Furnace Service - Available 24 Hours
When your furnace stops working, several issues can arise – especially during cold weather months. In addition to the discomfort of feeling ice cold inside your own home, there is the possibility of your pipes freezing and bursting. That is why One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is available around the clock – even on weekends and holidays. We know furnace emergencies do not necessarily occur at convenient hours. When you need professional assistance the most, our team of technicians is on standby to help.
Furnace Repair
A furnace is a complex appliance with multiple parts working in unison. If a single component malfunctions, the entire system can shut down.
Give us a call if you encounter any of the following problems:
- The pilot light will not ignite
- The thermostat is faulty
- You hear abnormal sounds
- The burners won’t stay lit
- The blower lacks airflow or won’t turn off
What Causes Your Furnace to Stop Working Properly?
Every furnace relies on motors, sensors, igniters, gas valves, fans, flame rectification systems, controls, and bearings to run smoothly. A problem with any of these parts can cause the whole system to break down. This is why professional maintenance is so essential.
If a furnace keeps shutting off prematurely, the flame sensor may be defective and failing to turn on the gas valve. The flue pipe/exhaust vent can also cause a furnace to short cycle. If dirt and debris build up and block the flue pipe, hot gases will eventually overheat the furnace, causing a safety mechanism to shut it down.
Should I Call a Furnace Repair Technician?
Performing reliable repairs with lasting results is our top priority. We take every precaution and hold ourselves to elite industry standards when performing repairs. Each One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning location is independently owned, operated, and well versed in all local and state regulations.
Signs Your Furnace Needs to Be Repaired
- Abnormal furnace smells
- Persistent and disconcerting noises
- Poor air quality
- Short cycling
- A tripped carbon-monoxide detector
- A discolored pilot light
- Inadequate heat/airflow
- It won’t turn on or off
Odd Smell Coming from Furnace
A smelly furnace does not necessarily signal a problem. The subtle smell of fuel can be a normal occurrence, especially during the season’s first use. However, most furnace odors should dissipate over time. If you notice an abnormally strong smell of fuel, an unusual or sudden odor, or a scent that doesn’t fade, you may be dealing with a gas leak or dust buildup inside your unit. Our HVAC specialists can inspect your system to assess what the odor is and where it’s coming from.
Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures
If your home is inconsistently heated, hot air may be leaking through your ductwork. If frost and ice appear on your roof, heat may be leaking out of the attic. Instead of cranking up your thermostat with little results, call our technicians. We can quickly get rid of cold drafts and leaks without overworking your furnace.
Furnace Has Trouble Starting
Any difficulty turning on a furnace is often a sign of underlying issues. When it takes multiple attempts to start a unit or your furnace keeps restarting, you likely have disconnected wiring, dead batteries, or a damaged thermostat.
Discolored Pilot Light
The color of your pilot light can be very revealing. A healthy pilot light should be bluish. If it is yellow, you may have a ventilation problem. A yellow flame indicates that gases are imbalanced and carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should. This is a health and fire hazard that warrants professional attention right away.
Inadequate Heat
Perhaps the most obvious sign that a furnace needs to be repaired or replaced is that it is not producing sufficient hot air. If your thermostat settings are cranked up with lukewarm results, something is wrong. Our technicians can check for ductwork leaks, thermostat malfunctions, and furnace defects.
Persistent Noises
All furnaces make noise. Nevertheless, if you hear abnormal, jarring, and persistent noises, it may signal a major problem. Our HVAC specialists have a thorough understanding of the correlations between specific furnace issues and certain sounds:
- Squealing noises often result from belt or fan issues
- Banging or groaning noises can be caused by loose internal parts
- Scraping noises usually mean warped fan blades and/or a broken motor
- Thumping noises might indicate an imbalanced blower wheel
- Unusually loud or prolonged rumbling may arise from a faulty gas valve
- Rattling noises could mean the metal housing fasteners are loose
- Clanking noises often occur when debris gets stuck in a compressor or fan
- Popping noises often result from ductwork sheet metal reacting to air pressure variations
- Hissing noises may be air escaping from a loose air filter, a partially obstructed vent, or leaky ductwork
- Whistling noises may signal a refrigerant leak in the condenser
Luckily, our service experts will swiftly diagnose the problem and get to work – replacing a loose belt, cleaning a compressor, sealing up your ductwork, or repairing whatever needs to be fixed.
Poor Air Quality
Furnace systems can dramatically impact indoor air quality. A dirty and poorly maintained furnace will circulate allergens, bacteria, and other particles with heated air. This can cause illnesses, respiratory ailments, and allergic symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes, and headaches. Fortunately, air-quality problems are often solved by simply replacing the air filter, cleaning the ductwork, and dusting the unit.
Dirty Filters
We highly recommend changing your air filters at least once every 3 months. If you have pets and/or allergies, you should switch your air filters every 2 months. Dirty and clogged air filters are bad for your health and the furnace itself. If caked in dirt, a filter can also prohibit airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat.
Carbon Monoxide Detection
Every furnace should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to trigger an alarm when toxic gases are present. If this alarm goes off, immediately turn off the furnace and ventilate your home. A carbon monoxide leak is something to take very seriously. Schedule a professional inspection right away.
Inexplicable Cost Increase in Energy Bills
High electricity bills can be the consequence of subpar furnace performance and efficiency. Older heaters tend to work overtime to deliver average warmth. If you notice your heating system is constantly running, give us a call. We can significantly reduce your energy bill with an upgraded unit, such as a heat pump or ductless system.
Call us today for help with all your furnace installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Our local furnace service experts are ready to help you 24/7 at (301) 918-5642.
How Much Does a Furnace Repair Cost?
There are many factors to account for when estimating furnace repair costs, including:
- Service – The labor, parts, and tools required.
- Time – The amount of time a repair takes to complete.
- Age, Size, and Condition – Whether the furnace has deteriorated or is in good shape.
- Warranty – Whether your insurance will cover the price of replacement parts or not.
Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, incurring high monthly energy bills, and constantly breaking down, it is likely time for an upgrade. If repair costs exceed 50% of the price of a new furnace, replacing it is practically a no-brainer.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Furnace?
The average life expectancy of a furnace is approximately 15 years. With proper maintenance, it can survive longer. However, as it ages, it’s more likely to malfunction and require expensive maintenance and repairs.
Signs It's Time to Buy a New Furnace
When a diagnosed furnace issue entails a costly repair, we suggest updating to a modern unit. This will save you money in the long run and help reduce your monthly energy bill.
Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly
Over time, repairs will cost more money and frustration than the heater is worth. Maintaining old systems with hard-to-find replacement parts can be a constant struggle. If you’ve invested in numerous repairs over the last 2 years, you are better off installing a new system altogether. A replacement furnace will improve efficiency, simplify upkeep, and likely include a warranty.
An Older Unit
As already noted, if your furnace falls into the 15+ year category, it is wise to consider an upgrade. Instead of risking hazards and/or buying a heater during a stressful emergency, give yourself the flexibility of purchasing a new unit preemptively.
High Energy Costs
If your furnace isn’t at peak performance, your energy bills will inevitably increase. Regular maintenance and repairs can dramatically improve efficiency. Whether you have a heat pump, boiler, or any other type of heater, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning has maintenance programs that can help reduce your electric bills.
Furnace Installation & Replacement Services
After evaluating your individual preferences, budget, and home, we’ll present a range of heaters that are optimal for your situation. Our technicians always follow manufacturer specifications and ensure the current ductwork is compatible with the new furnace. Highly qualified, friendly, and reliable, our furnace specialists can install all kinds of heaters, including boilers, heat pumps, and eco-friendly geothermal solutions.
The Benefits of Professional Installation vs. DIY Furnace Replacement
When it comes to furnace installations, a professional with experience and training is crucial. If an amateur installs a gas or oil furnace, a single DIY mistake can emit dangerous gases and endanger everyone living in the home. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we stand behind all our work with the UWIN 100% satisfaction guarantee. Knowing your furnace is professionally installed and backed by a trusted warranty is hard to beat.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Furnace?
The price of a brand-new furnace depends on the make and model, the size, the fuel type, and the labor and parts required to complete the installation process. We will provide an upfront and competitive price estimate that is free of hidden fees.
We also offer financing options for furnace services. With credit approval, we can offer:
- Easy monthly payments
- Low to no interest
- Flexible, friendly terms
How Long Does it Take to Install a Furnace?
Furnace installations usually take 4-8 hours, depending on the job’s complexity. We may require additional time if ductwork, electrical, or gas line modifications are needed to match the new equipment.
Furnace Maintenance
Proper furnace maintenance can extend the unit’s life span, save you money on utilities, and reduce the chance of a breakdown. Our maintenance team can also ensure your furnace is safely exhausting gasses outside, the venting system (pipes and chimney) hasn’t deteriorated, the temperature controls are properly calibrated, and your heat exchanger isn’t leaking. Finally, we will keep your furnace clean. After all, 9 out of 10 heating system failures are caused by dust and dirt.
Why Is Maintaining My Furnace Important?
A well-maintained furnace will increase its durability, safety, energy efficiency, and cleanliness. No one wants to recirculate dirty air indoors. With proactive maintenance, we can ensure you breathe clean air and mitigate the chances of your furnace breaking down in the middle of winter.
What Does Furnace Maintenance Include?
Our maintenance protocol involves:
- Inspecting the unit’s condition and wiring
- Cleaning and/or lubricating dirty parts
- Checking fuel levels
- Testing the pilot light
- Calibrating fuel line pressure
- Cleaning the fuel line and pilot light
- Adjusting the thermostat for optimum comfort and efficiency
- Identifying potential mechanical issues
- Addressing minor defects before they become expensive emergencies
How Often Should I Have My Furnace Serviced?
We recommend requesting furnace maintenance services at least twice a year. Some manufacturers require annual furnace maintenance to satisfy warranty coverage mandates. Depending on how much your system runs, it is best to clean or replace an air filter every 30-90 days to remove pollutants, dust, dirt, and pet dander.
Maintenance Costs
Our furnace maintenance costs revolve around how often they recur and the type of services, parts, and labor you request. We will work with your budget and provide straightforward, affordable options.
Why Choose One Hour Heating & Air for Furnace Service?
One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is one of the most successful and reliable HVAC companies in the nation. We’ve developed loyal customers through honesty, punctuality, industry-leading guarantees, and best-in-class service. Don’t settle for less – choose our technicians today!
Our Furnace Experts Won’t Leave You in the Cold. Call Today at (301) 918-5642!
Your time is valuable, which is why we promise to be Always On Time...Or You Don’t Pay A Dime!®. Upon arrival, our furnace technicians proceed with integrity and respect for your privacy, safety, and local laws and regulations. Working as a team and striving for excellence, we go above and beyond to make each customer feel comfortable, cared for, and warm inside.
*Check with your local franchise. Services may vary by location.
Call us today to get started with your furnace installation, repair, or maintenance. We take phone calls 24/7 at (301) 918-5642 and emergency services are available in some areas.
