Maintenance Archives - Page 2 of 3

It can be easy to forget about your furnace with everything going on in your house, but it can be costly too! The furnace of your house is a central component in keeping your bills and keeping your family healthy, so it might be time to give that old furnace a thought! Here are some signs that your furnace might be on its last legs:

YOUR HEATING BILLS HAVE GONE UP

A big sign that your furnace is going to go out soon is a rise in your heating bill. No, it’s not the kids playing with the thermostat, as the furnace has to work harder and harder to keep up the same amount of heat, it costs you more. Getting a new furnace can slash your bill down to size. It’s not just your heating bill either, furnace repair bills start to go up as the furnace breaks down. A general rule of thumb is that if it costs over 50% of the price to repair, you might want to upgrade before it breaks for good!

THE AGE OF YOUR FURNACE

Nothing good lasts forever. That applies to your furnace too! As your furnace ages it becomes harder and harder for it to do its job efficiently. This leads to all sorts of headaches, not the least of which might be a coooold winter. If the furnace in your house is nearing twenty years of age, it might be time for retirement!

WORSE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME

Have you been getting sick more? It might not just be the season, it might be the air in your home! If your furnace is struggling, it can’t efficiently regulate air in your home, leading to all kinds of problems. Ask us how to improve the humidity and indoor air quality in your home with our Lennox Healthy Climate indoor air products.

IT SOUNDS BAD

If you can hear your furnace wheezing and banging, you don’t want to ignore it! As a furnace dies, it will start making erratic and spooky noises. No, it’s not a ghost, but you should still call the experts to come check it out!

TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT?

If your furnace has been exhibiting these signs, call Lancaster Brothers today! We specialize in heating and cooling of all kinds. You’re probably lucky, we have some great deals and rebates on new furnaces from Lennox, so give us a call to make your family (and your checkbook) happier!

admin February 20th, 2020

Posted In: Heating, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance, Uncategorized

Our maintenance plan includes several different benefits to save you both time and money. We put together a list of all the extras you receive when you join our maintenance club, check them out here:

Our Maintenance Club includes:

Two Tune-Ups a Year – Regularly scheduled tune-ups will increase the longevity of your system and help it continue to run efficiently. When your system is clicking on all cylinders and running efficiently, it will save you money on utility bills and will be more reliable in extreme temperatures. These two seasonal tune-ups will be scheduled and executed in advance of the season so your home will be ready for the changing temperatures.

Ten Percent Discount on Repairs – If any problem is discovered during one of your two yearly tune-ups, this discount will help you save 10% off the total cost of the repair for all members of our maintenance club. This discount will apply throughout the entire year. It’s not a one-time use only deal.

No Overtime Charges – No matter the length of time our technicians are out on site fixing the problem, there will be no extra charge. They will continue to work until the problem is solved. Just like the rest of our customers, our Maintenance Club members will never experience a surprise on their bill because we offer upfront pricing on repairs.

Priority Service – Air conditioners and furnaces never break down at a convenient time. That is why we offer our maintenance club members priority service. They will receive priority over nonmembers and have their units up and running as quickly as possible.

Convenient Email Reminders and Scheduling – When you are in the maintenance club, we will send you reminders on when it’s time to schedule your tune-ups so you never forget. We even make it easy by letting you schedule your appointment through email!

Customer Testimonials

You’ll love our repair technicians, but don’t take our word for it, see what our customers have to say about them:

“Mario was out today for our annual maintenance and just wanted to let you know that he did a great job. He did a comprehensive check and explained everything to us in terms that were easy for us to understand.”

-J.G Overland Park, KS

“Thank you for great service! Eric arrived promptly at my home and had our problem diagnosed in no time at all. Gave us an explanation of problem and repair.”

-M.W. Springhill, KS

New Systems Need Maintenance Too

Maintenance plans are not only for older systems. They are also important when you install a new system. Even new systems will run efficiently for much longer when given the right amount of attention. Lancaster Brothers typically has rebates and special financing when installing a qualifying Lennox system. Contact us for more details.

Here at Lancaster Brothers, we recommend Lennox Systems for their quality and efficiency. We like to make taking care of your furnace and AC as easy as possible. Schedule tune-ups or service over the phone or by email for your convenience. If you would like to take advantage of all of the benefits, become a member of the club! Request a Service online or call us today at (913) 648-9442!

Chris Lancaster December 13th, 2019

Posted In: Cooling, Heating, Maintenance

Tags: AC Maintenance, Furnace Maintenance

When experiencing a problem with your furnace or air conditioner, we know there are plenty of places to call for help. To simplify things, we put together a short list of the top three reasons to call Lancaster first:

Upfront Pricing

The upfront price we give you is the amount you will pay. We won’t surprise you with hidden fees. The quote we give you at the beginning will stay true. Sometimes projects take longer than expected. With our upfront pricing, we will continue to work on your project regardless of the hours spent, but your upfront price will remain the same.

One Hour of Labor with All Service Calls

Each time you call Lancaster for AC or furnace repairs, you are always given an hour of labor. We aren’t trying to nickel and dime you to death for every minute we’re there. No matter the size of the problem, your call will come with an hour of labor costs included with your repair.

Trained Technicians

Trained, professional, and friendly, these are requirements for all of our technicians. We want to make sure your family is comfortable and the best way to do this is by making sure our technicians take care of you and your HVAC systems. Our experts can repair any brand of air conditioner or furnace because of the training they receive. This up-to-date training continues to change as technology advances. This way they can be prepared for whatever problem you may be experiencing. Regardless, our technicians will get the job done right.

And if the time comes when your repair is just too costly or your system is too old to repair, we will provide you with a free estimate on replacing your system. Lancaster Brothers proudly installs Lennox equipment, and there are typically rebates and financing available. Our comfort specialists will be happy to go over all the options.

Those are just three of the top reasons why you should call Lancaster over the other guys. Want to learn more about Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling? Visit our website! When you need AC or furnace assistance, give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.

Chris Lancaster November 18th, 2019

Posted In: Maintenance

The older your air conditioner gets, the more likely it is to break down. It’s just a fact of life. So if you’re limping along with an older AC hoping it will make it through one more season, the team at Lancaster Brothers has gathered some AC troubleshooting tips just for you.

AC Troubleshooting Tips

The two main problems people encounter with air conditioners are:

It won’t turn on
It runs, but won’t cool

The following troubleshooting tips can help you beat the heat and get back to enjoying cool air in your home.

Your AC Won’t Turn On

If your AC is not kicking on, you have several things to check:

Thermostat – check your thermostat to make sure that it isn’t set to the heat or off position. Also check to make sure that the batteries in your thermostat are not dead. (You’d be surprised how many service calls we answer and the problem is one of these two things.)

Tripped Breaker – check your electrical panel to make sure that the breaker connected to your AC hasn’t been tripped.

Power Switch – look to see if the power switch on the side of your furnace is turned on. (Yes, there’s a power switch on the side of your furnace.)

The AC Is On, but the Air Isn’t Cool

Dirty Air Filter – One of the biggest issues that will cause this problem is a dirty air filter. Check your filter to see how dirty it is and replace it if necessary. Remember, it is important to change your filter once a month to ensure proper airflow and cooling.

Ice Accumulation – Ice in the outdoor unit can also cause your AC to run sluggishly. If you see ice you should turn off the AC and allow it to thaw for a couple of hours.

Clogged Condensate Drain – If you are still having trouble, consider cleaning out the condensate drain. Algae tends to build up in these pipes and will cause your AC to fail.

Check Your Condenser Unit Outside

Don’t forget your air conditioner has another piece – outside. The condenser unit outside can sometimes be the problem. Look for these three problems:

A safety precaution first – The condenser is a 240-volt box and we don’t want anyone getting hurt, so turn off the power to it at the electrical panel before working on it. Also turn off the disconnect box located outside, near your unit. It will either be a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker to shut off the condenser. Then, allow about 30 minutes for the electrical charge that’s stored in the condenser’s capacitor to dissipate. Okay, now it’s safe to check the unit. We recommend letting one of our qualified technicians look over these items.

Clear Debris – Make sure the unit is clean and clear of debris. Clear away dirt, leaves, etc. Check the fan to make sure it is clear of debris as well.

Clogged Drain – Check the drain and make sure it is clear.

Broken Coolant Lines – Check the coolant lines (pipes that connect the condenser unit outside to the evaporator on the inside unit). They can get bumped around being outside.

Turn the unit back on. First, turn the thermostat in your home to OFF. Then turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel. Last, switch the thermostat to COOL. Give it some time and see if you feel cool air blowing from the ducts. You can also check your outdoor unit to see if the air blowing out the top is warmer than the surrounding air.

A Formula to Know How Many AC Repairs Are Too Many

So you know your AC is on its last leg, but how do you know when it makes the most sense to replace it instead of throwing good money after bad? First, look for these four warning signs:

Your unit is 10-12 years old
You’ve paid for three or more repairs over the last two years
Your energy bills seem excessive
You are experiencing uneven cooling or certain rooms feel uncomfortable

NOTE: Sometimes hot spots can be due to poor ductwork. We can inspect your ducts and make adjustments if that is the case.

These are all clues that it is getting close to the time to replace your unit. Luckily, there’s a formula you can use to help you decide. We call it the $5,000 rule.

The $5,000 Rule

Multiply the age of your AC unit by the repair cost, and if that exceeds $5,000, then replace the unit. If it’s less, go ahead and repair it.

Here is an example, if your unit is 10 years old and the repair will cost $350, multiply 10 x 350 to equal $3,500. It is less than $5,000, so it’s okay to have it repaired.

Consider the Rising Cost of Freon

With the rising cost of Freon (coolant used in most older systems), if your repair involves adding Freon because of a leak, you have something else to consider. If you have a Freon leak, you will have to add more every year and the price of Freon is rising each year. The reason is because about 25 years ago, the EPA ordered the phasing out of Freon as part of an international treaty focused on protecting the ozone layer. Production ended in 2010 for new air conditioning units. Production has also been reduced in subsequent years. By 2020, production of Freon will end, so the price will only continue to rise.

Let Lancaster Help with Repairs or Replacement

If your AC has several of the symptoms we listed, we will be happy to take a look and either repair or replace the unit so you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Lancaster Brothers is proud to install Lennox air conditioners, so if your air conditioner is on its last leg we will be happy to provide a free estimate. There are also rebates and financing available for qualifying systems, and our comfort specialist will tell you about all of the available specials.

Call us today at (913) 851-3399 with any questions, repair or replacement needs, or just to get a free quote on a new Lennox system.

Chris Lancaster July 8th, 2019

Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance

If you own a home, you pay for heating and cooling, too. If you aren’t careful, the cost of utilities can become expensive over time. Single family homes, on average, pay $2,060 a year in utilities according to the US Department of Energy, 29% of which is allocated specifically to heating. How, then, can you reduce the cost? By identifying the nooks and crannies most likely to leak heat, you can weatherproof your house, keep your family warm, and lower your heating costs this winter. Read on for the seven surprising places in your home you probably didn’t know were leaking heat.

1. Attics

Attics are one of the biggest places homes lose heat. Besides the fact that most homes don’t have enough insulation, there are other areas to be aware of. Even attics that are well insulated many times are lacking insulation above the access hatch. Additionally, holes for pipes and vents can lead to a significant amount of heat loss over time. Be sure all holes are sealed and all attic openings are properly insulated and weatherproof.

2. Windows and Doors

A major source of heat loss in homes results from gaps in windows and doors. In fact, leakage from doors and windows results in about 20-25% of total heat loss alone in a house. Reduce drafts and the cost of heating by sealing leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping and caulk. Don’t forget to add a weather strip to the bottom of the doors.

3. Pipes and Wiring & Vents

Gaps created by lights and other fixtures installed through walls and ceilings can cause heat loss. In order to prevent heat loss, exposed gaps should be filled with expanding foam to seal these leaks. Fans, vents, and holes for structures such as laundry ducts can account for large portions of heat loss in your home as well. Ensure exposed gaps are sealed or reduced in size to prevent heat leakage.

4. Electrical Outlets

While only contributing to a minor portion of total loss, electrical outlets are another lesser-known source of heat leakage. Take countermeasures to block exposed sockets and stop cold air from slipping through. You can find socket sealers at most home improvement stores and they are simple to install.

5. Fireplace Dampers

Fireplaces get a lot of attention during the colder winter months, but they can be a major source of heat loss, too. Make sure your damper is closed and remember to close it after using the fireplace. Otherwise, it’s a straight shot for heat to go up the chimney and outside.

6. Air Ducts

Check your air ducts for leaks and gaps. Seal any areas that are leaking with aluminum tape. Duct tape, contrary to its name, is not the best material for this job. It will eventually loosen and allow leaking. Pay special attention to ducts that run through unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces.

7. Air Conditioning Units

If your home has window units left untouched during the winter, they can jeopardize your efforts to keep your house warm. Remove the units entirely or seal the surrounding area to prevent heat loss and block cold air from sneaking in.

A little extra vigilance can make the difference between a comfortable home and a cold one. Keep the winter weather outside by making sure your home is insulated and weatherproof.

Keep In the Heat with a Lennox Home Comfort System

If you think your current heating system is too old and you are worried about staying warm because of leaks, you’ll need a new furnace. We recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Interested? Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.

Need help with heating or cooling? For friendly service, you can count on Lancaster Brothers. Give us a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. If you need a new furnace, we recommend a Lennox furnace.

Chris Lancaster December 12th, 2018

Posted In: Heating, Maintenance

Tags: heating facts

It’s a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the children are running through the sprinklers, and your air conditioner is blowing hot air…what a bummer. One common problem when your AC is blowing warm air is a refrigerant leak. Since the refrigerant is in a closed system, the only reason a system would be running low on refrigerant would be either it was undercharged during installation, or you have a leak. It does not deplete due to normal use, so it should not need to be refilled regularly.

1. Your Home Takes a Long Time to Cool

The term refrigerant refers to the chemical blend that cycles through the air conditioner absorbing heat and carrying it outside; it used to be commonly referred to as Freon, but only older systems would contain Freon because the EPA banned it due to its negative effect on the ozone layer. Today’s newer systems run on R410a (sometimes called Puron). Either way, if your home is taking a long time to cool, it could mean the refrigerant is running low.

2. Rising Energy Bills

As a result of the AC taking longer to cool down the house due to a refrigerant leak, you may see an increase in the cost of your energy bill. Refrigerant leaks cause your AC to work harder and longer. It will keep running and running but never reach the desired temperature.

3. Warm Air Coming from Vents

On a hot summer day, warm air blowing out of the vents in your house is the worst. Since refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat and carrying it outside, when it leaks, the heat is not carried outside and the warm air blows into the house.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coils on Inside Unit, Ice on Outdoor Unit’s Line

Believe it or not air conditioners can freeze, although they are not supposed to. Low refrigerant can cause two parts of your AC unit to freeze. First is the evaporator coil, which is located in the indoor unit. Second, if the leak is large enough, the refrigerant lines leading to your outdoor unit will freeze. If either one of these parts of your AC are frozen, you definitely have a problem with your refrigerant.

5. Hissing or Bubbling Noise

If the leak is large enough, you will be able to hear it leaking out the refrigerant lines in either gas or liquid form. This tends to make a bubbling noise if it is liquid, and a hissing noise if it is gas.

The refrigerant is a potentially dangerous substance that should always be handled by a professional. This is not a problem that you should attempt to fix yourself.

Think Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced?

No problem! Replace your struggling air conditioner with a quality Lennox Home Comfort System. Be sure to check out check out these great deals from Lennox!

If you suspect a refrigerant leak or are having any trouble with your air conditioner not cooling, call the pros at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.

Chris Lancaster June 12th, 2018

Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance

Tags: AC Maintenance

Air conditioner problems aren’t usually at the forefront of your mind. A great AC just works. It keeps you in comfort and lets you go about your daily life…until it doesn’t. Most homeowners know when it’s time to replace their air conditioner. There are signs that let them know they are sitting on a ticking time bomb. But let’s face it, no one wants to buy a new air conditioner if they can squeak one more year out of the old one. So here are 5 tips from the AC pros at Lancaster Brothers for making it through the summer with an aging AC.

1. Set Your Expectations a Little Lower

On super hot days, your old AC may not be able to keep your home comfortable. If it’s 100 degrees, your home may stay in the upper 70s to 80 degrees. Even brand new air conditioners can only support a maximum temperature drop of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit between supply and return air (although it will likely be a bit lower since your indoor return air is usually cooler than the air outside).

2. Expect to Pay for Refrigerant

If your AC is older, chances are it runs on Freon. Since Freon was banned by the EPA (because it damaged the ozone layer) and is no longer being manufactured, the price has skyrocketed as demand has built and supply has decreased. If your system leaks refrigerant, more will have to be added to allow it to be able to keep your home cool. It will cost hundreds to recharge your system and leaks are very difficult to locate and fix. If you are paying for Freon, most likely you will continue paying for it until you replace your system. Newer systems use R410a, an environmentally safe refrigerant that costs much less. Unfortunately, older units are not designed to use the newer refrigerants.

3. Expect Higher Energy Bills

An older system won’t run as efficiently as a new one. New air conditioners are much more efficient by design, but an older system is not only built with less efficiency in mind, but also parts are older, connections are weaker, the system is dirtier, and most just don’t run smoothly or quietly anymore. The harder your AC has to work, the longer it will have to run to reach the temperature on the thermostat and the higher your electric bills will be.

4. Get a Tune-Up

A tune-up on an older system is a great idea. Not only will it help it run more efficiently, it will reduce the number of unwanted breakdowns and emergency service calls. It may be what gets your AC through the season. A technician will replace any worn parts, check all electrical connections, lubricate any moving parts, clean your system and repair any broken parts. Simply cleaning your air conditioner will help it run more efficiently too.

5. Change the Filter Monthly

A dirty filter will impede your system’s ability to push air through it, making it work harder and cost more. Make sure to change your filter every month. You’ll have cleaner indoor air too!

How to Decide Whether a Repair Is Worth It

If your air conditioner breaks down, the immediate question is: do you repair it again or do you replace it entirely? Thankfully, there’s a simple way to figure out which way to go. It’s called “the $5,000 rule”: It’s simple. Note the age of your AC and multiply the age by the amount of your most recent repair bill. If this results in a number less than $5,000, a repair is likely the best way to go! Of course, this is meant as a first step; a professional consultation from a trusted repair provider is another great data point to gather. But the decision is ultimately yours, and this is a great way to pin down what might be the best way to spend your money in the long run.

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your AC

The formula above is a start, but a few extenuating circumstances mean you might be better off with a full replacement anyway.

Three repairs over the course of three years is a red flag. This implies a larger issue that a fourth repair might not address fully.
If your energy bills remain exceedingly high after a repair, that’s another major warning sign that the overall health of your AC system is ailing.
And finally, post-repair Freon leaks after multiple repairs implies that patching it up and refilling it yet again will not solve the systemic issues with your AC.

Don’t Wait Until Your AC Breaks This Summer to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Your local Kansas City HVAC professionals at Lancaster Brothers are always happy to help! We’re here for cultivating long-term relationships with our customers, not to upsell, so after you’ve thought about whether you think you need a repair or replacement, we can definitively point you in the right direction.

Call us today at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. If you do decide to replace, we can offer a great deal on a quality Lennox system.

Chris Lancaster May 8th, 2018

Posted In: Cooling, Geothermal, Maintenance

Tags: AC Maintenance

Your air conditioner is a vital component when it comes to your comfort in the summertime. But, let’s face it. It’s not the most attractive piece of equipment in your lawn. If your air conditioner is sticking out like a sore thumb, there are ways to help it blend into your landscaping better and they don’t have to cost you a fortune. The team at Lancaster Brothers has put together these great ideas from Pinterest to help you beautify your yard and keep your AC functioning at its best.

One Important Safety Rule for Outdoor ACs

First, there are some rules to follow to make sure you don’t hinder your unit’s ability to function efficiently. In order for your AC unit to effectively transfer air, it needs at least 36 inches of space around it. If you decide to camouflage your unit with plants, make sure to leave at least one foot around your air conditioner in all directions so it is able to easily draw air from the outside to stay cool. This is also important so that it is easily accessible for service. If you build a fence or lattice to hide it, make sure to leave plenty of room between it and your outdoor unit.

This homeowner used tall grasses and flowering bushes to hide the unit from view. This is the easiest way to improve your yard. While it doesn’t hide your air conditioner completely, it does help it blend into the landscape better and keeps it from standing out like a sore thumb.

No building skills? Don’t worry. Simple shutters make a much better impression than your metal air conditioner. Plus, they are easy to remove so you can take them inside for storage during the winter and repaint them in the comfort of your own home when necessary.

A simple lattice fence perfectly breaks up the view. Tropical looking plants grow tall while ivys and hostas make great companions to cover the lower area. Where is that AC unit again?

Don’t be afraid to expand your landscape footprint away from the foundation. More landscaping is never a bad addition to your yard. Small trees can even provide shade for your unit helping it to run more efficiently in the heat of summer. If you have the budget, go bigger!

Best Plants to Hide Your Air Conditioner

Tall, stand-alone plants are great. Tall grasses come in many varieties and heights and if you don’t cut them down in the fall, they will provide a natural screen all winter. Flowering bushes like hydrangeas, roses, and rose of Sharons are all tall enough for great coverage. Vine type plants work well if you build a trellis or something they can climb on. Try roses, clematis, sweet pea, morning glory, and trumpet vine. Just pay attention to how much sun/shade the area gets when choosing your plants. Small, ornamental trees can also be useful for shading your air conditioner.

Have You Checked to Make Sure Your Air Conditioner Works?

The summer heat is on its way! Before your air conditioner lets you down, make sure to consider if your air conditioner is too old to last. Stay cool this summer with a Lennox Home Comfort System. Be sure to check out check out these great deals from Lennox that will save you money.

Good luck with your landscaping endeavors this season. Remember, if you need any help with your air conditioner, inside or outside, give the friendly technicians at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling a call at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online.

Chris Lancaster April 13th, 2018

Posted In: Cooling, Maintenance

Tags: AC Maintenance

Winter is here and that means you’ll be running your furnace 24/7. Unfortunately that also means all of the humidity will be sucked out of your home and you’ll be left with dry, uncomfortable air. If you experience any of these symptoms below, your home needs more humidity:

Dry skin
Dry eyes
Chapped lips
Nose bleeds
Cough
Sore throat
Static electricity
Chipping paint
Dried out wood furniture
Large gaps between wood floor planks

What Is the Ideal Humidity Level for Your Home?

First of all, you’re probably wondering how to measure the humidity in your home. This is relatively easy. You’ll need a hygrometer (humidity meter for measuring water vapor in the atmosphere) which is easy to find at a home improvement store and very affordable (usually under $15). The ideal relative humidity level for health and comfort is about 35-45%. In the winter months, it may have to be lower than 40% to keep condensation from forming on the inside of your windows.

Whole House Humidifiers Keep Your Home Comfortable Automatically

The best way to fix this problem is to add a whole-house humidifier. A whole-house humidifier is very low maintenance and once set, should need very little adjustment throughout the winter. The only maintenance they require is replacing the pad each season. We install the Lennox Healthy Climate HCWB3-17 Bypass humidifier. It’s integrated into the blower system on your furnace and draws water directly from your water supply.

How Does the Lennox Humidifier Work?

When the level of moisture in your home drops below the setpoint on the humidifier, the water solenoid valve opens, water flows into the distribution tray and slowly runs down through the evaporator pad. By-pass air flows over the evaporator pad, increasing the humidity of the air, and then back into the return air stream. When the setpoint is reached, the water solenoid valve closes.

Portable Shmortable – Get a Hassle-Free Whole House Humidifier

The Lennox Healthy Climate whole-house humidifier offers several advantages over portable units. It is practically maintenance free, runs quietly, never needs refilling and costs pennies a day to operate. A one-time setup keeps your home at a set humidity level all winter long. Plus, the initial cost is less than what most portable units cost. So if you’re sick of static shock, dry, itchy skin and chapped lips, and don’t like the idea of refilling a portable humidifier every few days, give us a call and ask about our whole-house humidifier.

We install hundreds of these Lennox whole-house humidifiers a year and they work great! Call Lancaster Brothers at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to install one in your home.

Chris Lancaster November 27th, 2017

Posted In: Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance

The last thing you want when the cold weather arrives is to turn your furnace on and discover it is broken. Unfortunately, the team at Lancaster Brothers sees this scenario play out every year. Everyone turns their furnaces on about the same time and we get swamped with repair calls. We try to get to all of them as soon as possible, but the situation is never ideal. So be one of the smart homeowners who turns their furnace on early this year, stay warm, and avoid any hassle.

Furnace Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, the problem may be easy to fix and you may not need a service call at all. Here’s a list of some of the most common furnace issues we see and a few troubleshooting tips to try this season that just might save you some money.

Furnace Won’t Turn On

Check circuit breakers. A fuel-run furnace has some components that require electricity.
Check the air filter. A dirty filter can block airflow, shutting down the furnace.
Double check that the thermostat is set to Heat or Auto.
Make sure the gas valve is turned on.

Special note: If your furnace contains a pilot light, your furnace may be outdated and in need of a replacement.

Furnace Blows Cold Air

Change air filter.
Check that the thermostat is set to Heat or Auto. The “on” position keeps the fan blowing continually. However, if the furnace is not fired up, it’s simply recycling room temperature air.
Make sure the gas supply is turned on.
Check that the condensate drain line is not clogged. Clogs activate a switch that will prevent the furnace from lighting.

Furnace Makes Strange Noises

Rattle: It could be loose panels, a misaligned blower, or a motor malfunction. The latter two require the skill of a technician.
Clicking: Repeated clicking could be your control panel, the compressor, or a defective electrical relay. Again, you may need to call a technician to fix this.
Grinding: Motor bearings may need replacement or a belt may require alignment – all jobs for a trained furnace technician.
Squealing: The belt connecting the motor to the fan may have slipped or needs to be replaced.

Important safety warning: If you have a natural gas furnace, you need a carbon monoxide detector in your home, no matter the age of your furnace.

If you have an older furnace (and you know who you are) start it up early so you’re not living without heat on a cold day. If you think this is the year you’ll need a new furnace, give us a call and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox. A new high-efficiency furnace will heat your home better and save you money on energy bills. Lancaster Brothers proudly installs Lennox furnace and air conditioning systems. Contact us for current rebates and special financing for qualified homeowners.

If you try these troubleshooting tips and you still don’t have any heat, you need professional help. Give us a call at at (913) 851-3399 or contact us online. Expert help will arrive fast!

Chris Lancaster October 12th, 2017

Posted In: Heating, Maintenance

Tags: Furnace Maintenance, heating facts