Why You Should Leave Furnace Repair to the Experts

Making your comfort our FOCUS!

Serving the Greater Salem, OR Area

Hot Deals!

See How You Can Qualify For A FREE Heat Pump, Furnace or A/C Unit! Call Now For Details!

Save Even More With Our Premier Program! Click Here!

Blog Layout

Why You Should Leave Furnace Repair to the Experts

Your furnace plays an important role in keeping your home warm and comfortable when the temperatures dip down. In fact, we like to call the furnace the beating heart of the home as it circulates out warm air to a household's various living quarters. But as with all things living and nonliving, furnaces occasionally experience issues that will require professional attention. When that happens, and you find yourself in need of furnace repair, the best thing you can do is to seek the help of an expert who specializes in HVAC services and furnace repair.

Not so sure that you need the aid of experts? Consider the following important reasons why you should leave furnace repair to the experts. Let's dig in.

1. Safety

Furnaces can appear as simple machines but in truth, once you take the panels off, you'll find that these are specialized pieces of machinery that involve intricate electrical and gas components and precision-made metal faces. Mishandling these components and/or accidentally damaging the metal faces can pose a serious risk to your household. You might cause a gas leak, electrical hazard, or even a fire. In contrast, HVAC experts are well-versed in safety protocols and know exactly how to handle various furnace equipment and how to make the correct repairs without jeopardizing anyone's safety.

2. Cost

Your family's safety should always be the foremost concern, but next up is likely price. We understand that DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to tackle furnace repairs in order to save their hard-earned cash. However, more often than not the opposite is the case, and DIYers without experience in furnace repairs wind up spending more money in the long run. This is because inexperienced attempts at repair frequently result in costly (and dangerous) mistakes that either don't fix the root cause of the furnace's issues or cause more damage to the furnace. Damaging the furnace further means adding to the cost of your eventual repair as a furnace expert will need to fix two issues now instead of one. Our experienced team of HVAC repair technicians has even seen furnaces damaged so badly by attempted DIY fixes that they needed to be fully replaced.

So, instead of having to pay for a repair on your repairs, get things done right the first time by hiring an experienced HVAC technician. Plus, when you go through a professional installation and repair company, you often get repair warranties which can give you some peace of mind that your equipment will get fixed. Such companies also include maintenance plans that feature regular inspections of your HVAC equipment, including furnace equipment, that go a long way in preventing breakdowns and reducing the need for sudden and expensive emergency repairs.

3. Equipment

This reason for why you should leave furnace repair to the experts definitely ties into the aforementioned safety and cost considerations, but it is important to underscore how many different types and brands of furnaces there are. Furnaces can come as gas, electric, and oil-powered units, each of which features its own unique set of components and each having its own unique repair requirements. There are also heat pumps to consider, and according to the International Energy Agency, almost 180 million heat pumps were used for heating in 2020. Some furnace brands also boast their own innovative design parts, further making DIY repair rough for even the handiest of homeowners.

But, when you hire an experienced furnace repair personnel, you hire a person who has experience with all the various types of furnaces that are on the market. An experienced furnace repair technician has access to all the tools and equipment needed to accurately diagnose and ultimately repair a problematic furnace. Furthermore, an experienced HVAC installation and repair team like ours has direct connections with product manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that we get the exact replacement parts needed to complete a repair or installation.

Whether your furnace has broken down completely and you need an emergency repair or you hear it struggling and want someone experienced in diagnosing furnace problems to come take a look, Focus Heating & Cooling is here for you. We also offer full furnace installation services. We are backed by warranty guarantees. Contact our team today to learn more about these furnace repair services and let's get a team member out to you pronto to solve your frustrating HVAC issues!

< Older Post Newer Post >

In Case of Frozen Heat Pump

By 7003135598 • January 17, 2025

If a heat pump is iced over, it's important to address the issue promptly to prevent damage and restore efficient operation. Here are the steps you should take: 1. Turn on your Emergency heat on thrermostat or turn the system completely off. 2. The unit will manually defrost when it is above freezing outside. You can also use warm water to speed up the process, but avoid using sharp objects to chip away the ice, as this will damage the coils. 3. Check Airflow: Ensure that there is adequate airflow around the outdoor unit. Clear any debris, leaves, or snow that may be obstructing the airflow. Restricted airflow can cause the unit to freeze over. 4. Use Emergency Heat: If the heat pump remains frozen and you need immediate heating, switch to the emergency heat setting. This will activate the auxiliary heat source and bypass the outdoor unit. Don’t Want to Do It Yourself? (You should call for service, This problem will not fix itself) Once the unit is thawed, this is a repair for professionals! Focus Heating & Cooling is here to help! We provide expert HVAC services on all major brands. Give us a call or text today to get one of our amazing technicians out to care for your heating needs. Your comfort is our Focus! Focus Heating & Cooling 📞 Call or Text Us Today: (503) 563-8567 Let us take care of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to! By following these steps, you can effectively address a frozen heat pump and restore its normal operation. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent future freezing issues.

How to Change A Filter

By 7003135598 • January 17, 2025

Changing a filter in a generic air conditioning system involves a few straightforward steps, regardless of the specific brand or model. Here's a general guide to help you through the process: 1. Turn Off at the Thermostat: Before starting, ensure the system is turned off to prevent any air circulation while you change the filter. 2. Locate the Filter: The filter is typically located at the return air duct at the furnace or inside the air handler unit. It may be behind a grille or access panel. Or install in the return grill in the house. 3. Remove the Old Filter: Open the grille or access panel and carefully slide out the old filter. Take note of the filter's size and the direction of airflow, which is usually indicated by arrows on the filter frame. 4. Select the Correct Replacement Filter: Ensure you have the correct size and type of replacement filter. Filters come in various sizes and thicknesses, so it's important to match the new filter to the old one. 5. Write the date on the filter for easy reference on your next filter change. 6. Install the New Filter: Insert the new filter into the slot, making sure the airflow arrows point in the correct direction, towards the air handler or blower. 7. Secure the Filter: Close the grille or access panel securely to ensure the filter stays in place and the system operates efficiently. 8. Turn the Thermostat Back On: Once the new filter is installed, turn the system back on and check for proper operation. Regularly changing the filter, typically every 1-2 months depending on usage and filter type, helps maintain system efficiency and indoor air quality. A 4 inch thick filter can last as long as 6 months. Don’t Want to Do It Yourself? While changing air filters is a straightforward process, some people prefer to leave it to the professionals. If you'd rather not handle it yourself, or if you'd like a complete HVAC maintenance check, Focus Heating & Cooling is here to help! We provide expert HVAC services, including air handler maintenance, to keep your system running smoothly. Give us a call or text today to schedule a filter replacement or full maintenance service! Let us take care of your HVAC system, so you don’t have to! By staying on top of filter changes and regular maintenance, you’ll help your air conditioning system run efficiently, keeping your home comfortable and your air clean year-round.