Furnaces – Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

Young cold woman shivering next to broken furnace or heater

Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air? Here’s Why

Written by Semper Fi on December 16, 2024. Posted in Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, Furnaces.

With winter just around the corner, keeping your home warm and cozy is a top priority as the temperatures drop. That’s what your furnace is for—just turn it on, and it should heat your home. At least, that’s the idea. But what if you turn on your furnace and discover it’s blowing cold air instead? That won’t do much to keep your family warm, and you’ll want answers fast to get things back on track.

Is your furnace or heater not blowing hot air? You’re in the right place. Here, we’ll walk you through 7 potential reasons your furnace might not be working properly—and when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If you notice your furnace is blowing cold air, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat. While this seems obvious, your furnace can blow cold air if the thermostat setting is wrong. You’ll want to check the fan setting as well. If your fan is set to “on,” then it will blow air continuously throughout your home, making the air feel cold. Try switching the fan setting to “auto” and see if that helps.

If this doesn’t fix the issue, check the temperature setting on your thermostat. It should be set to a temperature that’s higher than the current reading in your home. If it’s lower, make the necessary adjustments to reset the temperature.

After changing the fan and temperature settings, the last thing you can check is your thermostat’s batteries. Low or dead batteries can lead to improper temperature control, so change the batteries and see if that fixes the problem.

Dirty Filter

Do you remember the last time you changed the air filters on your furnace? If the most recent filter change was months or years ago, this may be the issue as to why your furnace isn’t blowing hot air.

HVAC air filters catch particles such as dust and allergens before they circulate throughout your home, making your air cleaner. Over time, these filters can get so full of dust and debris that airflow is limited in and around your furnace.

Luckily, this is an easy fix. Take out the filters in your furnace and hold them up to a light. You should be able to see some light passing through the filter. If you can’t see any light, this means the filter is full, and it’s time to replace it. Look at the size of the filter and make sure you replace it with the same size to ensure proper airflow.

You should change your air filter every 6 months. If you have pets or more traffic in your home, you may need to do it more frequently. Check your filters once a month to see if you need to replace them.

Pilot Light Issues

Gas furnaces use a pilot light to ignite the heater and warm the air. This light is meant to stay on at all times, but sometimes it can get blown out by accident. If you recently had maintenance done on your furnace, the pilot light may have been snuffed out. The first thing to do is check your furnace ignitor and see if the pilot light is on. If it’s off, you may be able to relight it yourself. Check your furnace’s manual to see how to safely relight it.

If you relight the pilot light and it goes out again shortly after, it could be dirty. A buildup of dust and other debris can prevent your pilot light from staying lit. You can clean off any debris you see and try relighting it again.

If the light goes out again after cleaning it, the last thing to check is the gas supply line. Make sure the line is open and your furnace is getting a consistent supply of gas.

Ducts are Leaking

The ducts in your home are what carry the warm air from your furnace to the vents throughout your home. Over time, these ducts can get worn down from daily use. This can lead to cracks or damage that cause outside air to mix with the warm air from your furnace. Cold air can seep in, and your warm air can leak out, leading to the air from your vents feeling cold.

Damage and weak spots in your ductwork can go unnoticed until you turn on your furnace and feel cold air. You can have an HVAC professional inspect your ducts and check for any damage or weak spots that can be letting in cold air.

Low Fuel Supply

Whether you have a gas, electric, or oil furnace, they all run off a fuel source to keep them running properly. Without fuel, your furnace may start to blow cold air without producing any heat.

Gas Furnace: A gas furnace can’t produce heat if it doesn’t have gas to burn. Check that your gas valve is open and your furnace is getting the gas it needs.
Electric Furnace: An electric furnace won’t run without power. If your furnace is not running at all, check for a blown fuse or breaker.
Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces need to burn oil to produce heat. Check to see if the oil tank is empty and if your furnace has enough fuel to run.

Old or Dirty Flame Sensors

Your furnace has a built-in flame sensor that turns it on and off depending on if there’s a flame present. This prevents gas from traveling through your vents and into your home. Over time, this sensor can become faulty and give false signals to the furnace. A buildup of dirt and grime can also cause the sensor to malfunction, leading to your furnace turning on and off repeatedly.

If the flame sensor shuts off your furnace, the fan may keep chugging along. This filters cold air throughout your home rather than the warm air you want.

Furnace Is Overheating

If your furnace is not blowing warm air, it could be that it’s overheating. Your furnace could be overheating for a variety of reasons, such as needing to replace your filters. As your furnace gets older, parts can begin to wear down and become less efficient.

If you suspect your furnace is overheating and you’ve tried the previous options with no success, contact an HVAC expert to take a look. The issue could be serious enough that you don’t want to risk trying to fix it yourself. Leave it to the professionals who know what they’re doing.

When Should You Call a Professional?

Your furnace and HVAC system consist of a ton of different parts that all work together to keep your home warm. When your furnace isn’t doing its job, there could be one of many causes. You can do basic at-home fixes such as replacing filters, adjusting the thermostat, and checking your furnace’s fuel source. Any other repairs need to be left to the professionals.

Semper Fi Heating & Cooling offers furnace repair services to get your home warm in time for winter. Our team will work with you to get to the root of the issue and get your furnace back up and running in no time. We also offer maintenance services to help prevent these issues from happening in the first place. We’re proud to serve our local communities in the Phoenix and Las Vegas areas.

Ways to stay warm during winter in Arizona with Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

Winter HVAC Checklist

Written by Semper Fi on December 12, 2024. Posted in Furnaces, HVAC, Maintenance.

As the Valley of the Sun transitions into its mild winter season, Phoenix homeowners have a golden opportunity to optimize their home’s comfort and energy efficiency. While our winters might not mirror the harsh cold of northern states, HVAC maintenance is equally crucial for keeping your home comfortable and your energy bills in check.

At Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, we understand that Arizona winters present unique challenges. Even though daytime temperatures hover pleasantly in the 60s and 70s, nights can dip surprisingly low and put unexpected stress on your heating system.

Our comprehensive winter HVAC checklist is designed to help local homeowners prepare their systems for these temperature fluctuations while maximizing home energy efficiency. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential winter HVAC maintenance steps tailored specifically to Arizona’s climate.

You’ll learn how to:

Prepare your heating system for those occasional chilly nights.
Identify potential efficiency improvements.
Prevent unexpected breakdowns during winter’s cooler periods.
Reduce your energy consumption and lower utility costs.

How Cooler Weather Affects Your HVAC System

The transition from Phoenix’s intense summer heat to winter’s milder temperatures is more than a welcome relief for homeowners—it’s a critical moment for HVAC prep. As temperatures drop, your heating components face a unique set of challenges that can impact overall system performance and longevity.

During colder months, your HVAC system transitions from constant cooling to intermittent heating cycles, which creates distinct stress points. Components that have been dormant during summer must now spring into action, potentially exposing maintenance issues that went unnoticed for the last 6 months. Seals can become brittle, lubrication may have dried out, and minor wear can gradually progress into significant problems if not proactively addressed.

Phoenix’s winter temperature swings—where daytime temperatures might reach 70°F and nighttime temperatures can dip into the 40s—put additional strain on heating systems. These dramatic transitions require your HVAC to cycle on and off more frequently than it would during more stable seasons. This increased stress can accelerate component wear and potentially increase energy consumption, especially in situations where your system is already operating below peak efficiency.

Dust and debris accumulated during the dry summer months can also compromise your HVAC system’s performance. As you transition from cooling to heating mode, these particles obstruct airflow, reduce heating efficiency, and potentially trigger allergies or other respiratory issues. Comprehensive winter HVAC maintenance ensures these potential challenges are identified and resolved before they require complex and costly repairs.

5 Tips for Preparing Your HVAC System This Winter

Winter HVAC prep isn’t complete without the following steps. Consider this your furnace maintenance guide as you prepare your home for the changing seasons and the challenges that come with it.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter is your home’s first line of defense against airborne contaminants that weaken heating and cooling performance. As dust, pollen, and debris accumulate, your system must work harder to maintain proper airflow, which can lead to increased energy consumption and mechanical strain. Regular filter cleaning and maintenance—typically every two to three months—ensures:

Optimal system efficiency
Reduced energy costs
The prevention of unnecessary wear on your heating equipment
Improved indoor air quality

Cover Your HVAC Unit

Phoenix’s winters may be mild compared to other regions of the country, but protecting your outdoor condenser unit is critical for long-term HVAC health and performance. Clear a five-foot perimeter around the unit and cover it with a breathable, protective sheet or tarp to prevent debris accumulation, avoid potential water damage, and minimize exposure to harsh environmental elements. This simple yet effective protective measure can extend your HVAC system’s lifespan by reducing exposure to corrosion and damage during the cooler months.

Calibrate Your Thermostat

Winter in the Phoenix metro area requires a precise balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making thermostat calibration a critical step in furnace maintenance. Modern smart thermostats offer programmable settings that automatically adjust temperatures based on your daily schedule, potentially reducing annual energy consumption by up to 10-15%. By fine-tuning your thermostat’s settings or upgrading to a smart thermostat, you’ll ensure consistent home comfort, prevent unnecessary system strain, and reduce overall heating costs.

Check Drain Lines & Clean Coils

Your HVAC system’s condensate drain lines and heat exchange coils are vulnerable to debris buildup. When this happens, it can significantly impair performance and potentially lead to costly repairs. Accumulated dust, dirt, and microbial growth obstruct drainage, reduce heat transfer efficiency, and create health hazards through compromised indoor air quality. Professionally cleaning these components ensures optimal system performance, prevents water damage, and maintains the hygienic operation of your heating system.

Test Your Furnace Ahead of the Cold Weather

Proactively testing your furnace before the winter season can help identify potential issues before they unexpectedly cause problems during seasonally cold nights. A comprehensive test run allows technicians to detect mechanical inefficiencies, clean accumulated dust from air ducts, and ultimately ensure your system is prepared for consistent heating performance. This approach provides peace of mind by preventing unexpected breakdowns and expensive emergency repairs during the year’s most critical heating periods.

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A Prepared Furnace is the Key to a Cozy Winter

At Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, we take pride in being resources for the communities we serve. We’re committed to providing home comfort solutions that go beyond the scheduled job. While we hope you found this guide educational, at the end of the day, furnace maintenance is a job for trained HVAC professionals. Working around gas and electricity can be extremely dangerous—but our specialized 29-point furnace tune-up provides proactive furnace care for complete safety and comfort during the winter.

We also recognize that winter HVAC maintenance is more than a routine checklist—it’s about keeping your home a personal sanctuary during Arizona’s cooler months when we often spend more time inside. As a veteran-owned and -operated business, our team of expert technicians brings military-grade precision to every service call, diagnosing and repairing potential issues before they get the chance to compromise your home’s heating system.

By choosing Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, you’re not just getting a maintenance service; you’re investing in peace of mind and long-term HVAC reliability that will keep your home comfortable through every winter night.

Did you find this Winter HVAC Checklist helpful? Let us know by sharing your comments or questions below!

Mesa, AZ Homeowner adjusts thermostat to save money on heating bills during winter

How to Save On Your Heating Bills This Winter

Written by Semper Fi on December 12, 2024. Posted in Furnaces, Reduce Utility Bills.

Winter in the desert might sound mild, but Arizona residents know better. While daytime temperatures may hover in the 60s, desert nights can dip below freezing. When temperatures drop, your heating bill rises to keep your family warm.

The good news? Cutting down on your heating costs doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. By making a few simple adjustments and adopting energy-saving habits, you can lower your energy use and save money this winter. At Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help with 7 tips on how to lower your energy consumption this winter and save money.

Dress Warm & Turn Down the Thermostat

The first thing you can try is turning down your thermostat. You don’t need to drop it into the 40s and freeze yourself and your family—even dropping a few degrees below your normal can save you some money. You can safely drop it as low as 64 degrees without causing harm to your family or pets.

The more you bundle up, the lower you can drop your thermostat. You’ll need less heat if you’re wearing a hoodie and sweatpants than if you’re wearing a tank top and shorts in the house. However, the idea is to find a temperature that still keeps your family safe and comfortable, so don’t feel like you have to buy a winter coat to sit in your home. Get snuggly and save yourself some money.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), you could save as much as 10% on your energy bill a year just by lowering your thermostat by a few degrees during the day. In the winter, you can lower your standard thermostat setting by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours during the day when nobody is home. In areas with milder winters, such as Arizona, this minor decrease can lower your heating bill and save you money in the long run.

Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation

You want your home to hold in all the warm air from your HVAC system and keep out the cold from the outside. Proper insulation in your attic and ducts makes sure no cold air creeps in and no warm air leaks out. You can schedule a home inspection to take a look at your attic and ducts and check for any damage or leaks. They can also seal any leaks they find so you save energy and money this winter season.

You can also check your windows and doors for any gaps or leaks. Pay attention to the seal around your windows and exterior doors for any cracks or gaps in the weather stripping or caulking. If you notice a draft coming from your window and a gap in the seal, you can seal them on your own with a caulk gun or additional weather stripping from the home improvement store.

If you notice a draft coming from the bottom of your door, you can get a door draft stopper that fits on the bottom of the door to prevent cold air from entering your home.

Take Advantage of Sunlight

While the sun may not be out for as long during the winter months, this doesn’t mean it’s gone for good. The sun still provides heat that can help keep your family warm without running the HVAC system as much. If you have blinds or curtains on your windows, be sure to open them during the day so the sun’s rays can filter in and help heat your home. In the winter, the sun is your friend, so be sure to take advantage of the free warmth it has to offer.

When nighttime rolls around, be sure to close your blinds to add an extra layer of insulation around your windows. It may not seem like much, but having curtains or blinds on your window can help block out the cold and keep your family warm.

Reverse the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan

Did you know your ceiling fan spins both clockwise and counterclockwise? Your fan’s standard setting should have it pushing air down into the room, making it feel cooler and creating a nice breeze.

However, switching the direction of your fan can help your home feel warmer. Hot air naturally rises, meaning your heat wants to drift towards the ceiling. If you switch the fan direction, it’ll pull air up towards the ceiling and push it towards the edges of the room and back down to the floor. Your ceiling fan will help circulate the warm air in your home and keep you comfortable without having to run your furnace more.

If you’re not sure what direction your fan is spinning, hold your hand a couple of inches away from it and see if you feel any air movement. If you feel air being pushed down into the room, then you can reverse the direction so it pulls air up. Each model of ceiling fan is slightly different, but there should be a small switch on the side of the fan that changes its spin direction. Be sure to turn your fan off before you try to flip the switch.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

With a busy schedule and everything else you have to manage, you might feel like you can’t keep up with having to manually change your thermostat setting multiple times a day. Luckily, there’s a way around this. Smart thermostats allow you to customize your thermostat settings depending on the weather or time of day.

With a smart thermostat, you can set your home to be at different temperatures at different times of day. For example, you could program it to be at 72 degrees from 8am to 5pm and then bump up to 76 degrees from 5pm to 8am the next day.

If you’re interested in upgrading to a smart thermostat, you can work with your local HVAC company to help you get it installed and set up properly in your home. Some models require an internet connection to your home’s HVAC system, and a professional company can help make sure everything is good to go before winter officially hits.

Change Your Air Filter

The air filters in your HVAC system play a crucial role in the overall efficiency of your system. Depending on your unit and the size of your filters, they should be replaced every few months to keep your system running smoothly and your home clean. New air filters also improve airflow and make it so your system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your home.

You can also upgrade your air filters to HEPA filters. They are slightly more expensive than traditional air filters, but they catch more airborne particles and keep your home cleaner. They also keep your HVAC system running more efficiently, saving you money over time.

Regular Furnace Maintenance

A great way to be proactive about your energy savings is with regular furnace maintenance appointments. These appointments include an inspection, cleaning, and servicing of your heating system to make sure it’s running efficiently and ready for the cold winter. Many HVAC companies recommend maintenance appointments at least twice a year, once before winter and once again before summer.

If you need local furnace maintenance services, our team at Semper Fi Heating & Cooling is ready to help. Our team will make sure your furnace is ready to go before winter hits, so your family stays nice and warm. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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6 Signs It’s Time to Replace or Repair Your Furnace

Written by Semper Fi on November 11, 2024. Posted in Furnaces.

With winter just around the corner, temperatures are beginning to drop all around Mesa. Daytime temperatures are finally cooling off into the 70s and 80s, but this also means temperatures at night are getting much cooler. Some nights see temperatures dropping into the 40s, which can make sleeping more frigid for Phoenix residents.

When the weather starts to cool off, it’s good to check in on your home furnace. No one turns on their furnace when the temperature outside is pushing 100 degrees, so it sits idle for a few months. Before you boot it back up, this is a good time to make sure everything is working as it should.

Checking your furnace ensures it’s ready for the winter and not at risk of breaking. No one wants a broken furnace when the temperature outside is nearly freezing, so be proactive and check it in advance. When inspecting your furnace, look out for these signs that may indicate you need to repair or replace your furnace before winter arrives.

1. More Expensive Energy Bills

It’s normal for your energy bills to fluctuate a bit each month. Depending on how much energy you use, some months may cost less than others. For many Mesa homeowners, their energy bill increases in the summer as they run their air conditioning units.

When the temperature rises into the triple digits, it’s difficult not to use your air conditioner consistently. Typically, you should be able to explain the bill changes with your energy use habits.

However, an energy bill that goes up with no noticeable cause is a red flag. If you have your thermostat set to the same temperature you always do but your bill keeps increasing, this could be a sign of something wrong with your furnace.

Your furnace’s efficiency may be declining, requiring it to run more frequently to maintain home temperatures. A furnace that is no longer energy efficient will put more strain on your heating system, ultimately causing higher utility bills.

2. An Aging Furnace

A well-maintained furnace lasts for many years in Mesa, Arizona. While the exact lifespan of a furnace depends on the style and brand, a furnace can last an average of 15 to 20 years.

However, the older the furnace, the more likely it is to break or lose efficiency. It’s recommended to start keeping an eye out for a replacement furnace once your current one is over 10 years old.

This doesn’t mean you have to replace your furnace as soon as it turns 10. Make note of how often it breaks and needs repairs, and see if it would be more cost-effective to replace it. If repairs are costing you more than the price of a new furnace, it may be time to look for a furnace replacement.

To get the most out of your furnace and ensure it lasts 15 to 20 years, it’s important to stay up-to-date with routine maintenance and repairs. Even if you don’t think you need a maintenance service, they’re critical in keeping your furnace healthy and running smoothly.

Furnace maintenance twice a year catches minor issues early on before they become more serious problems, saving you money in the long run.

3. Strange Noises

When your furnace is running, you shouldn’t be able to hear anything other than a soft hum and the rush of air throughout the ducts. There shouldn’t be any noises when the furnace starts up, runs, or shuts off. If you start hearing loud noises such as pops, bangs, or clunks, this is a serious cause for concern. Not only are these sounds loud and alarming, but they could be a sign of something seriously wrong with your furnace.

The problem can range from a loose bolt to an issue with the ignition process. Over time, bolts and other parts of your furnace can become loose and start to clank around in your unit. This sounds alarming, but it’s a pretty easy fix. A furnace technician can come and tighten the part, or you can do it yourself if you find the culprit bolt.

Loud and sudden noises could also be a sign of a delay in the ignition process. If you have a gas furnace, gas could build up in the furnace before the ignition is triggered, leading to a loud bang noise when the furnace starts up. While this sounds scary, it is not an immediate safety concern. It needs to be taken care of by a furnace technician, but you’re not in any immediate danger.

4. Poor Air Flow

Your furnace is supposed to heat your entire home to a consistent temperature you set on your thermostat. The entire home should feel like it is the same temperature. If you walk around your home and find areas that are warmer or colder than others, this is a problem. This could mean there is poor airflow in your furnace or your HVAC vents.

The ducts and vents in your HVAC system take the warm air your furnace creates and distribute it throughout the home. If there is a blockage or hole in these ducts, warm air could be leaking out and causing hot or cold spots in your home. A technician can come out and diagnose the exact cause of a temperature fluctuation in your home.

Signs of poor airflow are easy to look out for. Is your living room colder than your bedroom when the furnace turns on? Then something is wrong with your furnace or HVAC ducts.

There shouldn’t be any temperature gradients in your home—every room should feel the same. While there may be a slight difference between the temperature of your basement and your attic, there shouldn’t be a shocking difference between rooms in your home.

5. Unusual Smells

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, there shouldn’t be any smells coming from your unit. If you smell something funky or concerning coming from your furnace or HVAC ducts, it’s best to seek professional help as soon as possible. Unusual smells may not call for emergency services, but they need to be taken seriously and addressed before the system gives out entirely.

The most common cause of a furnace smell is a buildup of dust on the coils. When the furnace turns on, this dust burns and causes an unpleasant smell. This is not something to worry about, as it’s completely harmless.

If you have a gas furnace, a funny smell could mean a gas leak. Natural gas does not have a smell of its own, so how do you know if you have a gas leak? Many gas manufacturers add harmless odorants to their gas to give it a distinct smell. This way, you know when there’s a leak and when to call a professional. For example, if you smell rotten eggs, it may be a gas leak.

6. Frequent Cycling

A furnace is designed to keep a consistent temperature in your home. It does this by cycling on and off. When the temperature of your home gets too cold, the thermostat will tell the furnace to turn on and run a quick cycle. The furnace will then turn off once your home is back to the set temperature.

This cycle repeats itself around every 10 minutes, giving your furnace time to rest between cycles. If it feels like your furnace is running constantly or turning on and off frequently, it may be time for a heater repair.

Repeated furnace cycling could mean your furnace is losing efficiency and needs to run more frequently to maintain temperatures. This extra stress on your furnace also causes more wear and tear and breakdowns, costing you more money in the long run.

Contact Semper Fi for Furnace Repair & Replacement Services

Your furnace is what keeps your home nice and toasty when the desert winter nights start to creep in. You deserve the peace of mind that your furnace is running smoothly and ready to work all winter long.

If you’re looking for a heater replacement or repair in the Mesa, Arizona area, look no further than Semper Fi Heating & Cooling. We are a veteran-owned and operated company ready to serve our local community.

Our team understands the importance of hard work and service, which is why we pride ourselves on offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our furnace services. Our technicians are fully licensed and insured to work with all styles of furnaces.

Debunking Common Furnace Myths: What You Need to Know

Written by Semper Fi on October 11, 2024. Posted in Blog, Furnaces.

Your furnace is what creates warm air to keep you and your family comfortable in your home even when temperatures outside begin to drop in the winter. Everyone wants their furnace to run as efficiently as possible while getting their money’s worth on every energy bill, and there are many tips and tricks posted online on what you can do to save money and keep your home warm.

However, with these tips and tricks comes a handful of myths that can potentially do more harm than good. Adequate research is important in making sure that you are taking proper care of your home’s furnace while also safely saving money each month.

What are some of these furnace myths out there that you need to avoid as a homeowner? In this discussion, we will go over 6 of the most common furnace myths, why they are not factually correct, and what you can do to remedy the situation if you have fallen victim to one of these myths.

1. Turning Up the Thermostat Will Heat Your Home Faster

We have all done this at one point or another, where we come home from a busy day and crank the thermostat higher to try and warm the home faster when it is chilly outside. However, heating your home does not work like that. How long it takes to increase the temperature in your home is not based on the thermostat setting, but rather it depends on the distribution of that heated air throughout your home.

The hot air created by your furnace travels through the ducts and vents throughout your home, and this distribution cannot be adjusted to go faster or slower. Turning up the temperature on your thermostat will not make the heating process quicker—it will only cause your furnace to run longer to reach the new temperature setting. This makes your furnace use a lot more energy and can actually increase the cost of your energy bill each month.

If you want your home to be nice and warm when you get home from work, a better alternative would be to invest in a smart thermostat that you can control remotely. This way, you can increase the thermostat an hour or so before you get home so your furnace has time to do its thing before you get home, and you get to come home to a warm and welcoming space.

2. Closing Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy

At first glance, this seems like a great idea. If you are not using certain rooms in your home, why would you spend the money to heat them? The reality is your furnace and HVAC system don’t necessarily work like that.

The idea is that the ducts and vents in your HVAC system circulate the air throughout your home to create an even distribution of heat that maintains a consistent temperature. Closing a vent does not prevent the air from moving through the ducts and trying to get into that room, but it does create an uneven temperature throughout your home which can throw off your entire HVAC system.

Uneven heating throughout your home can throw off the thermostat reading, which in turn throws off your heating system. This could lead to your furnace running more than it needs to in order to get to the right temperature reading, which will actually cost you more money in your energy bills.

3. A Bigger Furnace is Better

Bigger is better, isn’t it? For your home furnace, this is not true. Your furnace needs to match the size and layout of your home as closely as possible in order to maximize efficiency and extend the lifespan of your furnace. Like Goldilocks, it needs to fit just right.

If you go for the largest furnace that you can find, it may heat your home too quickly. How is this a bad thing? Well, heating too quickly can cause your furnace to have to turn on and off rapidly without an adequate break in between. Known as short cycling, this puts excessive strain and wear on your furnace, which in turn makes your furnace more likely to break and shorten its overall lifespan. Your home will be warm, but at the cost of expensive furnace repairs and replacements over time.

On the other end of the spectrum, a furnace that is too small will struggle to efficiently heat the space and need to run continuously. This will also lead to a higher energy bill and excessive wear and tear on your furnace. Choose a furnace that is the right size for your home—at Semper Fi, we can help!

4. Restoring An Old Furnace Saves Money

When money gets tight, the natural response is to try and cut corners to save little bits of money here and there. While a cheaper furnace may save you money in the short run, it may become more expensive over time with repeated repairs. Restoring an old furnace also puts you at a greater risk of catastrophic breakdowns and repetitive repairs. Investing in a newer furnace is a bigger chunk of change up front, but its reliability and energy efficiency will save you more money in the long run.

5. Space Heaters Are More Effective

If you want to warm a specific spot in your home, many people opt for a portable space heater to keep warm without turning up the thermostat in your home. The idea is that doing this is not only more effective in heating the space, but it will also save you money on your energy bill since you are not running the furnace excessively.

Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case. Portable space heaters still plug into the electricity in your home and use that to heat your space, so the energy-saving capabilities are not that substantial. Plus, these types of heaters can quickly become dangerous if left unattended.

In addition, a cold spot in your home could indicate a more serious issue. Your system reads the temperature throughout your home and adjusts how much the furnace is running to maintain the temperature you set the thermostat to. If there are cold spots in your home, it can be a sign that there is something wrong with your ductwork or home insulation.

6. Furnace Maintenance Is Optional

If there is nothing wrong with your furnace, why would you pay to have an HVAC company come to your home and take a look at it? Why fix something that isn’t broken, right? This line of thinking can quickly lead to critical problems with your furnace that will cost a pretty penny. Even when your furnace is running smoothly, a routine furnace tune-up is crucial in making sure it stays that way.

Think of these appointments like a check-up at the doctor. Even if you feel healthy, doing routine check-ups at the doctor can help catch potential hidden issues and warning signs of more serious problems later on if they are not addressed accordingly. It’s the same idea with your furnace. Routine maintenance can check for any minor issues and keep your system running safely and efficiently even in the middle of winter.

Trust Semper Fi Heating & Cooling For All Your HVAC Needs

With the internet at our fingertips, it can be tough at times to determine what is factual and what is a myth. While you do not have to become an HVAC aficionado overnight, knowing the basics of how your furnace works can keep your home toasty throughout the year and prevent serious furnace breaks or failures. Debunking these 6 furnace myths will keep your home safer and save you money in the long run.

Are you in need of an HVAC maintenance expert to help get your furnace in working order? Semper Fi Heating & Cooling is your team of certified HVAC professionals in the Metro Phoenix and Las Vegas areas. Whether you need a furnace repair or a furnace installation, no job is too big for our team. With over 1200 5-star reviews, working with Semper Fi Heating & Cooling will leave you with the peace of mind that we leave your furnace better than when we found it. Contact us today to get started!

Is a gas or electric furnace better?

Written by Semper Fi on December 30, 2023. Posted in Furnaces.

Heating systems are crucial for maintaining comfort in your home, especially during colder seasons. Two popular options are gas and electric furnaces. This blog will delve into the differences between these two types, helping you make an informed decision for your Phoenix home.

Introduction to Gas and Electric Furnaces

Gas Furnaces use natural gas to produce heat. They are known for their efficiency and ability to heat up quickly. Electric Furnaces, on the other hand, use electric heating elements. They are typically easier to install and maintain but can be less efficient in terms of energy use.

Cost Considerations of Gas Vs Electric Furnaces

When it comes to upfront costs, electric furnaces are generally cheaper than gas furnaces. However, the cost of electricity compared to gas can make electric furnaces more expensive to operate over time. Gas furnaces, while more expensive upfront, often have lower operational costs due to the lower cost of natural gas.

Gas vs Electric Furnace Environmental Impact: Carbon Footprint Comparison

The environmental impact of these furnaces varies significantly. Gas furnaces emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while electric furnaces rely on the local electricity grid. If your electricity comes from renewable sources, an electric furnace might have a lower carbon footprint. However, if your electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the environmental impact could be higher than a gas furnace.

Big Differences in Installation and Maintenance Costs of Electric VS Gas Furnace

Installation of a gas furnace usually requires a gas line and proper venting, making it more complex and costly than installing an electric furnace. Maintenance for gas furnaces can also be more demanding, as they need regular checks for gas leaks and venting issues. Electric furnaces, with fewer moving parts, generally have lower maintenance requirements and costs.

FAQ Section

What is the main difference between a gas furnace and an electric furnace? The primary difference lies in their heating method: gas furnaces burn natural gas, while electric furnaces use heated electric elements.

Which is more energy-efficient, a gas or electric furnace? Gas furnaces are typically more energy-efficient, as natural gas is a more efficient fuel source compared to electricity, especially if the electricity is generated from fossil fuels.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing between a gas and electric furnace? Consider factors like your local climate, utility costs, home insulation, environmental impact, and installation and maintenance costs.

Are gas furnaces more environmentally friendly than electric furnaces? This depends on the source of your electricity. If your electricity is produced from renewable sources, electric furnaces can be more environmentally friendly. However, if your electricity comes from fossil fuels, gas furnaces might have a lower environmental impact.

At Semper Fi Heating and Cooling, we understand the importance of making the right choice for your Phoenix home. Whether you opt for a gas or electric furnace, ensuring it suits your specific needs and preferences is key. For personalized advice and professional installation, reach out to us. Let’s ensure your home stays comfortable and efficient!