Furnace Repair in Pasadena, CA

Furnace Repair in Pasadena, CA

When your furnace stops working, your home’s comfort and safety are immediately compromised. A sudden cold snap in Pasadena can turn a minor inconvenience into a major problem, leaving you searching for a fast and reliable solution. At Piggies Air Conditioning, we understand the urgency of a broken furnace. Our team of certified technicians is dedicated to providing prompt, expert furnace repair services throughout Pasadena, ensuring your heating system is restored quickly and efficiently, bringing warmth and peace of mind back to your home.

We specialize in diagnosing and resolving all types of furnace issues, from common malfunctions to complex system failures. Our goal is not just to fix the immediate problem but to provide a lasting solution that ensures your system operates safely and effectively for years to come.

Common Furnace Problems We Resolve

Furnace breakdowns can manifest in many ways. While some issues require immediate professional attention, others may have a simple fix you can safely check yourself. Below are the most common furnace problems we encounter in Pasadena homes, along with some troubleshooting steps you can take before calling for service.

Furnace Fails to Turn On

One of the most frequent complaints is a furnace that won't start at all. You set the thermostat, wait for the familiar hum, and get nothing but silence. Here’s what you can check first:

1. Thermostat Settings: Ensure your thermostat is set to "HEAT" and the temperature is set several degrees higher than the current room temperature.
2. Circuit Breaker: Check your home's electrical panel. The breaker connected to your furnace may have tripped. If it has, switch it completely off and then back on.
3. Furnace Power Switch: Most furnaces have a power switch that looks like a standard light switch located on or near the unit. Make sure it is in the "ON" position.

Furnace is Blowing Cold Air

If your furnace runs but only circulates cool or cold air, it's not only uncomfortable but also a sign of an underlying issue.

1. What You Can Check First:
2. Thermostat Fan Setting: Verify that the fan setting is on "AUTO," not "ON." If it's set to "ON," the blower will run continuously, even when the furnace isn't actively heating.
3. Air Filter: A severely clogged air filter can restrict airflow so much that the heat exchanger overheats and shuts down as a safety precaution, causing the system to blow unheated air. Check and replace your filter if it's dirty.

Furnace is Making Strange Noises

Unusual sounds like banging, grinding, squealing, or rattling are your furnace’s way of signaling a problem.

1. Banging or Popping: Often caused by ductwork expanding and contracting or dirty burners causing a delayed ignition.
2. Squealing or Whining: This typically points to an issue with the blower motor, such as a worn belt or failing motor bearings.
3. Grinding or Scraping: A severe sound that could indicate a serious problem with the blower wheel or motor mount. If you hear this, turn your system off immediately to prevent further damage.

While you can check for a loose access panel, most of these noises signal a mechanical issue that requires a professional diagnosis.

Furnace is Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is when your furnace turns on and off in rapid, frequent succession without completing a full heating cycle. This is inefficient, strains components, and fails to adequately heat your home.

1. What You Can Check First:
2. Clogged Air Filter: This is the most common cause. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down prematurely.
3. Blocked Vents: Ensure that furniture, rugs, or drapes are not blocking any supply or return air vents in your home.

Pilot Light or Ignition Issues

Older furnaces use a standing pilot light, while newer models have electronic ignitors. If either fails, the furnace won't produce heat.

1. Pilot Light is Out: If you have an older furnace, a draft or a problem with the thermocouple can cause the pilot light to go out.
2. Ignition Failure: On modern systems, you might hear a clicking sound as the ignitor tries to light the burners. If it fails, a safety feature will shut off the gas supply.

Important Safety Note: If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, do not attempt to relight the pilot or troubleshoot the system. Evacuate your home immediately, leave the door open, and call your gas utility company and a qualified HVAC professional from a safe location.

Our Comprehensive Furnace Diagnostic and Repair Process

When you call us for service in Pasadena, you can expect a thorough and transparent process designed to get your heat back on as soon as possible.

• Systematic Inspection: Our technician arrives and performs a comprehensive diagnostic check of your entire furnace system. This includes examining the thermostat, electrical connections, burners, heat exchanger, blower, and safety controls.
• Pinpointing the Problem: Using advanced diagnostic tools, we accurately identify the root cause of the failure. We don't guess—we test. This ensures we fix the right component the first time.
• Clear Explanation and Upfront Options: Once the issue is identified, we explain the problem to you in clear, understandable terms. We will present you with a detailed breakdown of the necessary repairs and provide upfront options before any work begins.
• Expert Repair: With your approval, our technician will perform the repair using high-quality parts and industry-best practices. Our service vehicles are stocked with common furnace components to facilitate a quick resolution.
• Final System Test: After the repair is complete, we test the entire system to ensure it is operating safely, efficiently, and to manufacturer specifications. We will also check for proper airflow and thermostat calibration.

Is It Time to Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

A common question from homeowners is whether to invest in a repair or consider a full system replacement. We provide honest, expert advice to help you make the best decision for your home and budget. Consider these factors:

1. Age of the Furnace: If your furnace is over 15 years old, it is approaching the end of its typical lifespan. Investing in a major repair may not be as cost-effective as upgrading to a new, more efficient model.
2. Cost of the Repair: A general rule of thumb is if the cost of a repair is close to 50% of the cost of a new furnace, replacement is often the smarter long-term investment.
3. Frequency of Breakdowns: If you find yourself calling for repairs every year, those costs can add up quickly. A new system offers reliability and peace of mind.
4. Energy Efficiency: Modern furnaces are significantly more energy-efficient than older models. Upgrading can lead to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills.

Don't endure a cold home any longer. Our Pasadena-based team is ready to provide the professional furnace repair you need to restore comfort and safety to your home.

Schedule Your Furnace Repair Service Today.