Must-know Furnace Repair & Replacement Tips for Homeowners

If you have an older furnace in your home, it can be difficult to decide between repairing the appliance or replacing it altogether when a problem arises. On the one hand, a replacement furnace can be several thousands of dollars—certainly a financial setback for the average homeowner. On the other hand, spot repairs may just be delaying the inevitable, and repeated furnace repair service can add up to a hefty sunk cost.

This article will provide you with the information you need to make a more informed decision when it comes to furnace repair or furnace replacement.

Furnace Repair Signs

Catching potential problems with your furnace early can make repairing it the more justifiable choice. Some minor problems are relatively inexpensive to resolve—and you might even be able to resolve some problems yourself. Neglecting your appliance can cause cascading component failures, driving up the total furnace repair cost.

Here are some warning signs that may suggest your furnace requires service or minor repair.

• Unusually high energy bills. If your energy bills are creeping up despite your utility rates and energy usage staying relatively constant, there could be a problem with your furnace. Excess energy use means your furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
• Temperature irregularities. Inconsistent temperatures around your home could signal furnace trouble, particularly if it’s a problem you hadn’t noticed before. If some spaces are hot and others cool, your furnace or HVAC system is not distributing heat adequately.
• Ambient temperature not matching the thermostat. Check on the health of your furnace if the temperature of your home does not reflect the setting on the thermostat. If your thermostat is set to 70°F, but your home feels either chilly or stifling, there is clearly something wrong.
• Unusual odors. Never neglect strange smells in your home. If you smell gas, contact your utility company immediately and shut off the gas valve behind the furnace or at the main house-side control where your gas line enters your home. The smell of something burning is also cause for concern. If the furnace appears to be the source, schedule a service call as soon as possible.

Furnace Repair Tips: Troubleshooting for Homeowners

If you notice something amiss with your furnace, there are a few basic checks you can perform to diagnose the problem. In some cases, the fix is reasonably straightforward and does not require the help of a licensed technician. Here are some tips for furnace repair.

1. Confirm the furnace is receiving power.

It may sound obvious, but the first step in troubleshooting furnace problems is confirming that the appliance is drawing power. Someone may have powered it off inadvertently, or excessive power usage tripped the circuit.

Look for indicator lights to confirm the furnace is powered on. If the furnace won’t draw power even when switched on, reset the circuit at the breaker box. If you have an older home with a fuse box, determine if a fuse needs to be replaced.

If you continue to have issues, you can troubleshoot the circuit with a phone charger or other small appliance. Contact an electrician if there appears to be a problem with the circuit. Find a furnace repair specialist if you determine the furnace is faulty.

2. Check the thermostat.

If your thermostat uses batteries, try replacing them to resolve your heating issues. If you have a smart thermostat, run a software update or perform a hard reset.

You can also spot-check the wiring at the furnace end to see if any wires are frayed or disconnected.

3. Clean or replace the filter.

Furnaces use filters to remove particulate matter from the air. These filters become dirty over time, and a dirty filter makes for an inefficient furnace. Some furnaces have reusable filters that must be cleaned by hand. Others have disposable filters, and you can find replacements at a hardware store.

If you think you’ve neglected your furnace’s filter for some time, clean or replace it as needed.

4. Inspect your vents and registers.

Obstructed registers are a common source of inconsistent home temperatures. Vents and registers must be open for your furnace to properly distribute heat through your ductwork.

Go from room to room to confirm that all registers are open. Adjust the placement of furniture, plants, rugs, and other items as needed to keep them from blocking the registers.

5. Check your pilot light.

If you have an older gas furnace, an extinguished pilot light can be the source of your heating trouble. Perform a check to see if the light has gone out. Relight as needed.

When to Consult Furnace Repair Professionals

If the above tips fail to resolve your furnace trouble, you should contact a professional technician to diagnose the problem. There are several potential reasons for malfunction, such as:

• Worn out bearings
• Broken or frayed belts
• Damaged wiring
• Faulty sensors
• Pilot control problems
• Cracked heat exchanger
• Loose or overworn mechanical components
• Damaged electronics

A reputable HVAC technician who is up to date on furnace repair requirements mandated by the government can also help you decide if your furnace is worth repairing or replacing. Your technician may suggest that you replace your furnace if the appliance is more than 15 years old, or if the cost of repair is upwards of half of the price of a new unit.

Support Your Heating System With a Home Warranty

A warranty with home heating coverage can alleviate much of your anxiety about expensive furnace repair. If your appliance develops a problem, we at Liberty Home Guard will work with our partner technicians to advise you on whether repair or replacement is appropriate. Whichever the case, the cost won’t be yours to bear—your home warranty will cover the expense. 

Coverage isn’t limited to your home heating system either. You can bundle coverage for all your home systems and appliances.

Use our website or call (866)-681-0820 for a free quote.