Furnace Troubleshooting Guide for Santa Fe Winters

Furnace Troubleshooting Guide for Santa Fe Winters

When temperatures drop below freezing in Santa Fe, a malfunctioning furnace isn't just inconvenient—it's dangerous. Understanding common furnace problems helps you stay warm and know when to call for help.

Common Furnace Problems and Solutions

1. Furnace Won't Turn On

Check These First:

• Thermostat settings: Set to "Heat" and temperature higher than current room temp
• Circuit breaker: Reset if tripped
• Furnace power switch: Often looks like light switch near furnace
• Gas supply: Ensure gas valve is open (parallel to pipe)

Still Not Working?

• Pilot light out (older furnaces)
• Faulty igniter (newer furnaces)
• Thermostat malfunction
• Call Lobo Tech: 505-316-4231

2. Insufficient Heat

Possible Causes:

• Dirty air filter (most common!)
• Incorrectly sized furnace for altitude
• Duct leaks
• Failing blower motor

DIY Fix:

1. Check and replace air filter
2. Ensure all vents are open
3. Check thermostat batteries
4. Verify proper thermostat placement

Professional Service Needed If:

• Filter replacement doesn't help
• Some rooms much colder than others
• Furnace short-cycling
• Age over 15 years

3. Furnace Cycles Too Frequently

Short Cycling Causes:

• Dirty filter restricting airflow
• Improper altitude adjustment
• Oversized furnace
• Thermostat issues

Why It's Bad:

• Wastes energy
• Wears out components faster
• Uncomfortable temperature swings
• Higher utility bills

Solution:

• Replace filter
• Professional tune-up
• Thermostat calibration
• System evaluation

4. Strange Noises

Normal Sounds:

• Gentle whooshing (air movement)
• Click when starting/stopping
• Quiet humming

Problem Sounds:

• Banging: Delayed ignition (dangerous!)
• Squealing: Belt or bearing issue
• Rumbling: Burner problem
• Rattling: Loose component

Action: Turn off furnace and call professional for unusual noises

5. Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit

Common in Older Furnaces:

• Dirty pilot orifice
• Thermocouple failure
• Draft issues from wind

Santa Fe Challenge:

• High winds common
• Altitude affects flame
• Professional cleaning/adjustment needed

6. Yellow or Flickering Flame

Danger Sign:

• Flame should be blue
• Yellow = incomplete combustion
• Produces carbon monoxide
• Turn off furnace immediately
• Call professional: 505-316-4231

At 7,000 Feet:

• Proper altitude adjustment critical
• Less oxygen available
• Must be calibrated by professional

Santa Fe-Specific Furnace Considerations

High-Altitude Requirements

Combustion Adjustment:

• Furnaces must be adjusted for elevation
• Factory settings for sea level
• Improper adjustment causes:
  • Yellow flames
  • Carbon monoxide production
  • Reduced efficiency
  • Premature failure

Professional Calibration:

• Required during installation
• Should be verified annually
• Lobo Tech specializes in high-altitude HVAC

Adobe Home Heating

Unique Challenges:

• Thick walls affect heat distribution
• Historic home ductwork limitations
• May need zone heating
• Insulation considerations

Solutions:

• Proper system sizing
• Strategic vent placement
• Supplemental heating options
• Professional assessment

Freeze Prevention

Protect Your System:

• Keep thermostat at 55°F minimum when away
• Insulate exposed ductwork
• Seal air leaks around ducts
• Service before winter

Preventive Maintenance

Annual Fall Tune-Up (September-October)

Professional Service Includes:

• Complete system inspection
• Clean and adjust burners
• Test ignition system
• Check heat exchanger
• Verify proper venting
• Test carbon monoxide levels
• Lubricate moving parts
• Replace/clean filter
• Test thermostat
• Altitude adjustment verification

Cost: $100-$200 Value: Prevents $500+ emergency repairs

DIY Maintenance

Monthly During Heating Season:

• Check/replace air filter
• Listen for unusual sounds
• Verify proper operation
• Keep area around furnace clear

Never DIY:

• Gas line work
• Electrical repairs
• Heat exchanger work
• Combustion adjustment

When to Call for Help

Emergency Service (24/7):

• No heat in freezing weather
• Gas smell
• Carbon monoxide alarm
• Yellow flame
• Loud banging

Schedule Service Soon:

• Insufficient heat
• Strange noises
• Short cycling
• Higher gas bills
• Age over 15 years

Annual Preventive:

• Pre-winter tune-up
• Post-winter inspection
• Before/after long periods unused

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Symptoms of CO Exposure:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms

If CO Detector Alarms:

1. Evacuate immediately
2. Call 911 from outside
3. Don't return until cleared
4. Have furnace inspected

Prevention:

• Install CO detectors (required by NM law)
• Annual furnace inspection
• Proper ventilation
• Professional service only

Lobo Tech Furnace Services

We Offer:

• 24/7 emergency furnace repair
• Annual maintenance plans
• High-altitude expertise
• Adobe home specialists
• Same-day service available
• Free estimates
• Licensed and insured

Call 505-316-4231 for expert furnace service in Santa Fe!

Don't wait until the coldest night of winter—schedule your furnace tune-up today and stay warm all season!