How to Repair and Refurbish Your Home’s Aging Furnace

If your home’s aging furnace is malfunctioning, your first task should be to clean or replace the filter. If that doesn’t make any difference, you can try to repair the furnace yourself, turn the job over to experts, or replace the system. Here’s some information on where to start when deciding what to do about your old furnace. You can always make a difference if you put some effort into home maintenance.

Check the Thermostat First

If your home isn’t as warm as you’d like, the problem could be the thermostat, not the furnace. It might not be set properly for the season. Take note of the digital display while you’re checking the setting. It should be bright and clear. If it appears faded or is difficult to read, the thermostat or its power may be failing. Some thermostats have batteries inside them that must be replaced periodically to keep the unit functioning. Replace the batteries just in case, that might just solve the problem right there. However, if it does not you will have to check your furnace next, as that would be the most likely source of the problem if the thermostat is working correctly.

Check Furnace Power

The furnace itself needs power too. If your old furnace won’t turn on, the problem could be with its electrical power source. Your unit may have an ordinary light switch near it that turns it on and off. It may also have its own breaker on the circuit panel. If these switches are on but the unit is still dead, it’s time to call an HVAC company to check the unit to see if it can be saved.

Watch for Short Cycling

Safe, economical do-it-yourself residential furnace repair can be difficult because there are so many things that could be wrong with a furnace. If yours powers on properly but turns off too soon, this is called short cycling. It could mean there’s a problem with gas flow, the igniter, or another component. If the unit is generating some heat, a residential furnace repair company can probably get it working again. But if the unit is old, it may be better to replace it with a more efficient model.

Admit Defeat

Replacing your old furnace with the latest model may be cheaper over time and more sensible than repairing or refurbishing it. In addition to lowering your energy bills, replacing your furnace can improve indoor air quality, offer reliable heat that you don’t have to worry about and save you hundreds every year on repairs. If you get a new furnace, be sure to have it checked by an HVAC company at least once a year to maintain its efficiency and reliability.

A residential HVAC company that’s experienced in furnace repair can help you decide how to save your old furnace or whether you should bother. The goal should be to take the most efficient and intelligent action so that you and your family can stay comfortable this winter and every winter.