Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Furnace Repair’

Common Late-Season Furnace Issues

Monday, March 26th, 2018

hvac vent on wall near floorWe may not suffer from blizzard-like conditions and below-zero temperatures on a regular basis like other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have any cold weather to deal with during the winter. In fact, our winters are typically more drawn out than our summers, which means our heaters get put through a good deal of work. For this reason, it’s imperative that you make sure your furnace is in good condition by staying on top of Puyallup, WA furnace repair needs.

We install and service gas and electric furnace systems, and we can handle any repairs that crop up with your system. A malfunctioning furnace is not only an inconvenience and an annoyance, but can also be a safety issue. And that’s why even though it’s near the end of our heating season, you should still be aware of common furnace issues that could crop up.

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Heating FAQ: What Should You Know

Monday, December 18th, 2017

white question mark on a blue backgroundWhen it comes to where we live, there’s no question: it’s absolutely essential that we have effectively and efficiently working heating systems within our homes to stay comfortable through the winter. In order to have this however, you have to properly care for your heating system.

This means keeping up on any Olympia, WA furnace repair needs that come up, scheduling regular maintenance for your system, and having your heater professionally installed in the first place. We’ve covered some commonly asked questions about heating system care below, to help guide you in making the right decisions for your heater!

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What Does a Cracked Heat Exchanger Mean?

Monday, November 6th, 2017

furnace systemFirst off, you may be wondering what a heat exchanger is. If you have a gas-powered furnace, this is a clamshell-shaped object within it that performs an essential part of the heating process. Heat exchangers are unimpressive looking to the untrained eye, but they are of vital importance. This is where hot combustion gasses go after being produced by the burners.

These gasses transfer heat to the walls of the exchangers, and venting pipes remove the cooled exhaust from the gas while fans funnel air through and around the exchangers to receive the heat from their walls. Without heat exchangers, the heat from the gas jets would never reach your indoor air, and you’d feel nothing more than room temperature air wafting from the vents—which, in the winter, can be pretty uncomfortable!

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Watch for These Furnace Troubles This Season

Monday, September 25th, 2017

man standing by thermostat looking coldAs the weather cools down for fall, we’re preparing to use our furnaces on a more regular basis. As such, it’s imperative that they be ready for the work ahead. Hopefully, you’ve already had your fall tune-up completed. Regardless of whether you did or not, it’s important to keep an eye out for any Tacoma, WA furnace repair needs that may arise.

The most serious of these, at least in a gas-powered furnace, is a cracked heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are essential to the operation of your furnace—without them, heat from the gas jets would never reach the air, and you’d feel nothing more than room temperature air coming from the room vents. But a damaged heat exchanger can do a lot more harm than simply not providing you with warm air.

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What Happens if Your Furnace Air Filter Isn’t Cleaned Often Enough

Monday, March 7th, 2016

Every furnace contains an air filter, which is installed in the return duct for the system. This filter is designed to capture any dust or other debris that might make it into the system and damage it. The filter is quite good at protecting the system, but it must be cleaned every few months in order to remain effective. If the air filter isn’t cleaned or replaced often enough, it can cause major problems for the health of the system. Let’s take a look at what happens if you don’t take proper care of your furnace air filter.

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Why Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Properly

Monday, February 22nd, 2016

We still have a ways to go before winter is over, and that means that you’re probably still relying on your furnace to keep you warm on a daily basis. So, it’s more than a little inconvenient if your furnace isn’t actually heating as well as it should be. There are a couple of different reasons why this might be happening, most of which are going to require professional repairs. Let’s take a look at some of those reasons now.

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Listen for These Strange Furnace Noises

Monday, December 21st, 2015

If you ever hear strange noises coming from your furnace, do not ignore them! They may seem like harmless quirks, but they actually often indicate an issue with the system that needs to be addressed. If you ignore odd furnace noises, you may be opening yourself up to much bigger problems down the road. Let’s take a look at some odd furnace noises, and the problems they might indicate.

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The Danger of Furnace Short Cycling

Monday, December 7th, 2015

As you use your furnace to stay warm this winter, you need to keep an eye out for any problems that can occur due to the increased stress on the system. One of the most dangerous problems a furnace can be afflicted with is short cycling. It is important that you know where short cycling comes from, and the damage it can cause, so that you know when to call for repairs. Read on for an outline of the dangers presented by short cycling.

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Furnace Issues to Be Aware Of

Monday, November 30th, 2015

Winter is the most stressful time of year for furnaces, which means there is a much greater chance of problems occurring in them. If you are relying on a furnace to keep you warm throughout the winter, you should be vigilant for signs that your system is starting to have operating problems. Otherwise, you may end up without heat for a few days when the furnace breaks down on you. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your furnace might be heading for trouble.

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Why is My Furnace Turning On and Off? A Question from Seatac

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

One of the most annoying things your furnace can do is to constantly keep turning on and off. This on-off cycling keeps your Seatac home from heating up properly. This action – called short cycling – also requires more electricity and drives up utility bills.

Short cycling is caused by an overheated furnace, which triggers safety mechanisms and shuts down the furnace. After a brief interval and cooling down, the furnace starts up again the cycle keeps repeating itself. Not only is it an annoyance, it can also signal more serious problems. A leaking heat exchanger can cause a furnace to overheat – and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.

If a furnace is working too hard and overheating, it is usually because of airflow in and out. Your home’s ventilation system needs to be clear of dirt, dust, and debris. The more blockage in your ductwork and vents, the more friction is created, slowing down airflow and ultimately ending with an overworked furnace that continues to cycle on and off. And a blocked exhaust vent, such as a chimney or dedicated exhaust vent, can also cause a furnace to work harder. Check for things like leaves or bird’s nests.

The blockage may also be coming from a clogged furnace filter. You should clean or replace your furnace filter after a visual inspection reveals any type of build-up of dust or dirt. Do this at least every three-six months.

If you have a two-speed fan on your furnace, it is recommended that you run the fan in low speed during the cold months and high speed in the warm months. The reason? Warm air is lighter and takes less force to move.

There are other measures to take to prevent short cycling but these usually require a  heating and cooling service technician to correct the problem. If in doubt, call your local qualified heating and cooling contractor and schedule a furnace inspection. Don’t make your furnace work any harder than it was designed for – and keep your home’s occupants comfortable and safe.

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