Skip to Content
Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
Call Us Today! 509-642-6166
Top
woman feeling cold at home calling for HVAC help
|

When the Inland Northwest temperature drops, your furnace is your home’s most important defense. A reliable heating system is non-negotiable for comfort and safety in Spokane. Yet, even the best systems can run into issues that disrupt your warmth. While major problems require the expertise of our licensed HVAC technicians, understanding the common signs and performing basic troubleshooting can often save you time and discomfort. At Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide the expert heating and furnace repair services Spokane trusts, but we also believe in empowering our customers.

Quick Fixes: Identifying and Addressing Minor Heating Issues

Before you pick up the phone to call our 24/7 emergency team at (509) 642-6166, take a few minutes to walk through these simple checks. We pride ourselves on 100% transparency and would rather help you solve a simple issue yourself than charge for an unnecessary service call!

No Heat or Insufficient Heat

The most frustrating problem is a furnace that simply won't turn on or isn't keeping the house warm enough. This can often be solved with a quick check of the basics:

  • Check the Thermostat: Is it set to "Heat" and is the temperature setting higher than the current room temperature? Ensure the fan setting is on "Auto" (not "On," which runs the fan constantly) and that the batteries haven't died.

  • Check the Power Switch: Furnaces have a power switch, often located on a wall near the unit, that looks like a regular light switch. Check that it hasn't been accidentally flipped off.

  • Check the Circuit Breaker: The furnace may have tripped a circuit breaker in your electrical panel. Reset the breaker, but if it trips again immediately, you have an electrical fault that requires professional service.

The Furnace is Blowing Cold Air

If the furnace runs but only blows cold air, the issue is often related to the heat generation process.

  • Check the Air Filter: A clogged, dirty air filter is a leading cause of furnace inefficiency. A severely blocked filter restricts airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat and shut down prematurely (or "short cycle") before your home gets warm. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one is the simplest maintenance step you can take.

  • Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System: Older furnaces use a pilot light, while newer units use an electronic ignition system. If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer's instructions to safely relight it. If you have an electronic ignition and the burners aren't lighting, there might be an issue with the flame sensor—a part that typically requires a trained HVAC technician to safely clean or replace.

Strange Noises Coming from the Unit

While some operational noise is normal, loud or unusual sounds should be investigated.

  • Squealing or Grinding: This often points to a problem with the blower motor, specifically a dry bearing or a worn-out belt. These components require professional attention from our team to prevent total motor failure.

  • Loud Bangs or Booms: This "mini-explosion" sound often happens shortly after the burner ignites. It's typically caused by a delay in ignition due to dirty burners or a faulty pilot/igniter. When the gas finally ignites, it burns off a larger-than-usual buildup, causing the loud bang. This is a serious issue that indicates a safety concern and needs immediate professional diagnosis from a licensed technician.

When to Call the Spokane Heating Experts

If your troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the issue, or if you notice signs like gas odors, visible rust on the furnace cabinet, or a cracked heat exchanger, it's time to call in the professionals at Shaw Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive heating and furnace repair for both residential and commercial customers throughout the Spokane Valley. Our licensed and experienced plumbers and HVAC technicians provide an upfront price before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect. We are available for all urgent repairs and are dedicated to ensuring your family's comfort and safety all season long. Contact us at (509) 642-6166 for skilled service and a solution that lasts.