Even in Tucson, the weather can be unpredictable. It is important to create a safe and warm environment, especially on those cold winter evenings. If your current heating system is struggling to keep your home comfortable during the cooler Tucson winters, you may need furnace repair or replacement.
Here are a few common furnace problems that may need repair:
The Age of Your Furnace
Like any other appliance, as your furnace gets older it is more likely to break down or fail completely. A furnace’s lifespan is generally 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is around that age, or older, then there is a higher likelihood that it will need to be repaired or replaced. Having a yearly maintenance check by a heating and air conditioning professional can add years of life to your system and give you and your family peace of mind.
Your Furnace is Blowing Cool or Lukewarm Air
If you are constantly cranking up the thermostat but your home is still cold, your heating system may need to be repaired. Lukewarm air could mean many things including a faulty pilot light, an electrical issue, or an air filter that is too dirty. Having a professional inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem could save you money and extend the life of your furnace.
Odd Smells Coming From Your Furnace
While it is normal for your furnace to smell faintly of gas when it is cycling on, if you smell gas throughout your entire house, your furnace could have a dangerous leak. Natural gas itself is completely odorless, but gas companies add a sulfur-based chemical to give it a distinct smell. Any time you smell gas around your whole house, you should exit immediately and call a professional.
Your furnace may also smell musty or dusty if it has not been used for a while. This smell is common for the first few uses. However, it should fade over time. If the odor does not go away, it could be caused by bacteria build-up on your heating system coils. To get rid of this smell, start by replacing your air filter and cleaning the unit. Having a reputable heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) company like Signature Heating and Cooling come in and clean your air ducts is also a great way to eliminate this odor.
Two other smells to be aware of are the smell of ozone or electrical burning. These two smells may indicate a dangerous build-up of heat within the unit. If you smell either of these, you should cut the power to the system and call a certified technician for furnace repair.
Frequent Cycling (Turning On and Off)
When your furnace keeps turning on and off for short durations (called short cycling), it may indicate an issue that needs repair. It is important to have your unit inspected since this issue can cause irreparable damage to your unit if not corrected right away.
A dirty air filter is one of the leading causes of this type of furnace behavior. Changing your air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions can greatly reduce the chances of this problem, as will checking your filter monthly.
Another possibility is a faulty thermostat. Double-check your furnace settings to make sure everything is working correctly. The location of your thermostat can also play a role.
Call Signature Heating and Cooling if your furnace is short cycling. Our customer service and attention to detail are why we are Tucson’s premier heating repair company.
When Was the Last Time You Had Your Furnace Serviced?
One of the best ways to avoid having to replace your furnace is to keep it up to date with an annual maintenance schedule. When you schedule preventive check-ups every fall, you lessen the odds of experiencing issues that need repair. If your HVAC system needs care, it’s best to call local professionals that you trust. Enlisting a trained technician to diagnose and fix any issues may get you an extra few years out of your existing heater.
Keep Your Furnace Running with Signature
Signature Heating and Cooling is a Lennox authorized dealer. We are happy to help you find the best products to heat your home and to keep your furnace in excellent condition.