Question 1

My furnace keeps cycling on and off. Why is this happening?

Accepted Answer

Short cycling — where the furnace fires up and shuts off after a few minutes instead of completing a full heating cycle — is one of the more common heating complaints we see. A dirty air filter is the most frequent cause: restricted airflow causes the heat exchanger to overheat and trigger the high-limit safety switch. An oversized furnace heats the space too quickly and cycles off before the thermostat is satisfied, repeating the pattern continuously. A failing flame sensor or faulty thermostat can also trigger premature shutdowns. Left unaddressed, short cycling accelerates wear on the heat exchanger and igniter components and can shorten system life by several years.

Question 2

What maintenance does my heating system need?

Accepted Answer

Annual heating maintenance protects both performance and safety. A standard tune-up includes replacing the air filter, cleaning the burners and heat exchanger, testing the igniter and flame sensor, inspecting the flue and venting for blockages, checking all electrical connections, and testing the safety shutoff controls. For heat pumps, the service also covers refrigerant charge, reversing valve operation, and defrost cycle function. Carbon monoxide testing is performed on all gas systems. Most manufacturers require documented annual service to honor equipment warranties, and the U.S. Department of Energy recommends yearly heating inspections as part of responsible home energy management.

Question 3

How long should a furnace last?

Accepted Answer

A gas furnace installed and maintained properly typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Heat pumps, which handle both heating and cooling cycles, generally reach 10 to 15 years of reliable service. Electric furnaces can last 20 to 30 years due to fewer moving parts. In the Charlotte metro and Piedmont region, heat pumps cycle frequently in mild weather, so annual maintenance has an outsized impact on longevity. Warning signs that a furnace is nearing end of life include rising utility bills, uneven heating, frequent repairs, and visible cracks in the heat exchanger — which also poses a carbon monoxide risk and warrants immediate replacement.

Question 4

Should I worry about carbon monoxide from my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Any gas-fired heating system can produce carbon monoxide if combustion is incomplete or if the heat exchanger has cracked. Warning signs include yellow or flickering burner flames (they should be steady blue), soot around the unit, a persistent stale or exhaust odor when the system runs, or physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue that improve when you leave the home. We perform combustion analysis on every gas system tune-up and every diagnostic call. If you own a gas furnace, we also recommend a UL-listed CO detector on every floor of the home, replaced on the manufacturer's schedule (typically 5–10 years).

Question 5

My heat pump is running but the house isn't warming up. Why?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump that runs without heating the space usually points to one of a few issues: low refrigerant charge from a slow leak, a stuck or failed reversing valve (which may be heating instead of cooling or vice versa), a dirty outdoor coil blocking heat absorption, or the defrost cycle running too frequently in cold and humid conditions. Auxiliary heat strips that are not engaging correctly can also make a heat pump feel under-powered during a cold snap. These are all diagnosable during a standard service visit, and most are repairable rather than requiring full replacement unless the system is already near end of life.

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