Heating FAQ
Answering Your Common Questions
Why Isn’t My Heater Producing Any Heat?
There are a number of reasons why a heater might stop producing warm air. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to walk you through the entire diagnostic process with just a short explanation. We recommend calling our team and scheduling a service appointment right away and letting one of our highly-trained technicians figure out the issue and conduct a repair.
Should I Install a Gas or Electric Heater?
There really is no right or wrong answer to this question. For some people, gas is the far better option. Gas furnaces tend to be more reliable, longer-lasting, and a great choice for those who have a gas connection to their HVAC system. For those looking for the ultimate in energy efficiency, we recommend an electric heat pump. Heat pumps are also great for those who are environmentally-conscious, as they produce zero carbon emissions and burn no fossil fuels.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are sort of like an air conditioner, only with the process running in reverse. Heat pumps collect ambient thermal energy from the air outside and then carry it inside after compressing it to make it as warm as possible. Your furnace then pushes air from inside your home over an extremely warm coil containing this thermal energy, making it hot and then sending it back into your home. This process is remarkably energy-efficient and reliable in warmer-weather climates like ours.
How Often Should I Schedule a Tune-Up?
A tune-up is crucial if you want to keep your heater running reliably and efficiently, particularly when it hasn’t run for months at a time. We recommend having your heater tuned up and maintained professionally toward the middle of fall so that it is ready to go when you need it. However, if the weather takes a turn for the worse and you need your heater sooner, we still recommend calling and scheduling a tune-up for your system after the fact to protect it during future use.
My Heater Isn’t Running. What Can I Do?
Believe it or not, there are a couple common reasons that your heater might stop working that you can fix all on your own without any help. First, check the battery in your thermostat. Most thermostats that don’t have a “common” wire (or “C-wire”) require a battery to operate, and a dead battery will prevent your heater from turning. Second, check your air filter. If your filter is dirty, change it. Then give your heater a few minutes to rest and try turning it on again. The system may have simply overheated due to a lack of proper airflow. If neither of these fixes works, call for service right away.
Have other questions? Check out our full FAQ list then give us a call at (760) 276-6690.
What Makes Us a Community Name?
Benefits of Working with Our Expert Team
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Drug Tested & Background Checked Technicians
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Upfront Pricing — You’ll Never Pay More Than You’re Quoted
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Expert Advice From Professional, Licensed and Certified Technicians
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We Stock Enough Parts in Our Trucks to Do 93% Of Repairs on the Spot
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Flexible Scheduling - Ask About Same-Day or Emergency Service
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5 Star Service Guarantee Includes Service Tailored to Your Needs & Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know whether I need a repair or a replacement?The best way to determine if you need to repair or replace your current heating unit is to rely on the opinions of HVAC experts. Their experience will help them gauge whether repairs are possible and financially feasible. Our team of experts takes your best interests into consideration and offers heater replacement recommendations from there.
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Why is it so important to hire a professional for heating installation?The professionals have the experience and right equipment to ensure your installation is performed correctly and safely. They also have experience working with a variety of different systems, so they won’t be fazed by your system or any issues that pop up. It’s also a good idea to have the professionals install your heater because they are constantly undergoing training to stay up to date with the latest technology and advancements. If you want to ensure your heating system is fully optimized for efficiency and peak performance, the professionals know just what to do to make it happen.
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How long do HVAC systems typically last?According to the Department of Energy, HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 20 years. At John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air, we recommend replacing your existing heating system at around 10-12 years for greater efficiency, lower utility and energy bills, and optimal performance.
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Does John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air offer financing options?We offer a variety of financing options, so our customers can achieve home comfort without breaking the bank. We can offer same as cash, as well as low interest options to suit the needs of any customer. Ask our Comfort Advisors about financing today!
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Why Isn't My Home Getting Warm Enough?There are a few reasons why your furnace may not be warming your home efficiently or evenly. One of the most common reasons is a leak in the ducting. If there is a small hole or the ducting is improperly installed, it could leak out warm air and cause the air pressure to drop and the system then provides inadequate heating. Additionally, dirty filters will also cause a restriction in airflow making the system work harder. This can lead to a broken system, which is why regularly changing and/or cleaning your air filters is so important.
A Homeowner's Best Friend
Expertise isn't the only thing we have gained over the past three decades - check out our loyal customer base!
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“I can't say enough great things about Patrick and the whole John Stevenson company.”- Holly G.
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“Great job, the technicians explained everything so that I could make the best decision for my home.”- Victoria J.
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“I have been using John Stevenson’s services for about 7 years now and am really happy with all the services provided so far: new heater installation and yearly checkup/tune-up; new tankless water heater installation and yearly flush.”- Flavia P.
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“The thing about John Stevenson Plumbing is that it is simply the best company of its type in the region. The technicians are smart, personable, always courteous and helpful, knowledgeable and fun to get to know. They do their jobs on time and on budget and”- John H.
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“Luis was great! Fixed a leak in a gas line to our Guest House. Work was done quickly and professionally with excellent communication to me about the process.”- Pam L.
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“I have used John Stevenson numerous times over the past few years for both plumbing and heating issues.”- Phyllis S.
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“Scheduling was easy. Received a call 30 minutes before technicians arrived. John, the lead man explained the work to be done. He and his apprentice Gilbert were courteous and friendly.”- Phil H.
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“We really enjoyed the experience and the professionalism from John Stevenson Plumbing. Thomas came out and did the initial inspection and troubleshooting of our furnace.”- Nancy C.
