Furnace Maintenance in Sherwood, OR

Nothing is more frustrating than a furnace that fails when you need it most, leaving your home cold and uncomfortable. Regular furnace maintenance in Sherwood, OR, is the key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns, improving energy efficiency, and extending the life of your heating system. At Renhard Heating and Cooling, our certified HVAC technicians have been keeping homes warm since 1958, and we guarantee reliable, top-tier service every time.

Common Furnace Problems and Their Solutions

Even the most reliable furnaces can run into issues. Here are some of the most common furnace problems and how they can be resolved:

• Clogged Air Filters: A clogged or dirty air filter can drastically limit airflow, making your furnace work overtime to keep your home warm. This strain not only lowers efficiency but can also drive up energy costs and increase the risk of system wear and tear over time.‍
• Solution: To keep your furnace running smoothly, replace the filter every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies, to ensure optimal airflow and performance.

• Thermostat Malfunctions: If your furnace isn’t heating your home correctly, the thermostat may be the issue. It’s not uncommon for thermostats to have dead batteries, incorrect settings, or calibration issues that prevent them from properly communicating with your furnace. ‍
• Solution: Start by checking and replacing the batteries, ensuring the settings are correct, and switching it to “heat” mode. If the problem persists, you may need to recalibrate the thermostat or replace it entirely.

• Unusual Noises: Rattling, banging, or squealing noises coming from your furnace are often signs of underlying problems such as loose parts, worn-out belts, or even a failing motor. Neglecting these noises may result in more extensive damage and expensive repairs down the line.‍
• Solution: Contact a professional to inspect the furnace thoroughly. They can tighten loose components, replace worn-out parts, or address motor issues to prevent further damage.

• Short Cycling (Turning On and Off Frequently): When your furnace turns on and off frequently in short cycles, it could be due to several issues, such as overheating, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat. This behavior not only reduces energy efficiency but also adds unnecessary wear and tear to your system. ‍
• Solution: Begin by replacing or cleaning the air filter, then verify that your thermostat is set correctly for optimal performance. If short cycling continues, it’s likely time to schedule a professional furnace check-up to diagnose and resolve the issue.

• Ignition or Pilot Light Problems: If your furnace won’t start or struggles to stay on, the ignition system or pilot light may be to blame. Dirty flame sensors, worn-out ignition switches, or gas supply issues can all lead to startup failures. ‍
• Solution: These problems often require a professional to inspect and clean the flame sensor, replace faulty parts, or address gas line concerns to restore your furnace’s functionality safely.

Routine maintenance helps avoid these issues, keeping your furnace running efficiently and dependably all season.

Gas vs. Electric Furnace Maintenance: Key Differences

Both gas and electric furnaces provide reliable heating, but they require different maintenance approaches.

Gas Furnace Maintenance

• Requires annual inspections to check for gas leaks and carbon monoxide risks.
• The heat exchanger must be inspected for cracks that could release harmful gases.
• The pilot light or electronic ignition should be tested to ensure proper function.

Electric Furnace Maintenance

• Generally requires less maintenance since it has no gas components.
• Electrical components and heating elements must be checked for wear and tear.
• Dust buildup should be removed from blower motors and heating coils.

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, regular professional maintenance keeps your system safe, efficient, and long-lasting.

Debunking Myths About Furnace Maintenance

There are many misconceptions about furnace maintenance—let’s clear up some of the biggest ones:

• Myth: I only need to service my furnace when it breaks down.  
  Fact: Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns before they happen, saving you from costly repairs.
• Myth: Changing the air filter is enough.  
  Fact: While changing the filter is essential, a complete professional tune-up ensures your furnace runs safely and efficiently.
• Myth: A new furnace doesn’t need maintenance.  
  Fact: Even brand-new systems require regular check-ups to maintain efficiency and warranty compliance.
• Myth: DIY furnace maintenance is just as good as professional service.  
  Fact: While homeowners can handle basic tasks like changing filters, a trained technician is needed for deep inspections and adjustments.

Don’t fall for these myths—routine maintenance is key to keeping your furnace running smoothly for years to come.

What Happens If You Skip Furnace Maintenance?

Neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to costly and inconvenient consequences, including:

• Unexpected Breakdowns: Small issues in your furnace can quickly turn into major failures, often at the worst possible time, like during the coldest days when you rely on your heating the most. Regular maintenance helps catch these problems early, preventing inconvenient and costly breakdowns.  
• Higher Energy Bills: A dirty or poorly maintained furnace has to work much harder to heat your home, consuming more energy, driving up utility bills, and reducing overall efficiency. Keeping your furnace clean and efficient can save you significant money month after month while maintaining consistent comfort.  
• Safety Risks: Neglected furnaces pose serious safety hazards, including gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and electrical malfunctions, which can lead to dangerous situations for your household. Consistent inspections and proper upkeep are essential to keep your system running safely, safeguarding your family from potential hidden hazards.
• Shortened Furnace Lifespan: Without proper care and routine maintenance, your furnace components experience excessive wear and tear, causing breakdowns sooner than expected. This leads to costly repairs or premature replacements. Routine upkeep helps maximize its performance and extends its lifespan significantly.

Routine maintenance helps avoid these problems, keeping your furnace safe, efficient, and reliable.

What’s Included in a Furnace Maintenance Service?

A professional furnace maintenance service ensures every part of your system is in top shape. Our comprehensive tune-up includes:

• Full system inspection: A thorough assessment of your HVAC system includes inspecting for wear and tear, detecting leaks, and resolving safety concerns. This proactive approach enhances efficiency and helps prevent expensive repairs in the future. Our detailed inspection covers every component to guarantee your home’s comfort and safety.  
• Filter replacement: Swapping out old or clogged filters to maintain proper airflow, improve system efficiency, and enhance indoor air quality. Clean filters not only extend your system’s lifespan but also reduce allergens, prevent respiratory issues, and contribute to a healthier living environment for your family by keeping pollutants at bay.  
• Cleaning components: Thoroughly remove dust and debris from critical parts like burners, blower motors, and coils. This improves overall system performance, reduces energy consumption, and helps prevent costly breakdowns, ensuring your system runs smoothly and lasts longer while providing consistent, reliable comfort throughout the year.  
• Carbon monoxide and gas leak testing: Conduct rigorous, state-of-the-art tests to detect harmful gas leaks, ensuring your home remains safe and free from deadly carbon monoxide exposure. Prioritizing this step helps protect your family’s health and provides peace of mind.
• Thermostat calibration: Adjusting and fine-tuning your thermostat for precise temperature control, optimized energy efficiency, and consistent comfort. A properly calibrated thermostat helps you save on energy bills, maintain consistent heating and cooling, and create an ideal home environment, regardless of the season.  
• Lubricating moving parts: Applying lubrication to essential moving components to reduce friction and wear. This improves performance, prevents premature breakdowns, reduces operational noise, and keeps your system running quietly and efficiently, ensuring long-term reliability and comfort for your home.

With regular maintenance, your furnace will stay in peak condition, saving you money and keeping your home comfortable.

Protect Your Home: Book Your Furnace Maintenance Now!

A well-maintained furnace means lower energy bills, fewer breakdowns, and a longer-lasting heating system. Don’t wait for your furnace to fail when you need it most—schedule professional furnace maintenance in Sherwood, OR, today. At Renhard Heating and Cooling, we’ve been providing expert heating services since 1958, and we’re committed to keeping your home warm and efficient. Call us now or book your maintenance appointment online to ensure your furnace runs safely and smoothly all winter long!

Contact Us Today for Furnace Maintenance in Sherwood, OR