Furnace Repair in Charlottesville, VA

Is your furnace making strange noises or not heating well? The Otter Guys professional team handles residential and commercial furnace repairs in Charlottesville, VA, and the nearby areas. When your furnace stops working, you don’t have to handle repairs on your own. Give us a call and our technicians will gladly get your furnace working again.

The Otter Guys Provide Quality Furnace Repair

Dealing with HVAC issues can feel stressful and overwhelming, especially if they happen when you least expect them. When it comes to handling furnace repair, our technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle any issue you have. Our goal is to help our customers get their furnaces working quickly and smoothly.

As a family-owned and operated business, we have helped many customers in the community for over 60 years. We’ve trained our technicians on different repair needs so we can better serve our customers. Our company proudly provides services like no “otter” in the community!

We Offer Services In Charlottesville, VA

The last thing you want to deal with is a broken furnace in the middle of a Virginia winter. When your furnace stops working, our team will come and evaluate your repair needs and offer the best solution for your system. Our team enjoys meeting many home and business owners in Charlottesville and the nearby cities. 

We work in many homes and businesses in the community and can provide service for you, too. If you notice any issues with your furnace, let us know and we will come right away. Our mission is to provide quality services you can rely on at any time.

Common Signs Of Furnace Failure

Sometimes, it’s hard to determine the exact reason for furnace failure. Keeping up with all the information can seem overwhelming for any home or business owner. Here are a few common signs of furnace issues that can help you determine when you need to call for repairs. 

The Furnace Is Making Strange Noises

If you ever hear strange noises coming from your furnace, it can seem a little frightening. Scraping, blowing, grinding, or squealing noises are rarely a good sign. However, there are reasons you may hear them. Scraping or squealing noises are often a sign of a worn belt that needs replacing. 

If you notice wear and tear on the belt, you can easily replace it and will stop the scraping noises. Grinding and scraping noises are usually signs of worn-out ball bearings that need immediate replacement. We can help you with that, too. 

The Heat Exchanger Needs Repairs

There are several parts that make a furnace run smoothly, and a heat exchanger is one of them. Sometimes they can crack or stop working from overuse. A few signs of a cracked heat exchanger include:

• Black soot inside your furnace
• Strange odors in your home
• Some people in your home experiencing headaches or nausea 
• Pooling water around the furnace

The heat exchanger is an essential component that keeps carbon monoxide from leaking into your home or building. If you think you may have a cracked heat exchanger, power down the furnace and call immediately for repairs. 

Moisture Build-Up In Your Home

Have you ever noticed extra moisture around your window or doors? This could mean a weak seal around your windows or doors, but it can also mean your furnace isn’t working properly. Improper air flow can lead to excess moisture in certain areas of your home. Look for condensation around the window and door frames and if it doesn’t go away when the weather changes, call a professional to help you evaluate the issue.

Issues With the Pilot Light Or Ignition

If your furnace is older, it’s bound to experience some issues and repair needs. A common issue with older furnaces is a pilot light that may stay on longer than normal. While this may not seem like a problem, it’s worth investigating because it may be a warning of a bigger problem. 

Before you turn off the pilot light to troubleshoot the issue, turn off the gas supply, wait a few moments, then turn off the pilot light. If you have an ignition switch, power down the furnace and close the gas supply. Look for any dirt buildup or dust that can alter the sensor. 

Unclean Filters

While this may not seem like an issue, it’s one of the biggest causes of furnace repairs. Dirty filters clog the airflow and prevent the appliance from working smoothly. You also spend more money in the long run because the furnace has to work extra hard to keep up. Change your filters regularly and schedule annual maintenance on your furnace to prevent unnecessary repairs. 

Unclosed Panels

If you’ve ever inspected your furnace, you most likely noticed the access panel on the unit. If the door is not completely closed, the furnace may not turn on. This is a safety feature, especially in newer models. 

Broken Thermostat

This may seem like an obvious reason, but it is another common issue surrounding furnace repairs. If your thermostat is not on the “heat” setting, or it needs a repair of its own, your furnace may not work correctly. Check if the thermostat is registering correctly and if you notice an issue, call for repairs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair

Our goal as The Otter Guys team is to handle repair needs and answer any questions customers have about our services. Here are some common questions we receive about furnace repairs. 

What Should I Look For In Furnace Maintenance?

Scheduling furnace maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your furnace to keep it working efficiently. Replacing air filters, lubricating the blower, inspecting electrical wirings, and cleaning air registers are important parts of maintenance. It’s a good idea to have a checklist of things you would like inspected during your annual appointment. 

What Makes A Furnace Stop Working?

While there are several things that cause a furnace to stop working, a clogged filter is the most common. Dirty filters prevent proper airflow, causing the furnace to work harder. This affects the heat exchanger and may lead to repairs. It’s helpful to clean your filters often to keep your furnace working smoothly. 

The average lifespan of a furnace is about 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may notice more issues and a need for repairs. We can evaluate your appliance and offer you the best solution to get it working again. 

Should I Turn My Furnace Off If It’s Not Working?

If you keep running your furnace when it’s not working, then it could overheat and cause damage to your home. It also takes more energy to run a broken furnace, costing you more money. Before you call for repairs, turn off the switch and the thermostat. Then, check and see if your filter is clean. If the filter looks good and you’re unsure where the issue is located, it’s okay to turn off the furnace and call for repairs. 

Contact the Otter Guys For Service Today

Are you looking for furnace repair in Charlottesville, VA, or the nearby areas? The Otter Guys are ready to lend a hand! Let us know how we can help you by calling us today. We will evaluate your needs and provide you with a free quote. Contact us today and let us help you get your furnace working again.