5 Questions to Ask About Forced Air Heating System or Electric Furnace Repair

Coordinating repairs for your forced hot air heating system or electric furnace can be stressful, especially if your system goes down in the middle of winter when you and your family are desperate for a warm, cozy home. Prepare for a quick and easy process by familiarizing yourself with some of the most common furnace repair questions that HVAC companies will ask about your project before they begin.

1. How Soon Do You Need Your Heating System Repaired?

If your heating system goes down in the dead of winter, your HVAC professional can prioritize your project, but you may have to pay an extra fee for an emergency repair. If you can safely hold off until a furnace repair pro near you can fit you into their schedule, you’ll avoid the emergency fee and face lower heating system repair costs.

2. What Kind of Central Heating System Do You Have?

Some professionals can anticipate what repair parts you might need and what specialized tools they need to bring based on the type of heating system you have. You may be able to avoid a trip fee and a longer repair timeline if you can tell your pro exactly what they’ll be dealing with, like if you have an electric or gas-powered furnace or a heat pump. If possible, provide the make, model, and tonnage of your system so that the pro you’re working with can make a plan for when they begin the project.

3. Why Are You Repairing Your Heating System?

Different HVAC repairs require different solutions, so explain your issue as best as you can. Solving common HVAC problems like poor airflow could be as simple as replacing your filters, while a system that won’t turn on or keeps cycling on and off could be a more serious issue that requires diagnostic tests and more extensive repairs.

4. Have You Been Experiencing Issues Regularly?

Because your forced hot air system works around the clock to keep your living space safe and cozy, it’s prone to ongoing issues. The pro you work with may recommend upgrading your system instead of repairing it if you’re seeing unusually high heating bills or dealing with a system that keeps going down. They may also recommend upgrading your air handler to reduce strain on the system or signing up for a routine maintenance package to help keep it up and running.

5. Do You Need Any Additional HVAC Work Done?

Coupling furnace repair with other work can sometimes lead to savings. Your professional may ask about the last time you had your ductwork cleaned or sealed and recommend additional services accordingly, especially if they see signs of dirty air ducts while on the job. Now is also a good time to consider installing UV sanitizers, air ionizers, or a whole-home dehumidification system to get more value from your system.