3 Signs Your Furnace Needs Repairs

In the winter, the last thing a California homeowner should be concerned about is a heating system that could fail at any moment. You won’t have to worry about this if you’ve kept up with your annual furnace repair appointments with a certified and knowledgeable technician. You can also keep your furnace in good shape if you know what symptoms to look for that your furnace is in need of repair.

At US Air Conditioning and Heating, we created a small list of issues that are common with furnaces that need repairs. This can help you get maintenance before its too late preventing costly repairs.

  1.  Loud or Unusual Sounds

An unusual noise coming from your furnace’s cabinet, for example, may be dismissed at first. Why bother correcting it if it isn’t affecting how hot the air flowing through your vents? Because it could be an indication of something that develops into a much bigger issue in the future so it shouldn’t be ignored. A buzzing noise, for example, could signal a problem with your electrical connections, posing a fire risk. A screeching sound could indicate a worn-out fan belt that is about to snap. A malfunction with the furnace burners can cause popping or banging.

  • Higher-Than-Average Utility Bills

Examine your utility bills. Are they substantially higher this year than they were last year at this time? If this is the case, it’s a clue that something in your home isn’t operating properly, and it may be your furnace!

  • Short-Cycling

The term “short-cycling” refers to a procedure in which an HVAC system turns on and off quickly, never completing a full heating (or cooling) cycle. This is not only a symptom that something is wrong with your heating system, but it can also cause more problems by exacerbating wear and tear. These are just a few of the symptoms of a furnace in disrepair! If your heating system is acting up in any way, it’s never a bad idea to give our team a call at US Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule an inspection.

Why is my heater not working?

For Los Angeles residence, the first chill of winter can be rather shocking. When it’s time to turn on the heater for the first time in months, you may experience some difficulties. Some customers have told us that their heater does not operate even when the thermostat is turned on. There are a variety of reasons why this might be the case but here are some common issues we have come across.

  1. A safety switch is standard on furnaces constructed after the 1990s. This safety switch is crucial to your HVAC system’s general health and safety. If the safety switch detects that gas is being fed into your furnace without igniting it, the system will be turned off. If your system becomes too hot or senses a carbon monoxide leak, it will shut down as well. No matter what setting your thermostat is on, if the safety switch is tripped, you won’t be able to turn on your HVAC system until it’s checked by a professional.
  2. In order for the evaporator coil to function properly, the hundreds of small air passageways need to be cleaned regularly.  Your system won’t be able to provide enough heat if these passageways become clogged. The reduced airflow will not only reduce heat, but it will also have an impact on your power expenses. To attain the temperature set on your thermostat, your HVAC system will have to run longer, consuming more gas or electricity.
  3. The most important thing you can do for your HVAC system other than scheduled maintenance is to inspect and change your air filter on a regular basis. Your furnace’s issues could be caused by only a dirty air filter. When a filter becomes clogged, it inhibits airflow and makes your system work harder than it needs to.
  4. The blower motor, like other components in your HVAC system, can wear down over time. Overheating and excessive moisture are two common causes of blower motor failure. When dust, dirt, and debris accumulate, the windings and bearings might overheat and burn out more quickly overtime.

Call US Air Conditioning and Heating for all your furnace maintenance needs. We serve Malibu, Agora Hills, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Newbury Park and Manhattan Beach areas! Call us today for a quick estimate!

Benefits of Furnace Checkups

The temperature is dropping and it’s that time of year again where we all want a comfy home that keeps us and our loved ones warm. Nearly all furnace and air conditioner manufacturers require that their systems be cleaned yearly in order to maintain warranty coverage regardless of make and model. In order to increase longevity of your furnace and heater, annual maintenance is vital to achieving maximum effectiveness. A dirty or faulty furnace also has to work harder and will cost more to operate, increasing your utility bills and wear and tear on your heater.

These are the top reasons why you should have your furnace/heater checked out:

  • Save Money and Energy: A clean heating system operates efficiently and uses far less energy than one that has not been properly maintained.
  • Increase Comfort: Dirt buildup within the furnace can obstruct the flames increasing the time it takes to reach the desired temperature.
  • Prevent Breakdowns: 90% of furnace breakdowns can be traced back to a lack of regular maintenance. Avoid the inconvenience and cost of frequent breakdowns by having your furnace maintained yearly.
  • Increase Lifespan: The better you care for your furnace, the longer it will last!

Call US Air Conditioning and Heating for all your furnace maintenance needs. We serve Malibu, Agora Hills, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Newbury Park and Manhattan Beach areas! Call us today for a quick estimate!

Heat Pump Vs Air Conditioning

What’s the difference between a heat pump system and an air conditioning system and which one is right for you? Both of these HVAC systems have similarities and vast differences. For starters both systems use compressed refrigerant to gather heat from inside your home as air passes over the coil in the air handler and transfers it out side. Heat pumps and air conditioners essentially move heat from inside your home to an outdoor location, cooling the inside. From a cooling perspective heat pumps and air conditioners are essentially the same when operating in cooling mode, with no significant difference in operation, efficiency, or energy costs.

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