If you’re a homeowner it’s vital that you understand signs of potential needed heater repair, so you can schedule needed fixes and maintenance long before cold weather arrives! An overly cold home is more than just uncomfortable; an overly cold interior environment might cause sleep difficulties, increase the risk of an arthritis or asthma flare-up, and otherwise interfere with your health.
Six common signs your home needs furnace repair include:
While you might be tempted to put off needed heater repair as long as possible, keep in mind that a furnace or HVAC system in disrepair might be drawing more power than average, as worn parts struggle to work. In turn, you might be paying more for increased utility costs every season that your expected heater repair costs!
To keep your home’s heating system in good repair and avoid otherwise unnecessary furnace repair costs, you might note some added details about signs that it’s time for an HVAC inspection. You can then discuss your options with an HVAC company near you and make the best choice for maintenance, repairs, or new furnace installation for your home!
If you notice any of these issues with your home’s HVAC system, call a furnace repair contractor for an inspection. He or she will ensure your home’s heating and cooling systems are in good condition and ready to cycle on whenever you need them!
If you do need furnace repair, when is it a better option to simply invest in a new heater altogether? While every home and furnace is different and only you can decide what best fits your budget and heating needs, note a few considerations to discuss with your furnace repair technician.
Even the most durable and dependable furnace will need repair eventually; however, the way a homeowner manages their home’s heating and cooling system can affect its overall lifespan. To avoid otherwise unnecessary furnace repair in your home, first ensure you change the filter regularly. That filter traps dust and other debris, keeping the home’s air cleaner while also reducing wear and tear on the heating system.
Regular furnace maintenance also keeps it functioning properly throughout the year. Maintenance services typically include thorough cleaning, removing dust, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris, so parts can move freely and without added wear and tear. Bearings get needed oiling while worn belts and other minor parts are replaced as needed. Your small furnace maintenance costs are an excellent investment in your home’s overall comfort levels as well as the lifespan of that appliance.
Note, too, that cycling a furnace on and off excessively wears down its parts and leads to early breakdown. If you feel your home is still cold and drafty even after the furnace has cycled on, you might consider updated insulation, weather-stripping, thick drapes and area rugs, and other means of creating a warm interior environment. Your furnace will then cycle on less often and suffer less wear and tear throughout the year.
A dirty, neglected furnace often carries lots of dust and dirt through the home along with the warm air it produces, so heater maintenance and cleaning along with a new filter is an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. Ensuring your home’s roof vents are unobstructed and in good condition also allows for improved air circulation and freshness, venting airborne pollutants and other such irritants.
Homeowners also do well to avoid anything that adds pollution and irritants to the air, such as using candles or incense, heavy perfumes, cleaning agents with pungent deodorants, and paints and solvents indoors. If you must use any of these products, ensure you open a window, even during wintertime. You might also put a small fan in the windowsill to vent poor-quality air outside the home.
A whole house air filtration system is also an excellent way to improve indoor air quality. Air filters trap and lock dust, dirt, pollen, cigarette smoke and ash, and other airborne pollutants so they’re not circulated around the home. Some systems also neutralize chemicals that cause bad odors as well as germs, bacteria, and other such contaminants.
How much does heater repair cost?
Since no two furnaces are alike, there is no way to estimate your heater repair costs without someone inspecting the unit and noting needed repairs. For many homeowners, you might expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $250 or more, depending on the system, needed replacement parts, if your chosen furnace repair company charges extra for emergency visits, and the like.
How long does heater repair take?
As with costs, the length of your heating repair contractor’s visit depends on needed repairs and other such factors. In some cases, your contractor might have needed replacement parts with them or can make quick repairs during their first visit. In other cases, they might need to order replacement parts, perform extensive repairs on the HVAC system and ducts, and other work that might require more than one visit for your heater repairs.