Heating System Repairs – Don’t be left out in the cold

Posted on: April 15, 2014
By: Alan O'Neill
Posted in: Heating

Regardless of whether a furnace burns oil, gas, or is electric, it will age and wear. At some point in its lifetime, a furnace will require furnace repair or replacement. Even if you don’t use your furnace for many months out of the year, winter weather can be dangerous if temperatures drop quickly. Furnaces need to be in proper working condition in order to keep Texas residents safe and their homes comfortable. Heating systems are usually problem-free, but efficient operation is a function of good regular maintenance.

The two main functions of a heating system are to produce heat and distribute it evenly to each area of the home. When a heating system malfunctions, any one of its three main components (the burner and heat exchanger, the distribution system, or the thermostat) may be to blame. If the furnace isn’t functioning at all, the malfunction may be the heat exchange unit or the furnace may not be receiving power. The fuel for the burner may not be reaching the unit or the burner may not be igniting properly. If the furnace turns on, but the warm air isn’t reaching every room of your home, the problem may be in the blower or distribution system. A faulty sensor or the thermostat could keep the system from turning on or could cause it to turn on and off repeatedly.

The burner and heat exchanger are rather complicated parts of the heating system, and they are the most likely to suffer from neglect. Problems with the heating unit may lead to heat distribution problems. Dirt is the enemy of your home’s heating system and it can affect the entire heating system. Dirt buildup can waste fuel and drastically lower the unit’s efficiency. Regular cleaning is the most important part of furnace maintenance. The air filters should be replaced when the heating system is turned on for the first time. Filters should also be replaced once a month during periods of heavy use. If the filter looks clogged, replace it with a new filter, regardless of the length of time it has been used. Lubrication of the furnace parts and correct belt adjustment are also important to maintain efficiency.

A Heating System Requires Service if:

No heat in one or more locations
Detection of a funny smell/gas odor
Pilot light is out
The furnace is making odd noises (squealing/rumbling)
The furnace runs constantly
The system cycles on and off rapidly
Circuit breaker/fuse controlling the furnace is tripped/blown
Thermostat not working
Blower fan continues to run
You have an old coal burner that was previously switched to oil or gas fuel
You have an old gas furnace with a pilot light (These are 15% less efficient than newer models)
You have an old gas furnace without a vent damper or induced draft fan (This limits air flow)
You are experiencing high utility bills
There is a lack of comfort in your home
You have a furnace that is more than 10 years old

Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to replace a unit rather than repair one. Our friendly and highly trained technicians can help you determine the right choice for your situation. We only use the best brands and most efficient products. Our team can help you choose the right furnace / heating system as well as offer an annual maintenance program to keep it running at its highest efficiency.

To schedule your heating repair service, call your certified technician. Ask about discounts or rebates from the manufacturers. Your certified HVAC technician may also have additional suggestions and may have specials on equipment or other services. Many also have service plans, like the Abacus BAM Plan, that can help save you money on service calls and provide annual HVAC and plumbing tune-ups.

You can call Abacus Plumbing & Air Conditioning in Houston 24/7 at 713-812-7070 or visit www.AbacusPlumbingAC.com for questions and scheduling information or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abacusplumbing