Why Your Furnace Can't Keep Up: HVAC Repair & Maintenance Solutions

Several issues cause this frustrating problem. The most common is a dirty air filter restricting airflow—check and replace yours first. Other causes include an undersized system for your home, significant duct leaks losing heated air, a failing blower motor not moving enough air, or thermostat calibration issues. If a filter change doesn’t help, schedule a diagnostic service to identify the root cause before cold weather intensifies.

For standard 1-inch filters, check monthly and replace every 1-3 months depending on usage and household factors (pets, allergies, dust levels). During heavy use in winter, monthly replacement is recommended. Thicker 4-inch media filters last 6-12 months but should still be checked periodically. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of furnace problems—this simple maintenance task prevents the majority of service calls.

It depends on the smell. A slight burning dust smell when you first turn on the furnace in fall is normal—it’s accumulated dust burning off and should clear within an hour. However, persistent burning smells, rotten egg odors (indicating gas leak), musty smells (mold in ducts), or chemical odors require immediate attention. Turn off your system and call for service. Never ignore gas odors—leave your home and call your gas company immediately.

Repair costs vary widely based on the problem. Mid-range repairs including igniter replacement or blower motor capacitors can be expensive Major component repairs like blower motors or control boards are more substantial. McAfee provides clear upfront pricing before any work begins, so you’ll know the exact cost and can make an informed decision.

At 15 years, your furnace is approaching the end of its typical lifespan, but age alone doesn’t determine the right choice. Consider the repair cost (if over 50% of replacement, lean toward new), your repair history (multiple recent repairs suggest declining reliability), energy costs (newer systems are significantly more efficient), and your plans (staying long-term makes investment worthwhile). Our technicians provide honest assessments without pressure—we’ll tell you when repair makes sense and when replacement is the smarter investment.

This “short cycling” typically indicates a safety mechanism triggering. Common causes include a clogged filter causing overheating, a malfunctioning flame sensor shutting down burners, thermostat issues sending incorrect signals, or an oversized system reaching temperature too quickly. Short cycling wastes energy and accelerates wear on components. While you can check the filter yourself, persistent short cycling requires professional diagnosis to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.

McAfee’s comprehensive tune-up includes: safety inspection of heat exchanger, gas connections, and venting; cleaning of burners, flame sensor, and blower components; testing of ignition system and safety controls; thermostat calibration verification; filter replacement; electrical connection inspection; gas pressure measurement; airflow verification; and written documentation of system condition. This thorough service catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and keeps your system running at peak efficiency.

Yes. McAfee technicians are trained and equipped to service all major furnace brands including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Bryant, Rheem, Ruud, Goodman, Amana, York, and others. We stock common parts for popular models and can source specialty components quickly. Whether your system is brand new or decades old, we have the expertise to diagnose problems and provide effective repairs.