Heating Services FAQs
How do I relight the pilot light for my gas furnace?
If you have a gas furnace and you have a pilot light that has gone out, it’s important to be cautious, since your home may actually fill with gas. Before you get started, be sure to turn your pilot switch to “Off.” Most furnaces are outfitted with a switch or a dial that will close the pilot light valve, sealing off the small gas flow that normally feeds your pilot light. Let the air around your pilot and furnace dissipate for at least five minutes before you attempt to light the pilot. You should not smell gas when attempting to light your pilot.
Next, once any flammable gas has had a chance to dissipate, you can relight your pilot. Some pilot lighters have a built in ignition source, while others have a small door in which you can use a long lighter to ignite the pilot flame. For most furnaces, you’ll turn the knob or push the lever to “Pilot” mode, and then press an automatic ignition button or use a long lighter to introduce a flame once the pilot gas is flowing. Take note, the furnace should not be in “On” mode until the pilot light has been lit.
Once your pilot light is lit, you can close the door for the pilot (if there is one), and then you can switch your furnace to “On” mode. Make sure your thermometer is on, and check to see if your furnace clicks on by turning it to “Heat” mode. You should be able to notice that your furnace is working (it will make noise, and eventually heat your home).
Consult your furnace owner’s manual for full instructions for your specific furnace, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
How long does a typical furnace last?
Most furnaces that you’ll find in residents will last between 15 and 20 years before they fail entirely. That said, some modern units are lasting well past 20 years, and the longevity of your furnace will vary depending on how much you utilize your furnace, and how often you maintain its components. We recommend a yearly furnace maintenance program to ensure that your heater lasts as long as it is designed to. If your furnace is on its last leg, we’d be happy to install a new furnace — in fact, you can get a free quote right here online.
My furnace isn’t working — should I repair or replace my heater?
If you have a furnace that isn’t working, but you aren’t sure whether or not its best to repair or replace your unit, you’ll have to weigh the upfront and long-term costs of an installation or repair. For instance, if you have a small upfront repair cost (like a faulty ignition) that will keep your furnace running for several years into the future, it’s worth it to repair the problem rather than to swap out the entire unit. You may also have a significant problem (such as deteriorated interior components that have become detached), then it may be time to upgrade your furnace.
Keep in mind that while it may be less expensive to repair your furnace upfront, it may not be a lasting solution if you’ll need to replace your furnace in the next couple of years. On the other hand, if you have a nearly new furnace, then it may be best to repair it to keep costs low while keeping your heating system operational.
If you’re curious about your current situation, just reach out to us. We’ll assess the damage on your furnace, and let you know about the best option for your particular scenario.
How can I reduce my heating costs?
There are several things that you can do to keep your heating costs low throughout the coldest months of the year.
Here are some tips:
- Invest in insulation: If your losing heat through the walls of your home, then it can be difficult to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature, let alone a low heating bill. Consider investing in an inspection to assess the insulation in your home. You can even hire an inspector with a thermal camera to locate where heat is leaking out of your home, and where you need better insulation.
- Update your windows and doors: If you have inefficient doors and windows throughout your house, then your home is bleeding precious warm air out into the open. Ask yourself: Do I have windows with double panes? What’s the R-rating of my doors (a rate of resistance to heat flow through a material)? How old are my windows? Are my doors outdated? If you don’t know how efficient your doors and windows are, and you can’t remember when they were installed, then it’s likely that they’re outdated. Modern doors and windows are far more efficient and they’ll keep the heat in your home, and the cold out. Shop around for doors and windows with high R-values.
- Recaulk seams throughout your home: If your doors and windows are up to date, you may still lose heat through the seams between your walls and your doors and windows. It’s important to keep an intact coat of caulk along these seams to defend against heat loss (as well as to prevent moisture from infiltrating your home). Caulk both the interior and exterior of your windows and doors.
- Keep new filters in your HVAC system: Your furnace filter ensures that your home’s air is pure and free from debris and allergens. However, these filters can quickly become clogged as your system pulls in fresh air. If your filter is gunked up with grime, then you should replace it to keep the hot air flowing, and to keep your heating costs low. Filters are relatively inexpensive, and you can easily make up for the cost of a new filter throughout the cold season.
- Maintain your furnace: Like your car, your furnace endures wear and tear that will affect its performance. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your furnace at least once per year to keep all of the components running efficiently. We can lubricate the motor of your fan, change out filters, remove debris from the system, and perform other tasks that will help to ensure that your furnace runs smoothly.
- Consider upgrading your furnace: If you have high energy bills, you may have a poor furnace. If your furnace is more than a decade old, it may be fairly inefficient, and a newer model could reduce your heating bills. You may also have a furnace that isn’t the appropriate size for your home. If your furnace is too small, it will work overtime to heat your home. We can install a new furnace in your home, if you believe your furnace is outdated or undersized.
How much do typical repairs cost?
Furnace repair costs will vary depending on the component or components that require service. Most repairs tend to cost between $150 and $400. Feel free to learn more about our furnace repair services.
How much does a new furnace cost?
Most modern whole-home furnaces cost between $2,250 and $3,800 for a natural gas unit. It costs roughly $2,000 to $2,500 to install most furnace units. Costs will vary depending on the model purchased, the location of the installation, and whether or not the current HVAC vents will need to be retroffitted for your new furnace. You can learn more about furnace replacements and installations.