Functional FAQs
Many homeowners have questions about how their furnace works and what they should expect. The experts at Rowland Air are happy to provide answers to your most commonly asked questions.
How Long Does It Take for Furnaces to Heat the House?
This will depend on several factors, including the difference between interior and exterior temperatures when you turn on the furnace, the temperature you set on the thermostat, the size and age of your home, and the capacity and features of your system. When the temperature difference is significant, it will obviously take longer to heat your home than if the current temperature is only slightly lower than the number you set on the thermostat. Larger and older homes may also take longer to heat, but this could depend on your system.
How Long Should Your Furnace Run?
When you first turn on the heat in your home, your furnace will run until the desired temperature on the thermostat is reached. After that, you can reasonably expect it to run about 10-15 minutes in a given cycle, but again, this will depend on a variety of factors.
How Often Should a Furnace Cycle in Winter?
As with other questions, this will depend on a number of factors, but if equipment is properly sized for your home, your airflow is balanced, your home is energy-efficient, and your HVAC system is clean and well-maintained, your furnace should typically cycle on only 2-3 times per hour. Keep in mind, this could change with extreme outdoor temperatures or with energy-efficient furnace features and thermostat settings.
Why Does the Furnace Blower Keep Running?
The most common explanation is that you actually have the fan on your thermostat set to “on” instead of “auto”. You may also have a dirty filter that restricts airflow and overheats the exchanger. This can cause the blower to keep running because no heat is entering the home, so that the temperature setting on the thermostat is never reached. You could also have a problem with the fan limit switch or system wiring, which the trained technicians at Rowland Air can diagnose and fix.
Why is the Furnace Leaking?
Condensation in your furnace is not uncommon, but it’s usually funneled to a catch basin or drain. If the basin overflows or the tubing is clogged, you may see a leak under your furnace.
How Often Should Heating be Serviced?
It is recommended that you schedule regular HVAC servicing twice a year – in spring for your AC and fall for your furnace – as part of your annual homeowner checklist. This will ensure that your system is clean and in good working order before you need it to heat or cool your home, helping you to avoid emergency repairs when you need your system most. Contact the qualified furnace professionals at Rowland Air now at 800-500-9068 to schedule your service appointment.