Furnaces are designed to last a long time, and with our mild winters here in Casselberry, FL, they can last even longer. But that doesn’t mean they will go on forever, and as they age, specific problems are bound to crop up. Once the warranty on your heater expires, you need to take careful note of any problems that arise. Some of them can be dealt with by timely repair sessions, but eventually one or more of them will likely require you to purchase a new heater. These problems can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pilot Lights. Pilot lights have been phased out of newer models, but they still can be found in older ones. Safety features usually cut off the pilot light when the potential for a leak exists, and older systems may also have problems with loose thermocouples and similar issues.
- Fan Motors. Fan motors power the fan that blows the hot air into the ducts to circulate through your home. They are built to last, but when they wear out, you can see your air speed slow and your heater’s efficiency drop. That spells double trouble because the hot air will linger in the furnace and damage other components. Problems with fan motors at this stage usually mean you should replace the furnace.
- Heat Exchangers. Heat exchangers vent toxic gases sand transfer heat from the burners to the air which can then be blown into your home. Wear and tear can result in cracks in the heat exchanger: a dangerous situation requiring the immediate attention of a professional.
Once the warranty has expired, problems like this usually mean you should replace your furnace. The pros at Downtown Air and Heat can advise you on the best way to proceed, and perform installation or repair services!
