There are few things more frustrating in the home than dealing with an unexpected heating or furnace problem, especially when the temperature dips below freezing. The good news is that when something goes awry with your furnace, Chad’s AC Direct has you covered. We’re a family-owned company that’s served the Elmore County region since 1993, and we pride ourselves on delivering personalized service at a fair price.
We know how tight money can be, so be sure to check out our coupons for special deals.
Our Emergency Furnace Repair Service
Imagine sitting down to relax for the evening and watch your favorite show when you hear your furnace make a loud screeching noise and then stops working. Now imagine that the temperature is well below freezing, and you’re facing a day or two without heat. Do you call for emergency heater repair or wait for an appointment? Here are a few things to consider before calling a furnace contractor for emergency help.
How Good Is Your Insulation?
If your furnace has conked out and you don’t know whether or not to call for emergency repairs, ask yourself how good your insulation is. If the temperature outside has dropped to below freezing, and you’re worried about your pipes freezing, note that it takes a significant amount of time for your house to cool down to the outside temperatures, so you may be able to wait for an appointment rather than call for help right now.
What About the Safety of Your Family
If you’re facing a night or two of freezing in-home temperatures, you may be tempted to use a space heater or kerosene heater to keep warm. However, these heaters come with certain dangers you must keep in mind, especially if you have small children or pets. Resist the urge to use fuel-burning heaters inside because of the risk of fire, and be aware that electric space heaters draw a significant amount of electricity, which risks blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker.
If you’re worried that you and your family can’t stand to be without a functioning furnace for any length of time, remember that Chad’s AC Direct offers after-hours service at no extra charge.
When to Consider a Heating Replacement
A home heater or furnace represents a significant home investment, so it pays to know how much use you can expect to get out of your current system and when it’s worth replacing it before it becomes a money pit. Before we go any further, let’s look at the most common signs of a failing furnace.
- Age: The average life expectancy of a furnace is about 15 to 20 years, so if yours is at that age, it’s probably time to consider a replacement.
- Rising Energy Bills: If you notice that your heating bills are steadily rising and you’ve not altered your usage, it may be that your furnace is on its last legs.
- Repair Frequency: Furnace repairs typically increase during the last two years of the system’s life.
- Strange Noises: If you hear banging, rumbling, thumping, grinding, or squealing, it could be that your system is on the way out.
Another thing to look at is your furnace’s flame. If the flame burns any color other than blue, it could mean that you have a crack in the combustion chamber and the unit is putting out carbon monoxide, which can be hazardous to your health.
Lastly, consider the cost of repairing your system compared to replacing it. If the cost of the parts and repair is half or over that of the cost of a new furnace, it’s always better to purchase a new one instead of sinking money into a system that’s not going to last much longer.
If you’re not sure what to do regarding your furnace, call one of our expert technicians to inspect your system and recommend a course of action to provide you with the most comfort at the best price.
If you want to know why we’re the best furnace contractor for the job, read up on our company on our about us page, then call for an appointment.
The Importance of Furnace Maintenance
Many people enjoy the transition from high summer temperatures to the more moderate ones of fall. Still, with the changing of the season, you must remember that freezing cold is on the way, especially here in Elmore County. Once Old Man Winter arrives, it’s good to know that your furnace is ready to go toe-to-toe with him for a few months and come out on top. The best way to ensure your furnace is 100% winter-ready is by scheduling annual furnace maintenance. Here are just a few benefits to consider.
Your furnace is a machine like any other –– with many moving parts –– and as such, it’s crucial that you inspect the entire system at least once a year to ensure things are working properly. During a maintenance service call, the HVAC technician will:
- Inspect the wiring.
- Clean and lubricate any parts.
- Check fuel line.
- Test the pilot light and calibrate pressure in the fuel line.
- Calbirate the system so it provides efficient, reliable service throughout the entire winter.
- Check for any minor issues that require repairing.
Regular furnace inspection and tune-ups ensure that your furnace runs as efficiently as possible as it ages, which saves you money on your energy bills. Also, keeping your system well-maintained is the perfect way to extend the lifespan of your furnace for as long as possible.
If you’d like more information about our furnace maintenance service, or to schedule an appointment, call Chad’s AC Direct today.
