Winter in the Bay Area may be milder than in other parts of the country, but you could still suffer a few uncomfortable months if you don’t keep your home furnace properly maintained. There are a lot of issues that could come up with your furnace in the winter, and a furnace inspection done now will catch many of these problems before they get out of hand.
What Issues Can You Expect With an Older Gas Furnace?
Here are four typical issues that arise with furnaces:
A Broken Thermostat
Your thermostat regulates the temperature in your home, and it can malfunction. If your home always feels too cold or too hot, it could be that your thermostat is malfunctioning or needs to be recalibrated. Fortunately, this is usually a quick fix. Many modern thermostats are programmable, so check whether yours needs reprogramming to a more winter-friendly setting. If that doesn’t work, an HVAC contractor can take a closer look at it and determine if it needs to be replaced.
Uneven Heating
You might find that some rooms are colder than others even when your furnace is on. This can be a serious problem that might involve multiple parts of your HVAC system. Dirty air ducts or an old furnace that doesn’t work as efficiently as it once did are possible culprits when this happens. It could also arise because of aging home insulation, or gaps around windowsills and doors. In any case, letting these issues go without remediation, will raise your utility bill as you try to keep every room in your home at a comfortable temperature.
Dirty Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filter should be checked every month, and switched out if it has collected a lot of dust and debris. This is true throughout the year, but it is especially important in the winter since you’ll be spending so much more time indoors and running your furnace. Your filter protects your home from dust, pollen, and other pollutants that could affect one’s allergies. A powerful air filtration system can also clear your indoor air of viruses.
A Pilot Light that Won’t Ignite
Gas furnaces rely on a pilot light that either stays lit or ignites when the furnace cycles on. If the pilot light doesn’t ignite, the furnace obviously will not work. This might happen if the flame sensor is damaged or dirty. A company that specializes in maintaining gas furnaces should be able to fix this sensor and keep your pilot light ignited for as long as you need it.
Find an Experienced Bay Area Gas Furnace Inspection and Maintenance Service
If you are in need of a furnace maintenance service in Oakland, the East Bay, or the surrounding area, contact Element Home Solutions. Our friendly staff will be happy to run an inspection of your heating system and provide you with the assistance you need.
