Posts Tagged ‘Furnace Repair’

« Older Entries

Furnace Blower Problems in Springfield PA

Monday, March 4th, 2013

The integrity and effectiveness of your heating system is important throughout the year—especially in Pennsylvania. Your furnace’s fan, also called the blower, is what actually pushes the hot air through your home. If you’re having furnace blower problems in your Springfield, PA home, then it’s time to call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide quality furnace repair in Springfield, PA. Here are a few of the most common furnace blower repairs that we see.

  • Blower shuts on and off. Depending on what type of furnace you have, the problem could be electrical, or it could be due to overheating. It may be as simple as hitting your reset button, or it could mean that your blower motor is shot. 
  • Inadequate hot air. While this problem is not restricted to the blower component, it can often be traced to a blower that is not properly circulating the hot air from the heat exchanger to the ductwork. 
  • Loud noise. Over time, the fan blades may get bent and need replacement. Also, debris and dust can build up in the blower and cause issues in the blower operation. This can cause general wear and tear in the system. It can also lead to dried-out bearings, which require lubrication. Squeaking or squealing noises are often caused by this.
  • Motor works but the fan doesn’t. If your motor sounds like it’s on, but the fan isn’t working, you probably need a belt replacement. The belt connects the motor to the fan, but they can frequently break or be worn down by constant use.

The key to furnace repair is prevention. Only by hiring a certified furnace installation expert can you make sure that your furnace continues to work effectively and efficiently  Moreover, be sure to follow up with your local furnace technician after installation to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. These annual or bi-annual service plans are a great way to prevent costly repairs in the future. When you need a pro, call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Media, PA Furnace Tip: How to Recognize that You Need Furnace Repair

Monday, February 4th, 2013

In a perfect world your heater would work the way you want it to, which is to say affordably and without any issues. Unfortunately, no mechanical system has yet reached that level of reliability. With a professional installation and high-quality routine maintenance your furnace should work dependably for years to come. Not even the most meticulous maintenance from the experts at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning can completely prevent problems with your furnace, though. Luckily there are a number of recognizable signs that you can recognize indicating the need for furnace repair in your Media, PA home.

One major indicator that you are in need of professional furnace repair service is the inability of your furnace to heat your home as effectively as it usually does. If your furnace’s performance seems to be suffering, contact a professional heating technician right away. There are a great number of possible causes for this issue. Your thermostat may be faulty, your air ducts may be damaged or the blower in your furnace may be dying. Whatever the cause, waiting it out will only make matters worse. Do not let minor issues become major problems. Schedule furnace repair service as soon as you suspect the need.

Have you noticed that your heating bills have spiked recently? Well, if your home heating habits have not changed then your heating costs should be pretty consistent. Contact Cool It today if you think that you are paying too much for too little heating performance. We are always happy to help you get the most out of your heating system. A sudden drop in the efficiency with which your heater operates is never a good sign. Paying attention to details like this can help you save a lot of money, not only in heating costs but in the potential cost of repairs as well.

Even top-of-the-line furnaces from the industry’s leading manufacturers are subject to damages. This is unavoidable. The extent of those damages is largely influenced by your reaction to the situation, though. As soon as you suspect any issues with your furnace in Media, PA it is important that you call a professional heating service provider immediately. Let Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning handle your furnace repair service before the problem progresses.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Springfield PA Heating Guide: Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Monday, October 1st, 2012

It’s never fun to contemplate calling for furnace repairs in Springfield PA, which is why it’s sometimes so tempting to overlook a small sound coming from your furnace or a slight drop-off in the effectiveness of your system. But these are just a few of the signs that your furnace needs professional repairs, and ignoring them will only lead to larger repair bills later on. In fact, catching problems early is the best way to minimize the damage to your heating system and keep repair costs down. So if you notice any of these early warning signs of furnace trouble, be sure to call a Springfield PA heating professional immediately.

Higher Heating Bills

Your heating bills follow a predictable pattern, increasing as the temperature outside decreases and going back down again in the spring as outdoor temperatures rise. Any deviation from this pattern, especially if it’s in the form of a dramatic increase in your heating costs is a sure sign something is wrong with your furnace since it shows that the system is using a lot more energy than it did before to do the same job.

Ineffective Heating

A house that’s just not comfortable anymore even though the furnace is running as much as or more than it always did is another red flag that something isn’t working properly in there. Inefficient heating could be a sign of a faulty or dirty heating element, or there may be some obstruction in the airflow to or from the furnace. Some of these problems are serious while others are quite simple to fix, but only a skilled technician can get to the root of the problem quickly and make the necessary repairs.

Strange Noises, Smells or Fumes

Any change in the way your furnace sounds or any strange smells entering your living space while your furnace is running also signal a potential problem that requires professional attention. You should also call for service right away if your furnace sets off the carbon monoxide detector in your home.

For any heating repairs you need in the Springfield PA area, give Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning a call!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Gradyville Furnace Repair Question: What Causes Cracks in a Heat Exchanger?

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Furnaces are designed so that the heat – and the combustion byproduct produced inside – doesn’t interact directly with the outside air. This design is to ensure you have a safe furnace in your Gradyville home that won’t inadvertently affect your family’s health.

The metal piece that separates the furnace heat from the outside air stream is called the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger performs a very important function, and if it is broken or cracked, it can’t work properly.

A cracked heat exchanger is very common problem with heating systems, as well as one that should be repaired as soon as possible. But what causes a heat exchanger to crack? Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • A long period of normal use. A furnace heat exchanger naturally expands and contracts with the heat of the furnace, over and over again as the furnace is turned off and on to heat the home. Over several years, this stress can crack the metal.
  • Poor air flow, often caused by dirty or obstructed vents, can result in poor air flow through the furnace. This overworks the furnace, which can crack the heat exchanger prematurely.
  • Poor, incomplete or improper combustion can also cause a heat exchanger to crack. When the combustion process is less efficient – which can also be a result of poor air flow — your furnace’s burners have to run hotter and longer to heat your home, which means extra stress on the heat exchanger.

Essentially, if a furnace is running at less than optimal efficiency for an extended period of time, the heat exchanger is put under additional stress beyond the usual and can crack prematurely. Therefore, the best way to prevent a cracked heat exchanger is proper maintenance, particularly keeping all vents clean and unobstructed and getting an annual maintenance inspection.

If your heat exchanger does crack, do not hesitate to call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning and get it repaired. The crack can allow potentially dangerous combustion gases to seep into your home, which can have a negative impact on your family’s health.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

Villanova Heating Repair Tip: Reasons Your Furnace Is Producing No Heat

Friday, February 17th, 2012

The last occasion on which you want to worry about your furnace not producing any heat is the dead of winter, when the outside is chilly you just want to seek refuge in your own toasty Villanova home…only to discover that it’s not much warmer than the outdoors.

This may seem like a total emergency, and the combination of chill and frustration may cause panic to set in. Don’t start fretting too much just yet, though. There are some potentially simple causes and solutions for this problem, such as:

  • The thermostat may be set too low or on the wrong setting. Yes, it seems obvious, but sometimes the solution is staring you right in the face. Check that your thermostat is set high enough to call for heat and that it is on HEAT mode.
  • A circuit breaker may be tripped or a fuse may be blown. It could be the one dedicated to the thermostat, glow coil igniter or furnace itself. Check the breaker or fuse box in your home and either flip the breaker or replace the fuse. If it continues to trip or blow, get it looked at professionally—there may be a bigger problem going on.
  • The thermostat may not be working, so it is either improperly detecting the temperature or improperly reporting it to the furnace, so the heat does not kick on. Either way, it probably needs to be replaced.
  • The furnace is not igniting properly. This could mean the pilot light is out on furnaces without electric ignition, the gas valve is closed and can’t ignite or some other ignition malfunction. Check the pilot and gas valves to make sure they are on and working.

If you have checked all these things and the thermostat still is not working, or if you don’t feel comfortable looking into these causes on your own, you are best served by calling a professional repairman like Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning to diagnose and fix the furnace.

Often, these big failures are just the symptom of a smaller problem, so in all likelihood you won’t have to replace the furnace or do any major repairs, especially if it has been well-maintained throughout its life.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

Concordville Heating Repair Question: What Are Flue Gas Spill Switches?

Monday, February 13th, 2012

While some components of a heating system make sense to the average Concordville homeowner – think blower fan, thermostat and air ducts – others are more esoteric and prone to bouts of head scratching.

So, you may find yourself asking “what the heck is a flue gas spill switch?”

As you know, gas heating appliances produce heat by means of combustion. The gas line feeds gas into the appliance, the gas is ignited, and the burning gas produces heat. It’s a simple concept that goes all the way back to our caveman ancestors building fires to keep warm, and it is the same process in gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters.

In addition to producing the cozy heat we love in the winter time, this combustion process also releases gases. Known collectively as “flue gases,” some of these – carbon monoxide being the most notorious – can be very toxic. This why we have flues or chimneys in our homes– to give these gases a means of egress.

A flue gas spill switch is designed to shut down the furnace if these gases start seeping out. It is made up of a sensor or series of sensors that detect heat outside the flue, not unlike the flame sensor in your furnace. If flue gases start to escape and pass by the sensor, the sensor heats up and signals the furnace to shut down. This cuts off the power and gas, so that no more flue gases can leak into the home and create a health concern.

If your furnace has been abruptly shutting down, it could be your flue gas spill switch trying to tell you that you have a leaky or cracked flue. If this is the case, you want to have it repaired right away. The constant off and on is not good for the furnace, and more importantly, those flue gases can be exceptionally hazardous to your family’s health. If you think you have a problem with your furnace, give Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

Concordville Heating Repair Tips: Furnace Air Flow Problems

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Whenever you notice furnace air flow problems in your Concordville home, you can usually do a little troubleshooting and solve the issue on your own. Most air flow problems can be fixed easily and quickly. Here are a few guidelines to get you started, but if you need help or notice other problems with your furnace, call a qualified Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning heating technician.

Furnace Filters:
Checking the furnace filter is the first step you should take when there are any issues with your furnace, but especially with air flow problems. If a filter is dirty enough, the furnace will not come on at all. Ultimately, a clogged or dirty filter restricts the air flow, and this is the source of air flow problems ninety percent of the time.

Supply Registars and Cold Air Returns:
Once you’ve replaced or cleaned the filter, check your cold air returns, which are the vents that draw in the cold air in forced air systems. When a cold air return is blocked  by furniture or other obstructions, they cannot draw in enough air to allow the furnace to put out an adequate amount of hot air. Make sure they are open if nothing is blocking them.

Next, check your supply registers, which are the vents that supply the warm air, and make sure they are open as well. Whenever your heat is on, all of your supply registers should be open. Closing some vents will not increase the air flow in other vents in the house. Closing off one or two in areas where heat is not always needed will not hurt your system; however, when you close too many supply registers, it can cause problems with the ductwork and eventually damage the furnace if the air pressure is not correct.

Clean Your Vents:
You should have a qualified HVAC technician professionally clean your ducts and vents at least once a year, which is another reason it’s important to schedule annual maintenance visits. A professional cleaning is typically part of the yearly heating system inspection. You can help by vacuuming your vents regularly, particularly during the months the heating system is not in use, or at least before you turn it on in the fall. Simply cleaning your vents can help air flow and extend the life of your entire heating system.

If you continue to experience air flow problems, call a certified heating technician at Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning. There could be a more serious issue, or if you have a newer furnace, your original ductwork could be the wrong size for that furnace model.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

Malvern Heating Repair Guide: Condensate Drain Line Freezing Problems

Monday, January 30th, 2012

As you know, the condensate produced as byproduct during normal operation of your furnace has to be drained away. It’s toxic, very acidic and has been contaminated by the normal combustion that takes place in your Malvern home’s furnace, so you certainly don’t want it hanging around.

The typical solution is to have it drain out through a drain pipe, usually beneath the floor of your basement foundation, or down the side of your home and out through a downspout. But have you ever had your condensate line freeze up on you? That is no fun chore to deal with.

A frozen condensate line is usually caused by poor insulation. What happens is that when the temperature drops, the rate of drainage begins to slow down and the droplets begin to freeze one by one, like icicles, until the whole pipe is frozen. This creates obvious problems and can interfere with the proper heating of your home.

Usually, this just means the pipe is poorly insulated, which is a solution that can be remedied. If you have a condensate drain line that freezes anywhere other than under the foundation – for example, one the runs down the side of your home – you can try wrapping it in heat tape.

Sometimes, the best way to rectify the situation once and for all is to reroute the pipe. This can be a somewhat involved process, depending on where the drain line is. For example, if the pipe is poorly insulated because it is buried to shallow beneath the foundation, it will have to be dug up to be rerouted along a warmer path.

If you have already tried insulating the pipe with heat tape or some other solution, but the freezing problem continues to occur, then rerouting is probably your best option. For that kind of job, the average Malvern homeowner should consult with a professional, as the job can get challenging and a little dangerous.

It will be worth it to not have to deal with that freezing drain line anymore, though.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

A Question from Folsom: Why Does My Furnace’s Pilot Light Keep Going Off?

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

If you have an older furnace with a gas pilot light and it keeps going out, heating your Folsom home can become a frustrating process. Not only are you forced to trudge downstairs to light it every time you need heat, but you’re probably starting to worry that there is something wrong – either with your furnace or with your gas supply. Here are some possible reasons for your pilot light shutting off and what you can do about them.

  • Thermocouple – The thermocouple is used to generate electricity from the gas being burned by the pilot light to power the sensor that keeps the pilot light running. So, if the thermocouple goes bad or gets blocked in some way, the sensor won’t work properly and your pilot light won’t remain lit. Even a small problem with the thermocouple can lead to the valve closing and the pilot light going out.
  • Gas Pressure – If the gas pressure going to your furnace is too low, due to a leak, pipe problem or another appliance, the pilot light may not have enough gas to stay lit. While it is possible that the problem is not related to gas pressure, anything that affects the flow of gas into your home should be inspected by a professional. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company immediately.
  • Mercury Sensor – The sensor in your pilot light that maintains the flow of gas to keep it lit can go bad. Keep in mind that these sensors almost always used to contain mercury (and often still do), so you should be careful with them. It’s best to call a professional who can replace and dispose of it properly.
  • Dirty Burners – Excess dust, lint, rust or sulfur build up can result in blockage of the burner holes. When this happens, gas will flood into the chamber but not light right away. When it does finally light, it will create a small boom or banging sound that will often put out the pilot light. Not only is this inconvenient, it is very dangerous. Fortunately, it can be avoided with annual cleanings of your furnace.

The best way to keep your pilot light lit at all times is to have someone inspect it once a year. If something happens in between, you can usually rule out cleanliness issues and call in a professional to check the thermocouple and sensor.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

What to do if Your Heating System Breaks: A Guide from Malvern

Friday, November 4th, 2011

What if the heart of your Malvern home’s heating system – the furnace – stops working? The warm air that used to flow from your vents has been replaced by a chilly draft. It isn’t time to panic, but it is time to take action. Before you do anything, determine why the furnace stopped working. It may be something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker in your electrical panel. Check the circuit breakers first.

The pilot light in your furnace may have blown out. It can be re-lit if you follow the directions in your furnace owner’s manual. You can find answers on how to re-light a pilot light on the Internet, too.

If the shutdown has not been caused by an electrical or pilot light failure, there is still no need to panic. But another obvious question is: did you pay your last gas bill? Maybe you had a shutoff notice and either ignored it or forgot about it.

Now that you are convinced that the furnace has pooped out, here are some things you should do. First, find the name of a qualified heating and cooling professional. If you already use a heating contractor, contact them and schedule a service call.

While you are waiting for help to arrive, ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for. Make sure pets are nearby and protected from the cold, too. What you don’t want to do is use any appliance to keep you warm that is not designed to keep you warm, like a stove. If you have electric space heaters or propane heaters, carefully locate them in a well vented room (windows open a bit or portable fans circulating air). You don’t want any build-up of gases from fossil burning appliances, gases which could contain deadly carbon monoxide.

Huddle up everyone into a room and break out lots of blankets. You may even want to make an “adventure” of this – find a movie to watch and pop up a bunch of popcorn.  If your waiting time is more than 24 hours, you might want to call up a friend or relative and make arrangements to spend the night with them.

The main thing to remember is not to panic. Most qualified heating contractors, knowing the circumstances, will send out a repair person in a matter of minutes or within one or two hours. Just remember to avoid keeping warm by using unvented heating devices.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Services | Comments Off

« Older Entries