Heat pump or furnace? That is the first thing that matters when the heat quits in Aurora, IL, because the two fail in completely different ways. Heat pumps tend to freeze up when defrost stops working, get stuck in cooling when a reversing valve fails, or quietly lean on the electric backup strips, at several times the normal operating cost, when the outdoor unit dies. Gas furnaces typically come down to the flame sensor: once oxide coats it, the burners light but the flame cannot be proven, so the board cuts the gas and locks out after three tries. After that, we most often find cracked hot surface igniters, stuck pressure switches, clogged condensate traps on high-efficiency models, and blower motors at the end of their life.
Most of our service calls are for Furnace Repair. If something has stopped working, start there.
Warning Signs for Heating Repair
Recognizing the warning signs early can save you time and money. Here are the most common indicators that it's time to call a professional:
- Banging at startup caused by burners lighting late
- A heat pump's outdoor unit encased in frost or ice
- Strange smells from the vents, especially rotten egg or burning
- Uneven heat, with certain rooms that never warm up
- Higher heating bills with less comfort to show for them
- Cold air, or no air at all, when the thermostat calls for heat
- The furnace clicking and trying to light but shutting back down
- Short cycling every few minutes while the house stays cold
Act Before It Gets Worse
What seems like a minor issue today can take out a compressor or heat exchanger tomorrow. If you notice any of these signs, call (331) 296-5155 for a prompt inspection.
