time, they can wear out, and require replacement. If you hear a scraping sound coming from your furnace, turn it off immediately and bring in a repair expert.
Rattling or Pinging Noises In Your Furnace
Are you hearing a popping, pinging or rattling noise coming from your furnace? These could be caused by several issues. Rattling noises are usually related to loose panels on the furnace that need to be tightened. Pinging or popping noises are likely due to the ductwork. It will expand and contract, based on whether you’re heating your house or cooling it.
Do you need a gas furnace repair? Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up today
Are you experiencing any of these issues? Then it might be time to schedule a furnace repair technician to take a look. Make sure your home is protected from costly furnace repairs with a furnace tune-up today! Schedule online today or enroll in a home service plan.