Furnace Repair in Conroe, TX

Conroe Furnace Repair Services

When your heating system won't start, tackling furnace repair in Conroe, TX, can feel daunting. While attempting repairs yourself might be tempting, understanding the nuances of different furnace models and systems can be complex. We advise assessing the nature of the issue to determine whether it's within your skill set or if professional help is needed.

Even minor errors in repair can lead to more significant problems later, costing more time and money. Working with our experienced team ensures repairs are done efficiently, minimizing potential risks. There are timesaving, inexpensive solutions you can try yourself to prevent a heating repair bill. If your heating system won't kick on, stay on, or fire up, consult the troubleshooting guide below before calling an HVAC technician. The skilled team at our furnace repair company in Conroe is here to help when professional heating system repair is needed!

Not sure if your heating issue needs a professional? Contact Air Houston Mechanical today for fast, expert furnace repair in Conroe, TX and get your comfort back on track!

Common Furnace Repair Problems

As a leading HVAC company in Conroe, TX, Air Houston Mechanical frequently assists with a range of common furnace issues. Problems like ignition failures, faulty thermostats, and frequent cycling can drastically affect heating efficiency. Another prevalent issue is a failing pilot light, which can prevent your furnace from heating properly. Our team is always ready to address these issues and restore your home comfort. By familiarizing yourself with these common problems, you can be better prepared to handle heating system complications when they arise.

Regular maintenance can also help identify potential issues early, such as dirty filters or clogged blowers, which might escalate if left untreated. Leveraging our comprehensive maintenance services, you can prevent many of these typical repair issues and keep your heating system running smoothly during Conroe's chilly months.

Review our detailed checklist to start troubleshooting your furnace. Many of these processes do not require mechanical know-how to complete your repair.

Furnace Repair Checklist

1. Look at the Thermostat: To start, ensure your thermostat is signaling your heater to turn on.

Digital Thermostat

• Change the batteries if the screen is empty. If the display is faulty, the thermostat might need to be replaced.
• Ensure the switch is set to “heat” instead of “off” or “cool.”
• Confirm the program shows the correct day and time and is scheduled to “run.” If the setting is challenging to turn off, adjust the temperature using the up/down arrows and hold the “hold” button. This may initiate the furnace if the thermostat is malfunctioning.
• Raise the temperature setting to 5 degrees above the room's current temperature.
  If your heating hasn't started after a few minutes, check the power by switching the fan from “auto” to “on.” If the fan doesn't start, your heater might be without power.

Smart Thermostat

If you have a smart thermostat—such as those by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell, or Bosch—the troubleshooting will depend on your model. A smart thermostat provides a user-friendly interface and offers programmable features that can enhance energy efficiency. Ensure that your thermostat's Wi-Fi connectivity is intact, as it can affect device communication with the furnace. Consult the manufacturer's website for guidance. If you're unable to get your Wi-Fi thermostat to function, contact us at tel:(832) 501-3419 for heating and cooling service in Conroe.

2. Examine Breakers & Switches: Ensure your breaker and furnace switch are set to “on.”

• Locate your main electrical panel. If unsure of its location, search for a gray metal box in your basement, garage, or closet.
• Ensure hands and feet are dry before using the panel or breakers.
• Find the breaker labeled “furnace” or “heat,” and ensure it's in the “on” position. A tripped breaker will be in the middle or “off” position.
• With one hand, quickly switch the breaker to the “on” position. If it trips immediately and returns to “off,” don't reset it and contact a professional from Air Houston Mechanical at tel:(832) 501-3419 urgently.
• Ensure the lever is facing up, in the “on” spot. If it was off, expect a wait of up to five minutes for your furnace to start. (If unsure where the furnace is, look in your basement, garage, or utility closet. It may also be in a crawl space or attic.)

3. Get a New Air Filter: A clogged air filter is often the top culprit for heater issues.

If your filter is too dirty:

• Your heat won't maintain heating, or it might overheat from restricted airflow.
• Your utility bills could increase because your system runs more frequently.
• Your furnace might fail sooner due to overtime operation caused by a dusty filter.
• Your furnace might lose power if a severely dirty filter causes a tripped breaker.

The model of your heater will determine the air filter's location: it could be inside the blower compartment, in an attached filter case, or a wall-mounted return air grille. Maintaining efficiency also involves regularly replacing the air filter to suit local conditions. Conroe's dust levels may necessitate more frequent changes than less dusty areas.

To replace your filter:

• Cut power to your heater.
• Remove the filter and hold it to the light. If no light passes through, replace it.
• Install the new filter with the arrow pointing toward the heater to prevent damage.

Flat filters need monthly replacement, while pleated filters last about three months. With children or pets, filter changes may be required more often.

To simplify future replacements, use a permanent marker on the exterior of the heater or ductwork to note the airflow direction and filter size.

4. Check the Condensate Pan

Commonly called drain pans, condensate pans collect the liquid removed by your heating system. A practical tip is to add antimicrobial treatments to your condensate pan to prevent mold buildup, which can extend the life of your system's components.

If water is leaking from your furnace or its pan has excess water, try these steps.

• If the pan has a drain (look for a PVC pipe), ensure it isn't full. If it needs draining, get a special pan-cleaning tablet at hardware stores.
• If the pan has a pump, check the float switch. If stuck “up” with standing water, call us at tel:(832) 501-3419 — likely a new pump is necessary. Regular checks of the pan condition can prevent costly repairs, ensuring efficient furnace operation even during Conroe's cold nights.

5. Check for Heating Error Codes

If malfunctions persist, check your heater's plastic window to verify the blower motor's status. Depending on the brand, the light might also be on the furnace surface. Familiarize yourself with error codes specific to your model. Manuals often describe these codes, aiding in identifying and potentially resolving issues without professional intervention. If efforts to resolve fail, consider benefits from local service providers familiar with Conroe's specific heating needs.

If you notice anything other than a steady, colored light or blinking green, call us at tel:(832) 501-3419 for HVAC service in Conroe. Your heater might be emitting an error code needing specialized attention.

6. Clean the Flame Sensor

If your heater attempts to run but turns off without producing heat, a faulty flame sensor may be at fault. When this occurs, your heater tries to ignite three times before a safety feature shuts it down for about an hour. Homeowners often grapple with these interruptions; incorporating routine flame sensor inspections into regular maintenance can enhance longevity and safety.

If you are comfortable with removing panels from your heater, gently scrubbing your flame sensor can be a DIY job. Or, our heating repair professionals can handle it for you.

If you're agreeable to clean the sensor yourself, you'll need:

• A 1/4” hex screwdriver or wrench
• Light grit sandpaper, steel wool, or emery cloth
• A clean paper towel

Next steps:

• Turn off the furnace's power via its wall switch or breaker. Without an electric gas valve, turn off the gas too.
• Remove the heater's front panel and trace the wire to the flame sensor.
• Remove the rod and clean it lightly with sandpaper, steel wool, or emery cloth.
• Wipe the rod with a paper towel.
• Securely replace the sensor.
• Fasten the furnace doors.
• Turn the furnace's power back on. It might go through a series of checks before regular heating. If it doesn't activate, the sensor might need replacement, or there could be another issue. If this arises, contact us at tel:(832) 501-3419 for heating and cooling repair services.

7. Reignite the Pilot Light

If using an aging furnace, the pilot light might be out. To relight it, locate the directions on your furnace or follow these tips. An essential consideration for Conroe residents is the impact of extreme weather on older furnace models, as drastic temperatures can disrupt normal functions, including pilot light stability.

• Find the lever beneath your heater labeled “pilot,” “on,” and “off.”
• Switch to the “off” position.
• Wait at least five minutes to prevent sparking a fire.
• Turn the knob to “pilot.”
• Press the “reset” switch while bringing a flame to the pilot light opening.
• Release the “reset” switch once the pilot light is lit.

If you have followed the instructions twice and the pilot light still won’t ignite or stay lit, call us at tel:(832) 501-3419 for furnace service in Conroe.