Saving On Furnace Repairs

Before actually coming to see the furnace, a good technician will try to learn as much as possible about the problem. He should call you and ask you to do a couple of basic checks on the furnace. If the technician gets enough information, he'll come with the part you need to fix the problem, saving himself a trip just to decide what part he needs. Quite often, the problem is just a blocked filter or an accidentally turned off switch - you can find this out right over the phone.

So, when you're speaking to the technician, he'll ask you to do some routine checks. Don't worry, he won't ask you to do anything unsafe or difficult. Let's go through a few possible scenarios.

Q. Do you feel air coming out of the floor registers?

WA. (Wrong Answer) Yes, the air is fine.
The technician will come and check the air for you. He may find that the furnace (air handler) switch was off and turn it back on for you. Do you want to pay $100 for that?

RA. (Right Answer) Just a second, I'll check. (After checking a couple of registers) Air flow is as usual, or weaker than usual. (Whichever is the case.)
Now, he might be able to figure out what the problem is, just from that simple question.

Q. Is the filter clean?

WA. Yes, it's clean.
The technician can come and check the filter for you, but is that really worth $100?

RA. I don't know. My husband usually checks the filter, but he's not home.
The technician will explain you where to find the filter, and what to check.

And if your technician doesn't call before coming? Well, you may be dealing with the wrong company.

About the Author. Boris Sherman is a heating and air conditioning contractor. His company Cozy World installs and repairs furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps in the Greater Toronto Area.