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4 Home Tips For The Cold Weather

4 Home Tips For The Cold Weather

4 Home Tips For The Cold WeatherKeeping your home warm and cozy is important in the winter, and there’s more to it than simply turning on the heating system. In this article, we’ll go over some tips for the cold weather, and what you can do around your home to keep the space more comfortable. 

Obviously, there’s no substitute for a properly functioning heating system. If your furnace isn’t working properly, your home is likely going to be very cold. The biggest priority to home comfort in the winter is to take care of your heating system. In this article, we’ll give you some tips that will help you take care of your heating system, and some other things you can do around the house to make the space warmer. 

If you are looking for help with your heating system in Smyth County, VA, the experts here at Complete Comfort can help you out. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We can inspect your heating system, and provide you with routine maintenance, a repair, or a replacement if needed!

How To Make Your Home More Comfortable In Cold Weather

To keep your home comfortable, there are a number of tasks you can accomplish on your own, as well as some things you can hire a professional to take care of. It’s important to remember that if you feel uncomfortable with any of this, call in a professional to help you out.

Use Throw Blankets, Slippers, and Area Rugs

Using throw blankets, slippers, and area rugs are simple, but effective ways to stay comfortable once it starts to get cold out. Instead of cranking up the heat to an uncomfortable level, using these items will help you stay comfortable and cozy in your home. Keeping your feet off the floor by using area rugs and slippers goes a long way, just like having a few blankets to cover up when you are watching TV. 

Once again, this is something you generally do on your own, and as long as you don’t need to go out and purchase all this at once, it’s not a very expensive task. 

Turn Your Ceiling Fan To Clockwise

A Ceiling Fan Can Also Help Warm Your SpaceMost of the time your ceiling fan is used to cool you off in the warmer months. What a lot of people don’t realize is that your fan can also be used to keep your place warm as well. If you turn the fan clockwise, it creates a downdraft that will push the warm air that rises in your home back down into the living space. The key is to have the fan on a low speed so it gently pushes the warm air down. If the fan is moving too fast, it can make the air cool. 

To change the direction of your fan, you should be able to flip a little switch located by the base of your ceiling fan. 

Check Your Insulation/Seal Windows And Doors

Sealing leaks and cracks in your windows and doors goes a long way to keeping your home more comfortable and warmer. It also really helps save energy and maintain lower utility bills. This can be a tougher task, and one that requires some handy work, or potentially hiring a professional. 

If you want to have your insulation improved, calling in a professional may be the right choice. They can inspect the insulation in your ceiling, and areas that are easier to improve. You can probably seal cracks and leaks in the windows and doors a bit easier. You can use a sealant that eliminates little drafts and air escaping through your windows. You can also use weather stripping or door draft blockers to eliminate the draft from the door as well. 

If you live in a home with older windows and doors, it may be a good idea to invest in newer, energy efficient ones. Single pane windows can be a huge source of energy loss. You probably notice the chill coming from the window when it’s very cold out. It can be a pricey investment installing new windows and doors, but one that eventually pays itself off with saving on your energy bills. 

Schedule Heating System Service

Your heating system should be serviced at least once a year. This leads to: 

  • Improved Energy Efficiency
  • Smoother Operation
  • Lower Energy Bills
  • Improved Heating/Comfort
  • Longer System Lifespan
  • Maintains Warranty
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality

There are more benefits to heating service than you sometimes realize. We recommend you have your furnace or heat pump serviced at least once a year. This will ensure its smooth operation, and improve your home comfort for winters to come.

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Bonus Tip: Use Sunlight To Heat Your Home

Ok here’s one more little tip to keeping your home warm. Open your blinds to allow sunlight in your home during the day. It’s a natural way to keep your home warmer without cranking up the heat. If you have rooms that don’t get direct sunlight, leave the blinds closed and pulled all the way down. It can serve as a small layer of insulation. 

Heating Service And Repair In Smyth County, VA

We hope these tips are beneficial for your home comfort this winter. We know how frustrating a cold home can be, and our goal is to make sure everyone in Smyth County is warm and cozy all winter long. 

If you need some help with your furnace or heat pump, look no further! The experts at Complete Comfort specialize in heating service and repair in Smyth County, and some of the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online to speak to an expert ASAP! 

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?

What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?As it gets colder out, furnaces have to work harder to keep our homes warm, and can run into some problems in the process. Having your furnace break down on you during the winter cold is never fun, and it’s not always clear what’s wrong.

Luckily, we have dealt with all sorts of different furnace issues, and know how to fix them. In this article, I’m going to go over some of the most common furnace problems we see, and what you can do to solve them. 

If you are having issues with your heating system, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. We have been helping out homes and businesses in the Abingdon, VA area with their comfort issues for years, and can help you as well! 

Furnace Blowing Cold Air 

If your furnace is blowing cold air, it’s clearly having some sort of problem. Now, there’s not always a clear reason that your system is blowing cold air. In fact, there could be a number of reasons that your system is having problems. 

You could be having trouble with: 

  • The pilot light
  • The flame sensor
  • Your ductwork 
  • The thermostat
  • A clogged air filter

These are just a few of the potential problems. There are even more than that. If your system has been running for 15-30 minutes, and it still isn’t warming up, turn it off and call a professional. If the system is still running, but isn’t heating your home, it’s still wasting energy. The last thing you want to do is waste money while getting no heat at all. 

Not Enough Airflow Around The Home

This problem is similar to the furnace blowing cold air, in the way of it having a lot of potential reasons for this problem. We see this a lot with rooms that are furthest away from the furnace, mostly bedrooms that are furthest from the basement. 

This could be caused by: 

  • Blower motor issues
  • Fan not working
  • A clogged air filter
  • Leaky or mis-designed ductwork
  • Blocked vents

Once again, it could be a number of different issues. We recommend checking your air filter to see if it’s clogged. Once this is replaced, if you are still having airflow issues, give a professional a call. They will inspect your furnace and your ductwork to find the reason the air isn’t distributing properly. 

Constant Cycling Off And On

If you hear your HVAC system turning off and on constantly, it could be the sign of a problem, and could lead to comfort issues. The constant off/on leads to fluctuations in temperature, and can be wasting energy as well. 

Sometimes this is a sign you have a problem with your thermostat, or a sign that your system is improperly sized. If you just installed your HVAC system and it is cycling like this, you may have simply chosen the wrong size. If you have had your HVAC system for a while, and this is the first time this has happened, it’s likely a sign that it’s a fixable issue. 

Once again, we recommend that you call a professional to assess your issue, and make sure your HVAC system is running smoothly and safely. 

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

If you use a furnace, there’s a very strong chance that it uses either gas or oil to burn and create heat. During this combustion process, gasses are created that can be harmful and dangerous. When your furnace is functioning properly, these are expelled from your home through a flue system. 

If there’s a problem with the system, or maybe a crack in your heat exchanger, it can cause gasses to leak. Carbon monoxide is one of these gasses, and it’s odorless, colorless, and also deathly poisonous. This is why every home that uses a furnace should have a carbon monoxide detector. If your heating system is leaking carbon monoxide, you may not know until it’s too late. 

Now this isn’t something that happens all the time, but it’s a major concern with any heating system. If your system has a leak, turn it off immediately and call an HVAC professional right away! 

Best Way To Avoid Furnace Problems

Now that you know a little more about the most common furnace problems, you should also know how to avoid them. Here are the best 2 ways you can take care of your furnace and avoid issues: 

Changing Your Air Filter

Changing Your Air Filter Is A Simple Step To Improved IAQChanging your HVAC system’s air filter is simple and important. As it gets filled up with particles, it can get clogged and prevent airflow, as we mentioned above. We recommend keeping a few filters on hand so you can change them once every 1-3 months. 

During a routine HVAC service, your technician should change your filters, but this only happens once a year typically. Keeping a few filters at home will allow you to change them on your own, without having to worry about a professional technician coming in to do it. 

If you don’t know how to change it, we recommend: 

  • Having your HVAC technician show you during a routine maintenance
  • Looking at your owner’s manual for your HVAC system
  • Looking up how to change a filter on Youtube

This is a fairly easy task, and one you can do on your own to improve airflow, and indoor air quality! 

Scheduling Regular HVAC Service 

The best and most effective way to avoid furnace problems is by scheduling routine furnace maintenance. We recommend you have your furnace serviced at least once a year, preferably before the heating season. 

During a routine furnace maintenance, your technician will do a lot more than simply changing the air filter. During a routine maintenance, the technician will: 

  • Clean all the components inside your furnace
  • Change your air filter
  • Inspect wiring, the pilot light, the flame sensor
  • Ensure all parts are working properly and aren’t in need of replacement
  • Ensure the system is operating safely

Instead of waiting for problems with your heating system, regular maintenance gets ahead of them and helps prevent them from ever occurring. Just like any machine needs service and care, or it will break down, your HVAC system is the same. 

Regular service for your heating system will also come with some other benefits, outside of the fewer breakdown: 

  • Better efficiency
  • Lower energy bills
  • Longer system lifespan
  • Fewer problems/breakdowns
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Maintains warranty

Scheduling regular maintenance for your furnace is so important, and the number one thing we can recommend to keep your heating system running well for years and years.

If you are having issues with your furnace and would like to speak to an expert, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, and we will have one of the team members here at Compass help you out! 

How To Avoid Problems With Your Heating System This Winter

How To Avoid Problems With Your Heating System This Winter

How To Avoid Problems With Your Heating System This WinterIt’s getting pretty chilly outside, and lots of people in our area are starting to turn their heating systems on. There’s nothing better on a frigid day than walking into your warm and cozy home. Conversely, it’s a pretty bad feeling when your heating system runs into a problem and doesn’t keep your space warm. 

There are some steps you can take to help your heating system avoid issues during the winter. Whether you have a furnace, a heat pump, or ductless mini splits, we have a few tips for your heating system. 

I’ve been working in the Bristol, VA area for over a decade, and I’ve seen a lot of broken down heating systems. It’s not uncommon for a heating system to break down, as they last for over a decade themselves and experience significant wear and tear. Still, there are things you can do to preserve your heating system, and prevent these breakdowns from happening frequently. 

In this article I’ll go over a few of the steps you can take to prevent heating issues in your home. If you would like to speak to a professional, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! 

Scheduling Annual Heating Service Is The Best Way To Avoid Heating Problems

The best way to ensure your heating system is running efficiently is by scheduling a professional heating service. We recommend you have your furnace serviced at least once a year, preferably before the winter cold is here for good. 

During routine heating service, a trained HVAC technician will clean and inspect the components of your heating system. They will look at everything from the electrical connections, to the pilot light, your flue system, and your thermostat. During this inspection, they can see if there are parts or components that need to be replaced before they fail. When cleaning the system, they will help prevent some of this normal wear and tear. 

Routine heating service will do more than help you avoid problems and repairs being needed. When you have your annual heating service, you see a few more benefits as well: 

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • Lower energy bills
  • Longer system lifespan
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Ensures safe operation
  • Keeps warranty in tact 

If you haven’t had your heating system serviced yet this year, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! 

Change Your Air Filter

Changing The Air Filter Is Simple And ImportantYou should change the air filter in your HVAC system once every 1-3 months. This is a simple task that you can perform on your own. This is also something that can be done during your heating service, but you should change the filter more often than you should have our system serviced. This means you should have a few filters on hand at home to change them yourself. 

If you don’t know how to change the filter, we recommend that you: 

  1. Ask your technician to show you during a service
  2. Refer to your HVAC system’s manual
  3. Go on YouTube or the manufacturer’s website to find a video that shows you how to do it

Changing the air filter is simple, and something that once you perform once, should have no problem doing it whenever you need to. 

Your air filter catches any airborne particles that may pass through your HVAC system. If this filter fills up and gets clogged, it prevents airflow. This can back the air up in your system and cause problems. This will also hurt the indoor air quality of your home. 

Air filters are inexpensive, and usually cost between $10-$50. We recommend buying a few and keeping them on hand for when you need to make a swap! 

Clear Vents And Ducts

It’s easy to accidentally block a vent if you are moving furniture around. Maybe your child wants to rearrange their bedroom, and in the process they put a bureau in front of a vent. I’ve seen it in plenty of homes, and it’s easy to avoid. Give your vents a little space and make sure they are free to push air into the necessary spaces of your home. 

You may also want to have your ductwork cleaned at some point. This is going to clean the air in your home, and also promote improved air flow. It’s very unlikely a vent can become so clogged that airflow is prevented completely. Instead it usually builds to a point where it impedes airflow enough to cause uneven heating, and makes the air dirtier to breathe! 

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Improve Your Insulation/ Seal Leaks And Windows

If your home is leaking air, it’s going to cause your heating system to work harder than it should. Improving your insulation will help you retain heat, and protect your home from the outside elements. The same goes for sealing your windows and doors. These are projects that may be a bit more expensive, but they last for years. You won’t need to worry about insulation or leaks every year if you take care of them properly. 

Years can pass and you will need to make sure your home is still sealed, but this should help keep your home more comfortable, and ease the burden of your heating system. 

Heating Service In Bristol, VA

We hope these tips will help you keep the heating system working properly, and keep your home warm and comfortable this winter. If you are looking for help with your heating system in Bristol, VA, or the surrounding towns, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our trained technicians can service your heating system, and make sure your home is ready for the winter cold! 

5 Reasons To Schedule Heating Service

5 Reasons To Schedule Heating Service

5 Reasons To Schedule Heating ServiceRight now is the time of year you should be scheduling heating service. The summer is on its way out, and before you know it, it’s going to start getting colder. In this article, we are going to go over why you should schedule heating service for your system. 

I have been performing regular maintenance on heating systems for years now, and can tell you it’s crucial to getting the most out of your heating system. I’ve seen a lot of systems that are never serviced, and some that have been serviced every year regularly, and let me tell you, there’s a difference. The systems that are never serviced work poorly, and tend to need replacing years before the ones that are maintained yearly. 

In this article I’ll tell you a bit more about why you should schedule regular HVAC service for your furnace. If you are looking to schedule heating service in Emory, VA give us a call at (276) 690-9222. Complete comfort specializes in heating service in Emory, VA and the surrounding towns! 

Why You Should Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance

Furnace maintenance is sometimes viewed as an extra cost for homeowners, but the truth is, it saves you money in the long run. Here are some of the most important reasons to schedule furnace maintenance. 

Safe Operation

If your heating system burns gas or oil, it can be dangerous if it’s not operating properly. When you burn these fuels, your system creates gasses that can be harmful if breathed in. In particular, carbon monoxide is created when you run your furnace, and it’s exhausted out of a flue system, or a chimney. If there is something wrong with your exhaust system, or there is a crack in your heat exchanger, it could lead to a carbon monoxide leak. 

When you schedule regular furnace maintenance, a technician will inspect your system and make sure there are no dangerous leaks. They will inspect the flue system, and the heat exchanger, and make sure everything is working properly. 

Even with regular HVAC maintenance, you should still use a carbon monoxide detector. In case there is a leak, this will let you know before it can cause you harm. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. There is no way you’d know it’s leaking without the help of a detector. 

Lower Energy Bills

Your heating bills can be a headache, and with an inefficient heating system, they could rise higher than they should. When your system is tuned up and working efficiently, it’s going to help bring your energy bills down. 

Over the lifespan of your HVAC system, a decade plus, it could cost you thousands in unnecessarily high energy bills. Regular maintenance will help your energy bills stay lower and under control. 

Longer System Lifespan

Just like any machine, if you have your system taken care of by a professional, it’s going to last longer. Your heating system should last between 10-15 years. If you go years between services, you are likely going to see the system die earlier than it should, years prematurely. 

Not to mention the fact that it’s probably not doing a great job even while you are running it. 

Think about it like this: If you live in a home for 20-30 years, it could be the difference between buying 2 or 3 heating systems. That’s a big difference in how much you’ll spend on HVAC systems. 

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Improved Indoor Air Quality

When your system is serviced, it comes with a cleaning of the components, and a change of your air filter. If the system is cleaned, the air coming out of it is going to be cleaner too. This makes for a healthier living environment, great for anyone with breathing problems, or frequently gets sick. 

Even after you have your HVAC system serviced, we recommend that you change the air filter once every few months on your own. This will keep the air flowing properly, and keep the air clean and healthy! 

Maintain Your Warranty

Almost every new HVAC system comes with a warranty. It gives you some peace of mind when you make a big investment in a new heating or cooling system for your home. Typically, one of the requirements to maintain your warranty is scheduling routine professional maintenance. This helps the manufacturer from having to constantly replace unattended equipment. It also helps you to keep the system in good shape while you have it. Hopefully you never have to use your warranty, but if you do, regular HVAC service will help you keep it valid!

Scheduling Heating Service In Emory, VA

Now that you know a little more about why you should schedule your heating service, now is the time to get it on the books! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Be sure to ask about our maintenance plans. These will help you get the best value when it comes to regular HVAC service! 

When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?

When Should You Have Your Furnace Serviced?The summer is starting to wind down, and we know how quickly the cold weather is going to get here. This is why we want to start telling homeowners about the benefits of furnace service. 

The best time of year to have your furnace serviced is the fall. Anytime between September and November is when we prefer to perform heating service, and we will tell you a bit more about why. 

I’ve been servicing heating systems for over a decade, and can tell you how important it is to have yearly maintenance performed by a professional. It’s a major component of your home, keeping you warm, and also having a major impact on your energy bills. In this article I’ll tell you a little more about why you want your HVAC system serviced every year, and why the fall is the best time of year for heating service. 

If you want to schedule your HVAC service now, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts will be able to tune-up your heating system, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather! 

Why Is The Fall The Best Time Of Year For Heating Service?

We think that the fall is the best time of year for heating service. Now that’s not to say you shouldn’t have your system serviced in the but there are a few reasons we like the fall a bit more.

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First of all, we prefer to look at the system before you have to put it into regular use. If you have a heating system that uses oil or gas to create heat, we want to make sure it’s operating safely before you use it. Harmful gasses like carbon monoxide are produced when you burn fossil fuels like these, and can be VERY dangerous if they aren’t properly expelled from your home. 

We also just want to make sure your system is working properly and efficiently, on top of safely! If your system is running less efficiently than it could be, you are probably paying too much money on your energy bills. 

Another reason we like to schedule heating service during the fall is the flexibility of our schedule. During the winter months, we have to deal with a lot more breakdowns and urgent matters. This gives us less time to be flexible for our customers unfortunately. Scheduling in the fall allows you to pick a time slot that works better for you and your schedule! 

How Often Should You Have Your Heating System Serviced?

We recommend that you have your heating system serviced at least once a year. Regular service helps you get the most out of your system, and gets ahead of problems before they escalate and become expensive. 

If your furnace is 10+ years old, you may want to consider a service at the start of the season, and then one towards the end of the winter after it’s been running for months. This will make sure it’s operating properly and safely. 

What Are The Benefits Of Routine Heater Maintenance?

Routine heater maintenance offers a few more benefits than simply having a working heater. When you schedule annual heating maintenance, you will also be doing a few other things: 

Improved Energy Efficiency/Lower Energy Bills

One of the most immediate benefits of regular furnace maintenance is improved energy efficiency. When your furnace is clean and well-maintained, it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home, which means it uses less energy. This improved energy efficiency is going to lead to lower energy bills. If you are using less energy, you are spending less money! 

During a maintenance visit, the technician will check and clean components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and burners. They will also inspect the ductwork for leaks and ensure that the thermostat is calibrated correctly. All of these small tasks can add up, leading to better energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a warmer space! 

Ensured Safety

Unlike air conditioning, safety is a concern when it comes to your home’s heating system. If your furnace burns gas or oil, you want to make sure that it’s operating safely. Carbon monoxide is produced from a system that uses combustion to produce heat, and then expelled out of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. 

Routine maintenance includes a thorough inspection of your furnace’s components to ensure that everything is operating safely. The HVAC technician will check for issues like cracks in the heat exchanger, which could allow carbon monoxide to leak into your home. They will clean the components and make sure the pilot light is functioning properly. They will also inspect the flue and ventilation system to ensure that the gasses are being properly expelled outside.

Even with a routine service, you should still have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it’s impossible for you to detect on your own. A carbon monoxide detector will let you know if there is a problem. 

Better Indoor Air Quality

Replacing The Air Filter Is A Great Way To Improve The Indoor Air QualityAs your furnace creates warm air, it then pumps it into your ductwork and throughout your home. If the furnace is dirty, the air in your home could be dirty as well. Over time, dust, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in your heating system, and if the system isn’t properly cleaned, these irritants can get into your air. 

During a maintenance visit, the technician will clean or replace the air filters, which catch a lot of those airborne irritants that make their way into your HVAC system. A technician will also clean the furnace’s internal components, removing any buildup of soot or dirt that could affect air quality. This will help clean the air and make sure you and your family have a healthier living environment. 

Longer System Lifespan

Your furnace should last for over a decade. Regular service will help you extend the lifespan of your HVAC system by fixing issues before they escalate, and making sure it’s in good working shape.

Just like taking your car to the mechanic for an oil change, your heating system needs regular check-ups to operate smoothly and efficiently. If you go years without service for your heating system, it could mean replacing your system years prematurely as well. 

By addressing small issues during regular maintenance, you can prevent them from escalating into major problems that could cause your system to fail prematurely. This is going to help save money in 3 ways: 

  • Fewer repairs needed
  • Lower energy bills
  • Fewer heater replacements needed

Maintain Your Warranty

Many furnace manufacturers require regular professional maintenance as part of their warranty terms. If your furnace is still under warranty, you will likely need to have it serviced by a licensed contractor at least once a year to keep it valid. 

Scheduling Routine Furnace Maintenance In Abingdon, VA

If you live in Abingdon, VA, and the surrounding areas, give Complete Comfort a call for regular heating service. We’ll take a look at your heating system and make sure it’s in good working order. We will replace your filter, and make sure your home is ready for the cold weather! Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click here to contact us online!

Should I Repair Or Replace My Heating System?

Should I Repair Or Replace My Heating System?It’s never fun when your heating system breaks down in the winter. It leaves your home cold, and you not knowing what it’s going to cost to get the heat back on. This is a time when homeowners are faced with a decision: Should I repair or replace my heating system? 

Factors such as cost of the repair, the age of the system, and frequency of repairs needed play crucial roles in this decision-making process. I’ve been working with furnaces, and all sorts of heating systems for years now, and have repaired or replaced a whole bunch. 

This article will go over the factors you should consider when it comes to fixing, or replacing your heating system. If you have any questions, or need some help with your furnace in the Chilhowie, VA area, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online to make sure you get the heat on ASAP! 

How Long Does A Heating System Last?

The lifespan of a heating system largely depends on the type of system you have, the quality of your system, and the maintenance history. On average, a well-maintained furnace should last between 15 to 20 years. We’ve seen some systems that last over 20 years with proper care and routine professional maintenance. 

The problems usually arise when you don’t schedule maintenance, and let your furnace go years without service. This is when you see the system start breaking down years before it should. 

Signs You Should Replace Your Heating System

Obviously, if your heating system stops working, you will have to call in a professional to have it either fixed or repaired. Here are some signs that indicate it may be time for a replacement:

  • Age of the System: If your furnace is over 15 years old, it might be time to consider replacement, especially if it requires frequent repairs.
  • Increasing Energy Bills: An old or malfunctioning system often becomes less efficient, leading to higher energy bills.
  • Frequent Repairs: If your system has had to be repaired numerous times over the last few years, it’s a clear sign that your furnace might be nearing the end of its lifespan.
  • Inconsistent Heating: If you notice uneven heating or if some rooms are colder than others, your system may no longer be effective. This could be a problem with your ductwork, or your internal heating components. A professional can help you figure out what the exact problem is! 
  • Unusual Noises or Odors: Sounds and smells coming from your furnace can be normal, but there are also some that can indicate a problem. Kicking on and off, and maybe a small burning smell of soot when you first turn the system on are normal. But, if you start to hear loud bangs and clangs, or maybe smell something a bit stronger, it could be a sign there is a serious problem. 

Reasons You Should Repair Your Heating System

Not every furnace or heating problem requires a replacement. In some cases, repairing your heating system might be a better move.  Here are some situations where you should repair your heating system. 

  • Minor Cheaper Repair: Minor repairs can be more cost-effective than replacing the entire system. 
  • System’s Age: If your system is relatively new (less than 10 years old), repairs can extend its lifespan significantly.
  • Maintaining Warranty: Some repairs might be covered under warranty, making it a financially viable option. Be sure to let your HVAC technician know the system is still under warranty and see what can be done without having to shell out a bunch of money. 
  • Minor Issues: Simple issues like replacing filters or fixing a thermostat are usually easy and inexpensive to address. 

Your HVAC specialist should be able to look at your heating system, and give you some options. They should be able to give you the price of a repair vs the cost of installing a new heating system. 

We generally recommend that if the repair is expensive ($1000+), or if your system is older, consider a replacement. The truth is, you probably need to replace your furnace pretty soon if you are having major problems, and a repair is just going to push the replacement a little further down the road. 

If you install a new heating system, it’s likely more energy efficient than your current failing system, and you’ll notice the difference in your heating bills. Not only is your home going to be more comfortable, but over the lifespan of your new HVAC system, you are going to see lower energy bills that help offset the cost of your new system. 

How To Lengthen The Lifespan Of Your Furnace

Sealing Windows And Doors Will Help Save Energy And Stay ComfortableThere are some easy steps you can take to keep your heating system in good shape, and lengthen the lifespan of your system. Here are some tips:

  • Regular Maintenance: You should have your system looked at once a year by a professional. Regular maintenance will keep your system running efficiently, and prevent problems before they cause major issues. 
  • Change Filters Regularly: Dirty filters can strain your furnace and reduce its efficiency. You should change them once every few months to keep the air clean and the system running smoothly. 
  • Keep Vents Unblocked: Ensure that all vents are free from obstructions to allow free air flow. Couches, shelves, and other furniture should be moved away from the vents. 
  • Thermostat Settings: Avoid setting extreme temperatures. Consistent, moderate settings can reduce the strain on your furnace. We recommend you set it and forget it! 
  • Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation can reduce the workload on your heating system, thereby extending its life. This may be a little tougher than a DIY situation. Have a professional assess your insulation, and see if there are spaces in the home that are leaking air, like windows, doors, attics, and edges of the home. 

The decision to repair or replace your heating system depends on various factors including age, efficiency, repair history, and the cost involved. Take account of all these factors, and get some professional advice. Remember, regular service is the best way to make sure your heating system lasts as long as it should, with the least amount of problems or energy waste! 

Furnace Noises and What They Mean: Tips for Homeowners

Furnace Noises and What They Mean: Tips for HomeownersIt’s about that time of the year when the weather cools off, and it’s time to turn the furnace on to keep your home warm. If your furnace starts making peculiar noises, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. There’s also a chance it’s normal. Understanding these furnace noises and what they mean is crucial for maintaining your furnace, making sure it’s safe, and keeping your home warm.

I’ve been working on furnaces for years now, and I’ve heard them make all kinds of noises. In this article, we are going to go through the different noises and give an explanation of what they mean.

If you are having problems with your furnace, let us know. We can come out and take a look at your heating system, let you know what the sounds mean, and recommend a service, repair, or replacement. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click on the button below to contact us online!

What Are Normal Furnace Noises?

Before you start to panic when you hear your furnace making a noise, understand that furnaces aren’t completely silent. Normal furnace noises could be a soft hum from the motor or air movement. You may also hear a faint whoosh when the burners ignite. Depending on where the vents are, you may hear the air coming through them as well.

These sounds should be consistent and not too loud. If you start hearing loud noises, or something outside of this description, we recommend contacting an HVAC contractor, like the pros here at Complete Comfort.

12 Common Furnace Noises and What They Mean

Heating Service Can Address Many Issues With Your FurnaceThe sounds your furnace makes can be a good indicator of its condition. Not all of them are a bad sign, and depending on the sound, we will try and explain what it means. 

 

Here’s a list of 12 common furnace noises and what they potentially mean:

Rumbling

A rumbling noise when the furnace runs or shuts off could be an indication that the burner is dirty or that the pilot light is improperly adjusted. This can lead to inefficient furnace operation, and a regular furnace service will be able to clear this up.

Screeching

Screeching sounds often suggest a problem with the blower motor or the inducer motor. It may be that a bearing needs lubrication or that a belt is worn out and needs replacing.

Vibrating

Vibrating or shaking sounds could point to a loose panel or a screw that needs tightening. It could also mean that the blower wheel is unbalanced. This is another problem solved with a regular service.

Clicking

While a clicking sound upon startup is normal, if you continue to hear clicking, this could be an issue. It might indicate a defective relay or a problem with the control panel. Call in a pro to take care of this one.

Banging

A banging noise when the furnace makes a popping noise when turning on can be caused by the ductwork expanding and contracting. This is something you shouldn’t worry about.

However, if it’s a loud bang, it might be a small explosion within the furnace, potentially because of a delayed gas ignition. Just like when you let gas build up on a grill, then throw a match in, it causes a big flame to start. If this happens in your furnace, it could cause damage and become a problem.

Humming

A humming sound could signify an issue with the blower fan or capacitor. If the humming is louder than normal, it could suggest the fan is working harder than it should.

Read More: The Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Rattling

Rattling noises are often related to loose components. The panels might need tightening, or there might be loose screws or bearings in the motor. If it’s an outside panel, you may be able to tighten it yourself.

Pops

Pops or pinging sounds often come from thermal expansion—the ductwork is adjusting to the change in temperature. This is a common sound that you shouldn’t be worried about as long as it’s not too loud.

Chirping

Chirping when the furnace starts up is typically normal, as it’s often just the sound of the metal components warming up and expanding.

Buzzing

Buzzing noises could indicate electrical issues. This sound should not be ignored, as it could relate to something as serious as a failing motor.

Knocking

Knocking sounds can be caused by the blower assembly. If something is obstructing the blower or if it’s misaligned, it might create a knocking sound.

Scraping

A furnace grinding noise, especially one that resembles metal hitting metal, suggests that something is seriously wrong. This could be a sign that the blower wheel is loose and scraping against the blower casing. Call your HVAC contractor right away!

If you live in the Chilhowie, VA area, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or click here to visit us online!

FAQs

When it comes to furnace maintenance and noises, homeowners often have a few common questions:

Should you be able to hear your furnace?

Yes, you should be able to hear your furnace operating, but the sounds should not be disruptive. You should hear it kicking on, and a low hum when it is running.

Why is my heater making a weird sound?

Heaters can make weird sounds for a multitude of reasons, such as dirty burners, loose parts, or airflow disruptions. Give your HVAC contractor a call if you want an expert opinion!

Why does my furnace sound like a freight train?

If your furnace is making a loud noise like a freight train, it could be an issue with the blower motor. If the motor is operating at a high capacity or there are other mechanical issues, it can produce very loud noises. A blocked air filter causing the motor to work harder could also be the culprit.