There’s just no two ways about it. When the winter chill sets in Colorado Springs, you need a furnace that works. But what if your heating system fails?
It takes more than just crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Keeping your furnace in tip-top shape requires a bit of know-how. Fortunately, there are several steps homeowners can take to ensure they stay cozy even on the coldest days.
From recognizing potential issues before they become a problem to calling a professional for help, understanding these tips will have you covered like a blanket this winter.
The key is preparing ahead of time, which you can do by staying one step ahead of any problems with regular inspections and maintenance checks to save money (and headaches) down the line – so don’t wait until it’s too late.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about furnace repair in Colorado Springs and how to make sure your home stays warm all winter long.
How To Deal With Your Furnace Going Out During The Winter
Nobody wants to lose the warmth of their home when temperatures drop outside, especially during a cold, frigid winter. When your furnace stops working, it’s essential to know what steps to take and how to find the issue before calling in a professional for furnace repair services.
Common issues include a faulty blower motor, gas valve, pilot light, air filter, or other components of the heating system that have failed. If these elements are not replaced quickly enough, they may cause more damage and cost more money.
If all else fails, it’s best to call on an experienced furnace repair technician who can diagnose and solve the problem quickly and efficiently. They should be knowledgeable about different makes and models of furnaces and general troubleshooting techniques to provide effective solutions for your needs.
With help from a reliable expert, you’ll soon be cozy again. To understand why a furnace might stop working in the first place, let’s look at potential causes next.
What Can Cause A Furnace To Stop Working
When it comes to furnace repair in Colorado Springs, there are a number of common issues that can cause your system to go out. From limit switches and gas leaks to access panels and blower motors, each piece plays an important role in the overall functioning of your furnace.
The most common problems include dirty filters, heat exchangers, faulty circuit boards, or malfunctioning furnace burners. Dirty filters block air from flowing through the vents correctly and restrict airflow, causing your system to shut down. Heat exchangers could be cracked due to age or corrosion, which also causes dangerous levels of carbon monoxide when operating. If your ignition control module has failed or your circuit board is damaged, then these parts will need to be replaced as well. A broken burner won’t allow enough natural gas into the pilot light chamber so it won’t ignite at all.
These potential issues demonstrate why regular furnace maintenance is essential for any heating system. Without proper upkeep, your furnace may not start up again once winter rolls around. Therefore, making sure you’re staying on top of all necessary repairs before cold weather strikes is key to avoiding uncomfortable temperatures inside your home.
What Are The Most Common Furnace Problems?
Unfortunately, no matter how much maintenance and care you give it, faulty furnaces can still break down when you least expect it. The most common problems that can cause a furnace to malfunction are:
- a lack of power
- an issue with the pilot light
- blocked air filters
- an unclean flame sensor
- faulty thermostat
- faulty ignition
If any of these issues arise, it’s important to get help from experienced furnace repair experts right away. A professional furnace visit can help diagnose the problem quickly and provide reliable solutions such as tune-ups, repairs, replacements, or other services depending on what type of system you have (gas furnaces vs electric).
Don’t let a minor furnace breakdown cause major discomfort in your home—seek out professional assistance today.
Cleaning Dirty Ductwork
As the temperatures dip and winter storms move in, keeping your home cozy is a must. But without keeping your heating ducts clean and free of dust, you may find yourself stuck out in the cold.
When inspecting your ductwork, be sure to check for any signs of damage such as cracks, holes, or wear and tear. Additionally, look for any debris or dust buildup that could cause airflow issues or impede the effectiveness of your heating system.
You can have a qualified technician diagnose any issues with your return ductwork during a comprehensive furnace repair diagnostic process, and then follow a thorough furnace maintenance checklist for ongoing furnace tune-ups.
Taking the time to inspect your ductwork can save you money in the long run and ensure your heating system is running as efficiently as possible.
Changing Filters
Changing the filter on a furnace can be an important part of keeping it running efficiently. Furnace filters vary depending on the type of furnace system you have and what the manufacturer recommends, so make sure to check that first. Gas furnaces use higher-efficiency filters than standard electric heating systems, for example.
It’s also important to note that some newer models come with a “filter check light” which will alert you when your filter needs to be changed or cleaned.
If your furnace is not functioning properly after changing out the filter, there may be other underlying issues. If this happens, contact a professional furnace repair service in Colorado Springs that specializes in working with all types of furnace systems and manufacturers.
They can identify any potential problems quickly and help keep you comfortable during the cold winter months. With regular maintenance and care, your furnace should last up to 20 years before requiring replacement.
Fixing The Starting Mechanism
When your furnace isn’t working, it can be a challenging situation. If you’re in Colorado Springs, having an expert come to the rescue is essential for keeping warm during those cold winter months.
There will be a starter mechanism on your furnace that will kick-start your heating system. An experienced furnace repairman will first inspect the power supply and check for any issues with the connections or malfunctioning components. After that, they’ll assess if there are any faulty sounds coming from inside the unit.
The next step is to test all of the parts related to starting up your system – like the flame sensor, ignition switch, and heat flow regulator.
Fixing any of these components requires specialized knowledge and troubleshooting skills in order to identify which one is causing an issue. With proper diagnosis and repairs done by a professional, you can rest assured that your furnace will start running efficiently again sooner rather than later.
Fixing Blower Components
Now that we’ve discussed the starting mechanism, it’s time to move on to another key component of your furnace: the blower. The blower is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home and keeping you cozy when it’s cold outside. Fixing its components can be a bit tricky, so make sure to take note of this information.
To troubleshoot the gas furnace blower correctly, there are several steps you should follow:
- Check the furnace control board for any loose connections or damaged wires
- Calibrate the thermostat correctly to ensure proper operation
- Inspect all electrical components, such as breaker panels and limit switches that could trip due to incorrect calibration
If these steps do not resolve your issue with the blower, then replacing some or all of its parts might be necessary. Calling in a professional can help prevent hazardous conditions from occurring during repairs. And they will be sure to clean out other areas of your furnace while repairing blower components to help keep your system functioning optimally.
Replacing The Heat Exchanger
Take the case of John, a homeowner in Colorado Springs. He had an old, conventional furnace that was no longer working properly. When his unit started to malfunction, he knew it was time for a heat exchanger replacement. So he called a professional HVAC technician who quickly identified what needed to be done.
The first step was to check and clean the furnace function components such as the flame sensor, pilot light, and supply into the heat exchanger. Once those were cleared up, they replaced the worn-out part with one from a newer model of their complex furnace system.
The new heat exchanger allowed for a more efficient transfer of heat within the unit which helped keep John’s home comfortable even when temperatures outside dropped below freezing.
In addition to replacing the heat exchanger, the technician also checked other parts, like the thermostat, and made sure all connections were tight for a consistent flow of air throughout the house. He also tested for any faulty wires or malfunctions that could lead to improper functioning of the constant flame required by most furnaces these days.
After everything else turned out fine, he gave John’s furnace a final inspection before turning it back on so John could have peace of mind knowing all safety checks had been completed.
Fixing The Limit Switch
When your furnace isn’t working as it should, one of the possible culprits is the limit switch. This switch monitors and regulates temperature levels within your system so that it runs efficiently and safely.
If this part becomes faulty or fails altogether, you’ll need to replace it right away to keep your home comfortable and safe. Here are some key signs that indicate a faulty limit control switch:
- A constantly running blower motor
- Uneven heating from room to room
- The circuit breaker trips more often than usual
If any of these warning signs are present, then there’s a good chance that your limit switch needs replacing.
To do this yourself, locate the circuit breaker panel in your home – this will be either near or inside an electrical box on an exterior wall. Then turn off all power associated with the unit by switching off the appropriate breakers (if unsure which ones they are, look for something labeled “furnace”).
Remove access panels and unscrew existing switches. Be sure to note the wiring colors as each wire must go back where it came from when installing new switches.
When everything has been reconnected properly, turn on the breaker at the top of your circuit breaker panel before turning up the thermostat settings and testing out how well everything works.
Finally, if you’re still having trouble after resetting your home’s circuit breakers, it might be best to contact a professional who can identify and repair any other issues affecting your system’s performance.
With their help, you can get warm air circulating through your house again quickly and safely – no matter how cold outside.
Repairing Your Thermostat
Your home won’t stay warm for long if you don’t have a properly working thermostat unit.
A well-functioning thermostat is essential for keeping your home safe, comfortable, and energy efficient. Without one, you can’t accurately adjust the temperature and may end up with uncomfortable or even dangerous temperatures.
Finding the right furnace repair professional ensures that your repairs will be done correctly and at an affordable price.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common causes of a broken furnace in Colorado Springs, especially if you have an older heating unit. Follow these tips if your breaker keeps tripping and causing your furnace to turn off:
- Check for a loose or faulty wire connection at both ends of the power cord leading to your furnace
- Inspect the heat pump for severe damage that could be causing the tripped circuit breaker problem
- Make sure nothing is blocking or interfering with airflow near the heating cycle motor and blower fan area of your furnace
- Clean off any dirt from the flame sensor rod and replace it if necessary to prevent problems caused by a dirty flame sensor
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a professional for assistance in diagnosing and fixing more complex problems with your furnace.
Unexpected Noises
Unusual noises coming from your furnace, such as clunking or rumbling, are never pleasant and can create discomfort if left unchecked. These noises can signal that something is wrong with your heat output or thermostat, indicating faulty components or worn-out parts.
It’s important to take action immediately when you notice any unusual sounds from your furnace. If left unattended, these unpleasant noises could lead to further damage over time, resulting in a poor-performing furnace and significantly reducing the life span of your system.
Contact a professional for assistance immediately if you suspect that something may be wrong with your heating system. To avoid this situation, schedule regular maintenance visits so that problems can be detected early on before they become major issues.
Gas Leaks Or Odors
If you are doing regular maintenance checks on your conventional gas furnace, you want to check for gas leaks or odors. This involves inspecting the heating equipment, ensuring that it’s running properly, and checking for any signs of a leak.
If you smell something strange near your furnace, immediately turn off the power and call an expert furnace technician right away.
Setting Up An HVAC Maintenance Plan
We understand the importance of keeping your furnace working optimally during those cold winter months at Rocky Mountain Climate. That’s why it’s important to set up a maintenance plan for all types of furnaces – whether they are conventional gas or electric. This will ensure that any issues with your furnace can be caught before they become a major problem and lead to costly repairs down the line.
Setting up an HVAC maintenance plan has several benefits:
- You’ll have peace of mind knowing that there is someone on hand to help if you experience any issues with your furnace in the future
- Your furnace will always be running at peak efficiency, reducing energy costs and helping the environment
- A poorly performing furnace may put a strain on other components of your heating system, leading to further damages and expensive repair bills
- A furnace malfunction could also lead to health hazards due to bad air circulation
Our furnace repair experts specialize in both repairing issues with furnaces as well as replacing them when needed. We provide reliable services using advanced techniques and tools so you can rest assured that you’re getting quality work every time.
With our specialists in furnace replacement, you can find an efficient yet affordable option that fits within your budget while still providing excellent performance year after year. So don’t let old or faulty furnaces cause unnecessary stress—our experienced technicians will handle everything from start to finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My HVAC System Inspected?
An annual inspection is recommended – and even more frequently if you’ve noticed any problems with efficiency or performance. This will help ensure that all components are working properly and that no underlying issues exist which could lead to bigger problems down the road. Additionally, regular maintenance will keep energy bills low and extend the life of the unit.
What Is The Average Cost Of Furnace Repair In Colorado Springs?
All things considered, most homeowners find themselves paying anywhere from $150 to $500+. Some things that affect the cost are:
- The age and condition of your furnace
- Type of problem
- Availability of parts
- Labor rates
What Should I Do If I Smell Gas?
If you ever smell gas in your home, taking action immediately is important. This is an emergency situation that could be potentially dangerous and must not be ignored. It’s essential to shut off the main valve of the gas supply if possible and leave the house immediately- don’t forget to take any pets with you too. Once everyone has left the premises safely, contact a professional as soon as possible.
How Do I Know When It’s Time To Replace My Furnace?
First, look at age and efficiency. If your current system has been around for more than 15 years or isn’t operating as efficiently as it should be, then replacement may be in order. Additionally, frequent repairs can start to add up quickly – so investing in a newer model could save you money in the long run. Finally, check out noise levels. If your furnace is making unusual sounds like banging or squeaking, there could be something wrong with its internal components. It might be best to bite the bullet and get a new furnace before costly problems arise down the road.
