Heat pump or furnace? That is the first thing that matters when the heat quits in Davis, CA, 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.
The repair homeowners call us about most is Furnace Repair. Start there if your system isn't running right.
Warning Signs for Heating Repair
The sooner you notice these red flags, the easier and cheaper the fix. Here are the most common indicators that it's time to call a professional:
- A rotten-egg, burning, or musty smell once the heat kicks on
- An outdoor heat pump coil that stays iced over
- Clicking and failed ignition attempts before the furnace gives up
- A loud boom when the burners light, which points to delayed ignition
- Short cycling every few minutes while the house stays cold
- Energy costs climbing even though the house feels colder
- Some rooms warm while others stay stubbornly cold
- Cold air, or no air at all, when the thermostat calls for heat
Early Action Saves Money
Left unchecked, even a small fault or temperature swing often signals a system working its way toward a breakdown. At the first hint of a problem, call (530) 201-3647 for a fast inspection.
