Furnace Repair - Answers To Pressing Questions

If you ask most people what the single most important appliance in their home is, you’re probably going to get a wide variety of answers. Some will say the washing machine, while others might pick the shower. But in the middle of a cold winter, few can deny that the heater takes that position quite proudly. When it goes out, you need help and you need it fast. Furnace repair isn’t typically something you’ll be handling on your own, but there are some things you should know, even if you plan to have professionals do the work itself. Having some basic knowledge can prevent you from getting ripped off and tip you to things you can do to keep it working right.

Why won’t the burner light?

When it comes to oil furnace repair, one of the most common problems is that the burner won’t come on at all. It is designed to do so when instructed to by the thermostat, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes the homeowner has to physically come down and hit the reset button for it to light properly. Why does this happen? Well, it could be for a variety of reasons, but it often means there is some water in your oil supply. Turn off the supply and drain a bit of the oil so you can inspect it. If there is water, you’ll want to have a chat with your supplier to see what you can do about it. You may want to have an inspector come out and make sure water isn’t getting in through a leak somewhere.

When should I replace?

If homeowners don’t like talking about the costs involved in furnace repair, they certainly don’t like to hear about replacing the whole thing altogether. Still, it has to be done. If you wait too long, you’re almost certainly going to wind up with a broken system one day, and that day will most likely be the coldest one of the year if Murphy’s Law has anything to say about it. Once your furnace is approaching the 20 year mark, it’s about time to think about buying a new one. Do this even if your current one isn’t showing any obvious signs of wearing down. 

Where can I find quality service?

Check with the real estate agent who sold you the house and see if they can recommend any furnace repair professionals. Barring that, check in the phone book and call around. Many companies now have an internet presence where you can learn more about the services they offer.