How Long Do Furnaces Last?

February 1, 2024

Wondering about the lifespan of your furnace? Well, you’re not alone. It’s a common question that many homeowners have, and we’re here to shed some light on it. Furnaces, like any other appliance, aren’t immortal, but with proper care and maintenance, they can keep your home warm and cozy for a good amount of time. The Average Lifespan So, how long can you expect your furnace to chug along efficiently? On average, a well-maintained furnace can last between 15 to 20 years. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. The lifespan depends on various factors such as the type of furnace, how often it’s used, and, of course, how diligent you are with regular maintenance. Maintenance Matters We can’t stress this enough – regular maintenance is key to extending the life of your furnace. Think of it as giving your heating system a little spa day. Simple tasks like changing the air filter, inspecting for any strange noises, and scheduling annual professional check-ups can go a long way in keeping your furnace in tip-top shape. Signs It’s Time for a Change Just like any superhero, furnaces do show signs when they’re reaching the end of their journey. If you notice a...

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Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air

February 8, 2021

It’s not much fun to expect warm air to blow from your registers only to get a blast of cold air. There are several things that can cause this, some of which you can fix yourself and others that need to be resolved by a professional. Incorrect Thermostat Settings Make sure the fan setting on your thermostat is set to AUTO and not ON. When it’s set to AUTO, the fan will only run when the furnace is on. When it’s set to ON, the fan will run constantly. This results in cold air blowing when the furnace is off. Also, check that it’s set to HEAT and not COOL. Overheated Furnace You’ll know your furnace is overheated if it blows warm air before blowing cool air, and then shuts off altogether. When your furnace overheats, the fan limit switch shuts off the burners. The most common reason for this is a dirty air filter. If the filter isn’t the problem, make sure all your supply vents are open. Pilot Light Is Out Older furnaces have a pilot light that’s always lit. A gust of wind can cause the pilot light to be extinguished. If you know what you’re doing,...

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Determining Whether You Have a Heat Pump or a Furnace

December 3, 2020

As a homeowner, it’s good to know basic information about your home’s mechanical systems. One of the most complex and confusing of those mechanical systems is the HVAC system. For example, there are some HVAC components that look similar but work in entirely different ways. One component that often causes some confusion is the heating component. While some people have furnaces, others have heat pumps. If you want to know which system you have in your Burbank, CA, home, check out this basic guide from . Indoor Versus Outdoor One way to tell the difference between heat pumps and furnaces is that a furnace is entirely inside while a heat pump has components both inside and outside. That’s because a heat pump uses a compressor on the outside to extract heat from the air. Therefore, if you turn on the heat and you see that the outside component is operating, you have a heat pump. If the outside component doesn’t turn on, you have a furnace, and the outside component is only used by the air conditioner. Utility Bill Another idea for determining whether you have a heat pump or a furnace is to take a look at your utility...

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5 Ways to Help Your Furnace Deal With Extremely Cold Weather

January 4, 2020

When it gets extremely cold out, your furnace needs your help to deal with the extra strain of heating your home. Here are five ways to manage an extreme weather event. 1. Clean or Change Your Filter A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder than it needs to. Your furnace needs all the help it can get when it’s bitterly cold out, so make sure the filter is clean. This will help keep your furnace from working overtime to heat your home. 2. Lower Your Thermostat Setting You should set the temperature 3–5 degrees lower than you normally do, and keep it there. With a lower temperature setting, the furnace won’t have to work as hard to heat your home. If you’re accustomed to turning down the temperature when you are away or asleep, stop this practice temporarily. Getting your home’s temperature back up again in these circumstances will be very difficult for your furnace. 3. Prepare Your Home Ahead of Time Before winter arrives, make sure your home’s doors and windows are sealed. Repair any cracks so that warm air stays in your home instead of leaking outside. 4. Keep the Vents Clear High-efficiency furnaces have exterior vents...

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Are Heating Tune-Ups Necessary?

November 8, 2019

At , we offer affordable maintenance plans to keep your climate systems running at their best. In the autumn, our technicians will come to your home and give your furnace a careful inspection. We recognize that our customers are always looking to save money. The long-term benefits of an annual heating tune-up definitely outweigh the short-term savings of skipping this service. Higher Efficiency When we first install your system, everything is carefully calibrated to give you the most power and efficient heating possible. Over time, things will change. The low-level vibrations that happen when the system runs can make the settings less precise. The dust that accumulates over several months can make the system less responsive, so it has to work harder to pump warm air into your home. All of these factors can impact the unit’s efficiency. During an annual tune-up, our technicians will recalibrate, clean and lubricate the system. It will run to the best of its ability, saving you money on heating costs. Fewer Unexpected Repairs When our technicians look at your system, they can find small problems that could turn into larger issues. It is only natural that parts will wear out over time. When an...

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Variable Speeds: Air Conditioners & Furnaces

October 10, 2018

People are always looking for ways to save money, and the best way to start is to review your current bills. The power bill is usually one of the first places to look, as a few lifestyle changes can cut down on energy use. That’s not to say your home must remain uncomfortable as you clearly want to maintain control over the temperature inside your home, but new technologies allow for the house to be comfortable while conserving energy which doesn’t have to be used. Variable Speed Compressor and Fan One new technology is the variable speed HVAC compressor and fan so instead of either being on or off, the system can run at partial speed and still maintain the ambient temperature in the home without using as much power. Late spring weather or even a rainy summer day may not need the full force of the compressor’s cooling efficiency, so running it at half power can still keep the ambient temperature comfortable and even. On a hot sunny day, it may be more efficient to run at full speed for maximum effective cooling. Likewise, the fan doesn’t need to run at full speed on most days. You still need...

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Should I Buy a Heat Pump or Furnace?

February 27, 2018

A heating solution is necessary in the winter. Many homes will need some type of centralized heating system. There are two common systems that would meet this requirement: a heat pump or a furnace. Understanding the differences between the two will allow anyone to decide which is best for them. Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces Heat pumps and furnaces both heat homes. However, they are not the same. Some things to consider are: • Heat pumps double as an air conditioner in the summer. • Furnaces are generally better once temperatures go below freezing. • Heat pumps are considered the “green” option due to using natural warm air. • Furnaces operate mostly in the winter, which can prolong their lifespan. These facets are a great starting point when considering which is a better option. Heat Pumps Because a heat pump provides both coolness and warmth, there is only one system to maintain. The lack of a furnace will give the homeowner extra space in the home. Heat pumps are located outside. Therefore, they use the warmth found in the outdoor air. Furnaces A furnace is focused only on heating. Therefore, they can be more efficient during freezing temperatures by circulating heat throughout...

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