Aging Gas Furnaces
Aging Gas Furnaces | Heat Repair | Heating and Air Conditioning | Elizabethton
When an East Tennessee cold snap hits, an aging gas furnace can suddenly leave your Elizabethton home feeling more like the outdoors. The certified technicians at HEP’s Heating & Air Conditioning arrive fast, armed with the experience and parts to tackle everything from weak pilot lights to worn-out blower motors. Our goal is simple: restore safe, steady warmth while improving efficiency, so you can enjoy lower utility bills and a cozier living space.
Whether you need late-night emergency heat repair or a scheduled tune-up, we treat every call with the urgency it deserves. You’ll get upfront pricing, clear explanations, and workmanship backed by robust warranties—all delivered with the friendly, hometown service your neighbors have trusted for decades. Stay comfortable this winter and every winter with HEP watching over your furnace.
FAQs
How can I tell if my aging gas furnace in Elizabethton needs professional repair?
Watch for warning signs such as short-cycling, rooms that never warm up, rising utility bills, unusual odors, pilot light problems, or new noises (rattling, banging, squealing). Because Elizabethton winters can dip into the 20s, any loss of performance can quickly turn into a no-heat emergency. If resetting the thermostat or replacing the filter does not solve the issue, call a licensed HVAC technician so small problems—like a worn igniter or loose blower belt—don’t become costly breakdowns.
Is it better to repair or replace a gas furnace that’s more than 15 years old?
A well-maintained gas furnace lasts 15-20 years, but efficiency can drop after year 12. If your unit requires frequent repairs, has a cracked heat exchanger, or your heating bills have increased 25 % or more, a replacement may be the more economical choice. Conversely, if the furnace has been serviced regularly and the repair is minor (e.g., a flame sensor or draft inducer), fixing it could extend its life several more seasons. A qualified technician can provide a cost-benefit analysis based on part prices, expected lifespan, and current energy rebates available in Tennessee.
What should I do if I smell gas or suspect a leak around my furnace?
First, turn the furnace off at the thermostat and shut off the main gas valve if you can reach it safely. Do not operate electrical switches, light matches, or use phones inside the house. Evacuate everyone, including pets, and call 911 or the local gas utility from outside. After the area is declared safe, schedule a licensed HVAC professional to locate and repair the leak; common culprits are corroded supply lines or failing gas valves. Regular annual inspections dramatically reduce the likelihood of gas leaks in older units.
How quickly can you respond to a no-heat emergency in the Elizabethton area?
Our technicians are on call 24 / 7 throughout Carter County. In most cases, we arrive within two hours of your call, even on weekends and holidays. Each service truck carries common replacement parts—igniters, limit switches, blower motors—so most furnaces are restored on the first visit. If a major component must be ordered, we provide safe space-heating options and clear timelines so your household stays comfortable until the repair is complete.
Can you service combination heating and cooling systems that use a gas furnace with central air?
Yes. Many Elizabethton homes pair a gas furnace for winter heat with an electric air-conditioning coil for summer cooling. Because both systems share the same blower, thermostat, and ductwork, a fault in one component can affect the other. Our NATE-certified technicians inspect the furnace, evaporator coil, condensate drain, electrical controls, and refrigerant lines to ensure seamless operation year-round and prevent off-season issues from surfacing when you need the system most.
How often should an older furnace be maintained, and what does a tune-up include?
Have your aging gas furnace inspected every fall, ideally before overnight lows drop. A comprehensive tune-up includes: cleaning or replacing the air filter, testing safety controls and the thermostat, checking gas pressure and manifold settings, cleaning burners and the flame sensor, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, lubricating bearings, tightening electrical connections, and verifying proper vent draft and carbon monoxide levels. Routine maintenance can improve efficiency up to 15 %, lower the risk of breakdowns, and keep manufacturer warranties valid even on older equipment.