How Can You Tell If Your Furnace Is Broken?

The Need For a Furnace

Here in North Texas, we don’t have the blustery, snowstorms they have in the furthest northern part of the country. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need heat during the winter! Routine inspections will keep a furnace in good condition, but occasionally, furnace repair service is needed. 

But that starts when you know who to call for furnace problems. There are some things you can do yourself, but other times when you need a licensed professional for safety. By scheduling a licensed professional for inspections and maintenance, you’ll minimize the chances of needing a furnace repair service. 

How do you repair a broken furnace?

Yes, there are some things you can do yourself that could keep you from needing to make that phone call to a professional furnace repair service. So, you’re asking, “How to repair my furnace?” and we offer these tips to try:  

1. Check the air filter

A dirty filter doesn’t allow the air to flow through your home. If your furnace is turning off and on frequently, before you call for a professional furnace repair service, this is the first thing to try. A routine of changing the air filter every 30 days is recommended. 

2. Furnace keeps running

If the fan blows constantly, it could be any the fan isn’t set at the right setting.  Check this by setting the thermostat down 1 to 2 degrees from the current temperature. After a few minutes, the heater should cut on to reach the new temperature setting. If it doesn’t turn on, then check that thermostat is sitting on at “auto”.  

3. Funny odor when first turned on 

After a spring and summer off, a furnace accumulates dirt and dust. When the furnace first turns on, it may smell like it’s burning. This doesn’t need a professional furnace repair service – give it some time to burn off and the small should quit.

How much do furnace repairs cost?

An HVAC repair professional typically charges between $75 per hour and $150 per hour. Depending on the age, brand, model, and problem with your furnace, the average furnace repair service can cost between $300 and $1,200 for a gas furnace and $130 to $500 for an electric furnace. 

How long does it take to repair a furnace?

The age, brand, model, and problem will deter determine how long it takes the technician.  The time can average between four and ten hours. After inspecting the unit and assessing the problem, the technician may if you need a furnace repair vs replacement. Up to a certain age, replacement is the better option. 

How long do furnaces usually last?

With proper maintenance and upkeep, a furnace can last up to 20 years, with an average lifetime of around 15 years. When a furnace is 12 years old, experts recommend increasing the frequency of professional inspections to every year. 

A telltale indicator that your furnace needs to be replaced is when furnace repair service calls become more frequent. Begin looking for a more energy-efficient option on the market, and while that is an expense you aren’t planning, the savings you’ll get from better energy will help pay for the expense. 

How much does emergency furnace repair cost?

Like any type of emergency service, an emergency furnace repair service call will typically be two to three times more than a basic furnace repair service call. Try to check the things we’ve mentioned earlier, if you can do your own furnace repair, you’ll save that money. If you have other means of keeping warm until a business day during business hours, hold off making that emergency furnace repair service call. 

However, if you have a gas furnace and smell gas, this is an emergency that shouldn’t wait. Leave the house immediately, making sure everyone is safe, then call the gas company to cut the gas off to your home. 

How much does it cost to replace a furnace?

The brand and model you choose for a new furnace replacement will affect the cost. There are various models within each brand, some more elaborate than others. Whether you need an electric or gas furnace will have an impact as well. With the new unit, parts needed for the installation, and the labor, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $8,000.