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How many pieces of machinery can you think of that run almost constantly every day, and still last for decades? Not many! Yet your heating and cooling systems continue to work each day, ensuring that your home is kept cozy for your pleasure. Even the newest, most energy efficient heater installation however, still needs consistent care to last for its full lifetime.

Your gas furnace is no exception. Heavy, extended use combined with other challenges can prevent your appliance from reaching its full potential. Today, we’ll be talking about hazards that can cause malfunctions in your heating system, then we’ll outline a couple basic steps homeowners can utilize in gas furnace repair! These will help you diagnose problems faster, and let you know when it’s time to call your local HVAC technician.

What Causes a Gas Furnace to Stop Working?

First, you need to understand that your furnace has several built in safety mechanisms to shut itself off in the event of a malfunction. Without these features, your house could burn down or be filled with lethal carbon monoxide. If your heater can turn on but shuts off too soon, it’s likely that a safety mechanism is being activated. You just need to know which one.

Common Furnace Problems Include

• Obstructed Exhaust Vents
• Clogged Air Filters
• Faulty or Poorly Placed Thermostats
• Malfunctioning Flame Sensors
• Settings Error (Power, Gas Supply)
• Tripped Circuit and Motor Switches

One of the most frequently encountered problems is an overheated furnace caused by a clogged air filter. You know how your car starts to shut down when the engine overheats? Your furnace reacts to excess heat the same way. A sensor detects the heat and turns off the system. Changing out your furnace’s air filter on a regular basis not only helps you keep your system working, it also allows for maximum efficiency.

Blockage can affect other parts of your heating system too, such as duct work and exhaust vents. If your ducts become congested, it can cause a strain on your hardware and restrict the even flow of heat to certain rooms. Obstructed exhaust vents (either in the chimney or on the roof) while direct hot exhaust back down to the furnace, where the excess heat will cause a shutdown.

Degraded sensors can also be an active obstacle for your furnace. The flame sensor for instance, which protects your home against carbon monoxide poisoning, can become rusted and take faulty readings. As a result, it doesn’t detect the flame which consumes the natural gas to heat your home. So it shuts everything down.

Other common issues that we see at Shanco Heating & Air are tripped circuits. Sometimes the breaker is tripped during operation and simply needs to be turned back on. There’s also the push-in switch next to the blower motor that deactivates the system when the cover panel is opened. Make sure that switch is fully depressed. Finally, make sure that the power and gas to your furnace is been turned back on each time you examine the interior.

Gas Furnace Troubleshooting

Below, we’ll break down a couple of the most common questions we get about furnace operation. We’ll be focusing on information that we haven’t covered yet. If you have any additional questions about gas furnace repair that aren’t mentioned here, feel free to give us a call at (208) 629-3335.

Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

There are three typically reasons for this. The first and simplest possibility is that your fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO” meaning that it continues to blow air even when your furnace isn’t heating that air.

The second potential explanation is a blown out pilot light. This is something you can easily check and confirm. If the pilot light is out, try cleaning out the area around it and make sure the gas valve is open. Try relighting the pilot light. If it won’t stay lit, call a professional.

Finally, we mentioned earlier that the furnace turns off when it overheats. Your fan continues to blow while the furnace cools back down, meaning it may circulate some cold air in the meantime. Check out your filter, exhaust vent, and ducts for potential blockage.

How Do You Reset a Furnace Blower?

Start by deactivating the furnace’s power at your circuit breaker. Next, open the compartment which houses the blower motor, paying special care not to burn your fingers. The compartment may be hot from frequent use. There should be a yellow or red reset button located on the side or back of the motor. Press the button, replace the cover to the compartment and restore the power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

Furnaces will typically last from 20 to 25 years. That number assumes proper maintenance and occasional gas furnace repair. Without this basic care, your system will likely not last that long. With exceptional attention, your heating system could last years longer.

How Long Does a Furnace Heat Exchanger Last?

The heat exchanger is one of the most integral and expensive parts of the furnace. Because replacing it is so costly, many homeowners choose to replace the entire unit rather than just the exchanger. Steel exchangers last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, while cast iron versions may last as long as 40 years.

Where Can I Find Gas Furnace Repair Parts?

Some HVAC contractors will supply parts. A good number of them however, only supply the parts as part of an installation service. Your best bet is to contact your furnace manufacturer’s nearest heating equipment supply stores.

Schedule Your Gas Furnace Repair!

If you’d like to learn more about caring for your furnace, or if you’d like to schedule a service visit for your home, call the Shanco Heating & Air team at (208) 629-3335 today! We provide lasting solutions for all your Boise, ID gas furnace repair needs.

Within your home’s air are many potentially harmful contaminants that can contribute to current health conditions as well as triggering new problems. These contaminants can include carbon monoxide, lead, bacteria, mold, and more and can lead to breathing problems as well as allergy and asthma flare-ups. However, there are many simple steps you can take in your home to help eliminate the spread of harmful toxins and contaminants. Additions like whole house air purification systems can help eliminate issues easily and effectively.

How Can I Prevent Contaminants?

While there are many ways to prevent contaminants in your home’s air, the most effective method is whole-home air purification. This system uses multiple filters to trap contaminants as the air passes through your HVAC system. This prevents the contaminants from ever getting into your home’s air. Other household systems can affect your home’s air quality and should be maintained regularly for maximum defense.

Other Home Tips for Improved Air Quality

• Keep Your Roof in Good Condition: Roof maintenance is important to the quality of your air, as is roof repair and replacement when needed. According to the roofers of Florida-based Andrew’s Roofing, timely roof repair can prevent mold and mildew which can transfer into your air.
• Utilize Your Home’s Vents and Windows: Use your home’s vents when cooking and showering to prevent excess moisture that can promote mold growth. Also power on fans to circulate your home’s air and let stale air exit.
• Repair Plumbing Leaks to Prevent Mold and Mildew: Plumbing leaks that are allowed to sit unrepaired are breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and mildew. Ensuring that your plumbing is always in tip-top shape can prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, keeping your family healthier.

Whole House Air Purification Experts

Begin the purification process in your home by calling the Boise, ID area’s air purification experts. We provide the information and options you need to ensure you get the ideal product for your needs. Speak with the Shanco Heating & Air team now by calling (208) 629-3335 to discuss your home air purification options in the Boise, ID area or to learn about other ways to prevent harmful air contaminants in your home.

One of the most common air conditioner problems that homeowners tend to have is that their air conditioner isn’t cooling. There are several reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling like it should. A typical reason for non-existent cooling is that the air filter in the AC is dirty. Changing out the filter ought to do the trick. Other things that we see that can cause an air conditioner not to blow cool air are thermostat is on auto, outside AC unit is dirty, damaged compressor, faulty condenser fan, and low refrigerant. Fortunately, all of these things can be fixed by a professional HVAC technician. Just like roof repair is needed to fix a roof, an AC also needs air conditioning repair in order to work. If you are unsure if the problem you are having requires air conditioning repair, below are some common signs the require repair service.

Common Issues That Need Air Conditioning Repair

• AC Is On But Not Cooling the Entire House: Is your air conditioner on and blowing cool air but not in every room in your home? Most of the time this problem is due to a frozen evaporator coil.
• Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On: Have you tried turning on your AC only to find that it won’t turn on at all? There are several reasons that this might be an issue. The compressor or your fan motor might be damaged, which will require repairs.
• Strange Noise Comes From Your AC: Your air conditioner can make different noises depending on what kind of issue there is. For example, clanging noise means the motor is damaged. Squealing can indicate there is an issue with the belt.

To get central air conditioning repair in Boise, ID, please call Shanco Heating & Air at (208) 629-3335.

 

While our air conditioners are amazing they are not without problems. Because we tend to run them all day, every day when it’s hot out, they can run into a few issues. A lot of these issues have a lot to do with lack of maintenance, but can happen due to the age of the unit, as well. Some of the biggest issues that you will see with an air conditioner are that the AC is one but it isn’t blowing cool air, there are fluctuations in the temperature, there are strange noises coming from the air conditioner, or the AC stops working altogether. When you are experiencing air conditioner issues, you need to call a reliable and licensed roofer to take care of the issue.

Why is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

One of the common air conditioner issues that homeowners deal with is the air conditioner not blowing cold air. We expect our air conditioners to run no matter what, but even reputable HVAC brands will require repairs and services, like York repair. So why exactly is your air conditioner not producing cool air? There are a couple of reasons for this. The biggest reason, however, is a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes too clogged with debris, it can cause the AC to work harder than it should, which can freeze the evaporator coils. Other common reasons why the air conditioning unit isn’t blowing cool air are

• A damaged fan motor
• A defective thermostat
• Lack of refrigerant
• Broken capacitor.
• A dirty evaporator coil
• A leak in the air duct

When these components in the AC don’t work, it can cause the unit not to provide your home with cool air.

What Causes Your Air Conditioner To Stop Working

A huge inconvenience to all of us with air conditioners is when the AC stops working altogether. This would be one of the biggest air conditioner issues that we have to face. There are so many different aspects that contribute to an air conditioner not working. Some of the most common issues that we see when an air conditioner will not turn on is because a thermostat is broken, the circuit breaker was tripped, you’ve blown a fuse, run or start capacitor is damaged, the condenser or evaporator coil is dirty, or the air filter is too dirty.

However, sometimes an air conditioner can be too far gone and will require a complete air conditioner replacement. If your AC has been looked at and repairs are too costly and you need air conditioner replacement in Boise, ID, call Shanco Heating & Air at (208) 629-3335!

Natural gas is a great fuel source for heating systems, stoves, and more within a home. Many property owners swear by it. However, it can also be very dangerous for those occupying the residence if the gas line becomes damaged or an appliance is not working properly. If there is an issue with your gas line, it is important to keep those in the home safe and get repair quickly. Being conscious of the potential issues it can cause and signs of problems with your gas line can let you know its time for service.

Signs of a Gas Leak

• You Smell the Distinct Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: Natural gas companies place this smell in gas as an additive to ensure that you can smell it and get to safety. Try to ventilate your property to disperse the smell and get to safety.
• Your Plants Are Not Fairing Well: When leaking, natural gas can travel below the soil and damage your plant. This can become apparent once the plant is dead.
• Your Gas Powered Appliances Are Not Working Correctly: If your stove is not staying lit or the fire is an odd color, a gas leak may be present in the house. Make sure you turn the stove off if you notice these issues.
• You Are Not Feeling Well: Gas leaks can affect not only your appliances and plants but your own health as well! If you have been nauseous, experiencing headaches, dizziness, and other health symptoms, you may have a gas leak.

Remember that the first thing you must do in this situation is to get you and your loved ones to safety. Do you have a gas leak in your home in Boise, ID? Contact Shanco Heating & Air for quality repair service to restore your gas line and keep your family safe. Call (208) 629-3335 today!

The summer can get pretty brutal and it is important to make sure you are keeping your home cool. That being said, you want to keep your home at a cool temperature but, you also don’t want to do it at the high cost of your electricity bill. There are ways to keep yourself cool while avoiding a break in your bank. When that summer heat hits, you may want to stay inside to keep yourself cool and sometimes that is fine, but we also recommend getting outside, running through the sprinklers, or lounging by a pool to keep cool as well. Here are a few easy ways to keep your house cool this summer.

Fans – Fans will be your best friend in the summer. They are an easy way to get cool if you are staying in one spot. If you are watching tv and don’t want to run your air for a bit, consider putting a fan on you and enjoy that cool breeze.

Close The Curtains – If the sun is glaring outside, consider closing your curtains and enjoy the dark for a little bit. By blocking out some of that hot sun in the middle of the day, it can lower the temperature in your home so you are able to enjoy a cooler temp.

You can never go wrong eating a cold popsicle or drinking a glass of ice water as well, but if you do need help with your A/C this summer, give Shanco Heating & Air a call at (208) 629-3335 to get you back into a cold home.

A home’s HVAC likely represents one of its most important appliances. In fact, during the heat of summer and cold of winter, it performs almost continual work. To ensure your continued comfort throughout the year, you’ll want to pay attention to your HVAC’s maintenance needs. If you need a new HVAC, you may notice the following signs.

Old Age

Most HVACs will provide valuable service for around 10 years. Once they pass this point, repair needs and performance concerns make them excellent candidates for replacement. Even if your current HVAC seems to work fine, a decade’s worth of improvements in energy efficiency make new systems a worthwhile investment.

Long Cycle Times

If your HVAC never seems to shut off, then it likely has begun to struggle with its workload. If wear or damage to an HVAC forces it to work harder, then its days of service are numbered. When you set your thermostat for a certain temperature, your HVAC operates continually to create this climate. Older HVACs will lose energy efficiency as they age, which means they take more energy than before to complete the same work.

Higher Bills

In reference to the point above, HVACs lose energy efficiency as they age. A demand for more power will not only wear your HVAC down, but also cause your energy bills to rise. If you’ve noticed a steady rise in your bills that has no other apparent cause, you can likely blame your aged HVAC.

At Shanco Heating & Air, we stand as the leading company for a new HVAC in Boise, ID. The next time you need service or an installation, give us a call at (208) 629-3335.

I know, I know! It’s not even springtime and we’re already talking about the summer! No matter the season, saving money always feels good. So we’ve made a shortlist of three ways you can score some extra energy savings, especially in the summertime.

Check Your Air Filter
Yes, right now! Throughout the year, your filter gradually gathers dirt, dust, and other particulates that can suppress airflow. A dirty filter causes unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, which (according to the U.S. Department of Energy) can use up to 15% more energy to continue circulating air throughout your home. Replacing your filter is an easy way save on your energy bill.

Take a Close Look at Your Vents
Do your vents have a layer of dust or dirt caked around the edges? If so, it could be time to get your air ducts cleaned. Why? Like air filters, your ducts gather dirt, dust, pet dander and other particles over the years until they become congested. This reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system and causes (again) higher energy costs. Homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years. You can schedule air duct cleaning with one of our specialists at (208) 629-3335.

Consider Replacing Your Thermostat
Your thermostat does the thinking for your entire HVAC system, controlling when your A/C and heater activate. Malfunctioning thermostats can dramatically elevate your energy costs by cycling on and off more often than desired. Consider switching to a programmable thermostat that reduces energy use while you’re away from the house.

If you’re interested in replacing your thermostat or if it’s time to schedule your air duct cleaning in Boise, ID give us a call at (208) 629-3335.

As the seasons begin to change once again, it is a great time to perform some spring air conditioner maintenance. Getting your air conditioner maintenanced now will ensure that it is in proper working order once the warm weather hits and you actually need it. For all your air conditioning maintenance and repairs, Shanco Heating & Air is here to help.

Steps for Spring Air Conditioner Maintenance

Some parts of spring air conditioner maintenance you can perform yourself, but other parts need to be completed by an air conditioning repair company. Here are three simple steps to get your A/C ready for spring and summer.

Clean Around the Outside Unit
The outside unit of your air conditioning system requires adequate air flow to work properly. Trimming any bushes or shrubs that may have grown up around it in the last year and giving the unit a good powerwash will ensure that it is getting all the clean air it needs.

Get a Professional Inspection
There are many different moving parts in your home’s air conditioning system. These parts, such as the pump and refrigerant lines, can wear out over time. Getting the system inspected by a professional air conditioner repairman can help you catch problems that could prevent the system from working properly.

Change the Air Filters
The air inside your air conditioning system travels through a filter. If this filter gets clogged, it could prevent the system from working at all. Changing the filter allows the air to flow freely within the system and can improve the air quality of your home.

If you are ready to perform you spring air conditioner maintenance in Boise, ID, and need to hire a reliable air conditioning repair company, call our office at (208) 629-3335.

Air Filters. If you have an HVAC system in your home, your air filters are an all -important, but well hidden component of your home’s indoor air quality. If your air filters aren’t changed on schedule, they can cause damage to your entire HVAC system, as well as impair the quality of air within the home. Today we will go over some basic guidelines about how often to change your air filters. However, these are only broad guidelines, so be sure to adjust how often you change them to how frequently they get dirty.

Every 6 Months

If you are a non-smoker, and you keep your home squeaky clean at all times, and have very little dust in the home, that’s a good thing for your air filters. Also, if you don’t have children or pets, your air filters may thank you for that as well. Last but not least, if you don’t open your windows very often too, your air filters probably don’t have much work to do. If all of the above apply to you, you might not need to change your air filters for 6 months at a time. However, be sure to check them every 3 months to make sure they are still in good condition.

Every 3 Months

If you are a non-smoker, and keep your home moderately clean, but you have children and like to leave the windows open on occasion, you may need to change your filters more frequently. Children and open windows can track in dirt and dust, which eventually gets picked up by the air filters. If this sounds more like you, then changing your filters every 3 months is probably a good guideline to follow.

Every Month

Now, if you smoke, or have pets, or both, you can expect your air filters to need a bit more attention. Adding children, open windows, dust and other factors into the equation will require extra attention as well. In this type of household, it is often best to change the filters monthly, or to at least check them monthly to make sure they are still functional.

If you need HVAC service or repair, contact us at (208) 629-3335 for affordable assistance.