6 Easy Steps to Save Money on Dallas Furnace Repair

Check These 6 Things Before You Spend Money On Dallas Furnace Repair

The easiest way to save money on Dallas furnace repair is not having to call for service. Many furnace issues are easily resolved without professional assistance — as long as you know what to look for.

You don’t have to be an electrician to check a few parts of your furnace and circuit breaker panel. Any Dallas homeowner can take these 6 steps before scheduling a Dallas HVAC appointment.

Step 1: What Kind of Furnace Do You Have?

Figure out what kind of furnace you have before moving forward. You’ll not only know how to describe any issues to an HVAC contractor, you’ll also ensure you’re checking your furnace as safely as possible.

There are 3 primary types of furnace — gas, electric and oil. Your HVAC provider may also ask if you have a single-stage or two-stage furnace, so let’s define those terms as well.

Gas Furnace, Electric Furnace or Oil Furnace?

• Gas Furnace: Look for gas pipes leading to and from your furnace.About 35% of Texas homes are powered by natural gas.
• Electric Furnace: Does your furnace have wiring going to and from the unit? You probably have an electric furnace — over 60% of Texas homes do.
• Oil Furnace: Oil furnaces aren’t usually installed in newer homes. If you have regular oil delivery to your older home, you may still have an oil furnace.

Single Stage,Two Stage, or Variable Speed Furnace?

The difference between a single-stage (also called one-stage) and two-stage furnace is how each unit handles temperature regulation in your home.

A single-stage furnace has two options for temperature regulation: on and off. There are no adjustments for low, high, or short-term settings.

A two-stage furnace includes high and low settings. Your furnace will default to lower settings during most of the year, and switch to higher settings during the coldest months. Two-stage furnaces are generally more energy efficient than single-stage furnaces.

A variable speed furnace contains a blower motor that shifts up and down in response to changes in temperature. It’s the most energy efficient furnace of the 3 types, and its ability to cycle down and conserve energy leads to a longer lifespan.

Step 2: Is Your Thermostat Set Properly (Set to Heat)?

This one might make you feel a bit silly — but it happens to lots of homeowners. Sometimes, your thermostat simply isn’t set to Heat. That means your furnace won’t kick into action when it’s needed.

Your Heat switch can easily shift or be moved without you realizing it. Once you set your thermostat to Heat, make sure it’s set to a temperature that will actually activate the furnace.

For example: If your home is currently 65°F, set your thermostat to 75°F to ensure the furnace is working properly.

Step 3: Does Your Furnace Have Power?

Check for a switch by your furnace fan that either says “On” or “Auto”. Turn the switch to the “On” setting. If the fan doesn’t come on, your furnace isn’t receiving power.

If that happens, it’s time to call a Dallas HVAC contractor. We can help

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Step 4: Check the Filter

Your furnace’s air filter is as vital to your HVAC system as the other filters in your home. But it’s often neglected, since it’s located in your basement and out of sight.

Your furnace air filter should be replaced every 30-60 days to ensure proper function and air flow. This is especially true during Dallas winter months, when your furnace sees more activity.

Step 5: Check the Circuit Breaker

Are you sure that your circuit breaker wasn’t tripped? Take a quick trip over to your breaker panel and check the furnace circuit. If it’s in the “Off” position, switch it on and that should alleviate the issue.

If the switch is in the center or showing red, that means the furnace circuit was tripped. Set the switch to off first, then turn it back on.

Step 6: Check the Pilot Light

Do you have a pilot light — and do you know how to find it? If you have a newer furnace, you likely don’t have a pilot light. Most modern units have phased out pilot lights due to their general inefficiency.

Regular Dallas Furnace Maintenance Saves You 67%

Routine furnace maintenance calls cost between $100-200. That makes furnace maintenance at least 67% cheaper than emergency furnace repair over the lifespan of your furnace.

Work with your Dallas HVAC and furnace company to establish a regular maintenance schedule. HOMR recommends scheduling bi-annual maintenance (twice a year) with your Dallas furnace company. 

Bi-Annual Furnace Maintenance Checklist

Ask your local HVAC provider to add these 4 tasks to your bi-annual furnace inspection checklist:

• Check Belts and Bearings
• Inspect Heat Exchanger (Carbon Monoxide Check)
• Check for Proper Air Flow
• Specific Gas and Electric Maintenance

Inexpensive and Free Furnace Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

Homeowners can also handle 3 simple tasks throughout the year to keep their systems working properly — while spending little to no money.

• Replace Your Air Filter. Replace your furnace’s air filter every 30-60 days to keep a clear air flow through your furnace. If you have pets that shed, check your filter every 30 days.
• Spot Check Your Thermostat. Is your thermostat set to Heat — and is it set to a temperature that will actually activate your furnace? Make sure your thermostat temperature is higher than your current home temperature.
• Visual Check for Cracks or Corrosion. It takes 3 minutes to spot check your furnace for cracks and corrosion. Use a flashlight and visually inspect the entire surface of your furnace. Catching any potential cracks or corrosion early can save you the $6,000+ it costs to replace a furnace in Texas.

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Here’s What Your HVAC Company Should Charge for Replacement Furnace Parts

If you’ve taken all the steps to avoid spending money on furnace repair and you still need to call an HVAC professional, there are still ways you can save money.

HOMR price shopped 10 of the most common replacement furnace parts needed for Dallas repair jobs. We took the average of these prices to create a reasonable range you should expect to pay for everything from burners to coils.

Here is a list of the average cost of those replacement furnace parts, from least to most expensive:

• Furnace Filter: under $75
• Transformer: $100-175
• Flame Sensor: $150-225
• Relay Switch: $150-300
• Thermostat: $100-400
• Burners: $150-400
• Circuit Board: $200-500
• Draft Inducer Motor: $200-$1,500
• Blower Motor: $200-2,000‍
• Coils: $600-2,000