50 Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace, Heating and Home HVAC Systems by our Customers
Section 1: Furnace Repair & Troubleshooting
A furnace blowing cold air in Chesterfield is often caused by a dirty flame sensor or a pilot light that has gone out. You should first check that your thermostat isn't set to "On," which runs the fan even when the heat is off. If the problem persists, a technician can safely inspect your internal ignition components.
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Loud banging in a Ballwin home usually indicates delayed ignition or metal ducts expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Delayed ignition is a safety concern because it means gas is building up before finally lighting. An expert inspection can pinpoint if you need a burner cleaning or ductwork adjustment.
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If your unit is unresponsive in St. Charles, start by checking your circuit breaker and the power switch on the side of the furnace. Ensure your thermostat has fresh batteries and is set to "Heat" at a temperature higher than the current room air. If these steps fail, there may be a faulty igniter or control board that requires professional service.
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A dusty smell during the first run of the season in O'Fallon is typically just settled dust burning off the heat exchanger. However, a persistent electrical or "burning plastic" smell could indicate a motor is overheating or wiring is melting. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call for emergency assistance.
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Homeowners in Cottleville should generally change their 1-inch air filters every 30 to 90 days. Homes with pets or high dust levels may require more frequent changes to prevent airflow restriction. Keeping a clean filter is the easiest way to prevent your system from overheating and shutting down.
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Frequent cycling, or "short-cycling," in St. Peters is often a result of a clogged air filter or an oversized unit. This constant starting and stopping places extreme wear on the blower motor and significantly increases your energy bills. A professional can calibrate your thermostat or clear internal blockages to restore a normal cycle.
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A cracked heat exchanger is a critical safety issue in Wentzville because it allows carbon monoxide to leak into your home’s air. This component separates the toxic combustion gases from the air your family breathes. If a crack is found during an inspection, the furnace must be shut down until it is repaired or replaced.
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A healthy gas flame in a Troy furnace should be a steady, crisp blue color. A yellow or orange flickering flame indicates incomplete combustion, which often produces carbon monoxide. This is a technical issue that requires an HVAC expert to clean the burners or adjust the gas-to-air ratio.
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In high-efficiency furnaces in Town & Country, water leaks are often caused by a blocked condensate drain line or a cracked collector box. Standard furnaces may leak if an attached humidifier or the nearby AC evaporator coil is malfunctioning. Regardless of the cause, standing water can damage electrical components and should be addressed quickly.
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While Creve Coeur homeowners can change filters and check breakers, most furnace repairs involve high-voltage electricity and combustible gas. Attempting DIY repairs on internal components can lead to safety hazards or void your manufacturer's warranty. It is always best to trust a licensed technician for any mechanical or gas-related work.
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Section 2: Heating Maintenance & Efficiency
Annual maintenance ensures your system is safe and efficient before the winter weather hits St. Charles. Technicians can catch small issues like loose wiring or worn belts before they become expensive middle-of-the-night breakdowns. Most manufacturers also require documented maintenance to keep your equipment warranty in effect.
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A professional tune-up in Chesterfield involves cleaning the burners, inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks, and testing safety limit switches. The technician will also lubricate moving parts and check your thermostat’s calibration to ensure accuracy. This thorough process helps your furnace deliver more heat while using less fuel.
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Lowering your energy costs in Ballwin starts with using a programmable thermostat and keeping your air filters clean. Sealing drafts around windows and doors prevents the heat you've paid for from escaping your living spaces. Finally, a professional tune-up can improve your system's efficiency by as much as 15 percent.
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The ideal time for a heating check-up is early autumn before you need to turn the system on in O'Fallon. Scheduling early ensures you can get a convenient appointment time and resolve any issues before the first cold snap. If you missed the fall window, a mid-winter check is still far better for your system than skipping it.
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The AAA Service Club Membership provides homeowners in Cottleville with scheduled maintenance for their heating, cooling, and plumbing. Members receive priority scheduling, which is vital when repair demand spikes during extreme weather. Additionally, members enjoy discounts on parts and labor, making home maintenance much more affordable.
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Regular maintenance in St. Peters reduces friction and strain on your furnace's motor, significantly slowing down the aging process. By keeping the internal components clean, you prevent the system from "overworking" to achieve the desired temperature. Most well-maintained furnaces can last up to 20 years, whereas neglected units often fail much sooner.
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Uneven heating in Wentzville is often a sign of leaky ductwork, blocked vents, or an improperly sized furnace. It can also be caused by poor attic insulation or a thermostat that is located in a drafty hallway. A professional HVAC assessment can determine if you need duct sealing or an air balancing adjustment.
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Yes, a dirty furnace in Troy can circulate dust, allergens, and pet dander throughout every room in your home. Over time, buildup in the blower and ducts can trigger respiratory issues for sensitive family members. Regular cleaning and the use of high-quality filters are essential for a healthy indoor environment.
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You can check the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating on your unit's cabinet in Town & Country. Modern high-efficiency furnaces have ratings of 90% or higher, meaning they convert nearly all the fuel directly into heat. If your furnace is over 15 years old, it likely has a much lower rating and is costing you extra money.
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Homeowners in Creve Coeur only need to place a board over the top of the unit to protect it from falling ice. You should avoid wrapping the entire unit in plastic, as this traps moisture and can lead to rust or rodent nesting. Most modern units are designed to withstand local winter weather without a full cover.
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Section 3: New Furnace & HVAC Installation
If your unit in St. Charles is over 15 years old and requiring frequent repairs, it is likely nearing the end of its life. You should also consider replacement if your energy bills are rising or if the unit can no longer keep your home comfortable. A good rule of thumb is to replace it if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new system.
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Being a Platinum Dealer means AAA Home Services has met the highest technical and customer satisfaction standards for Chesterfield homeowners. This status provides you with access to superior product knowledge and the most reliable HVAC equipment available. It also guarantees that your system will be installed by factory-trained, expert technicians.
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The total price in Ballwin depends on the size of your home, the fuel type (gas or electric), and the efficiency rating you select. Installation complexity, such as upgrading old venting or ductwork, will also play a role in the final quote. AAA provides upfront pricing so you can choose a system that fits your specific budget and needs.
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Most furnace replacements in O'Fallon can be completed in a single day, usually taking between 4 and 8 hours. If you are also replacing an air conditioner or significantly updating your ductwork, the job may take longer. Our technicians work efficiently to ensure your home is back to a comfortable temperature as fast as possible.
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The correct size is determined by a "Manual J" load calculation, which looks at your Cottleville home's square footage, insulation, and windows. A furnace that is too small won't keep you warm, while one that is too large will cycle too often and waste energy. Our experts evaluate your home’s specific layout to recommend the most efficient unit size.
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Gas furnaces are generally more powerful and cheaper to operate in St. Peters because natural gas is often more affordable than electricity. Electric furnaces are typically smaller and have a lower upfront cost but may result in higher monthly utility bills. The best choice depends on your home’s existing utility connections and your long-term budget goals.
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Yes, most new American Standard furnaces installed in Wentzville come with a 10-year registered limited warranty on functional parts. AAA also provides a labor warranty to ensure your installation is performed correctly and the system performs as expected. Be sure to register your unit promptly after installation to ensure you receive the full coverage.
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AAA Home Services offers several flexible financing options to help Troy homeowners invest in a new system. This allow you to get a high-efficiency unit now and pay for it over time with manageable monthly installments. You can often apply for financing directly through our technicians during your free on-site estimate.
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High-efficiency systems in Town & Country use advanced burners to get more heat out of every dollar you spend on fuel. They often feature variable-speed blowers that provide more consistent temperatures and better humidity control throughout the home. While the upfront cost is higher, the savings on your monthly bills can pay for the difference over time.
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Replacing both units together in Creve Coeur is often more cost-effective because they share the same blower motor and ductwork. It ensures both components are technologically compatible, which maximizes the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. Additionally, you only have to pay for installation labor and permits once rather than twice.
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Section 4: Indoor Air Quality & Accessories
A whole-home humidifier can be installed onto your furnace in St. Peters to add moisture to the air during the heating season. This helps prevent dry skin, sore throats, and static electricity while protecting your wood floors and furniture. It also makes the air feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat and save on energy.
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UV lights are installed inside your ductwork in Wentzville to kill mold, bacteria, and viruses as the air circulates. This technology provides an extra layer of protection for your family's health, especially during the peak of flu season. It also helps keep the internal components of your furnace cleaner and running more efficiently.
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Duct cleaning is highly beneficial if you notice excessive dust in your Troy home or if you've recently finished a renovation project. It ensures that your furnace isn't pushing old contaminants back into your living space through the vents. Clean ducts improve airflow and can help your overall HVAC system run more efficiently.
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Filters with a higher MERV rating in Town & Country are designed to trap smaller particles, including pollen and some bacteria. While they improve air quality, they also create more resistance, so it's important to ensure your furnace blower can handle the rating. Our experts can recommend the best filter balance for your specific health needs and system capacity.
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Yes, furnace-mounted humidifiers in Creve Coeur require an annual water panel replacement to prevent mineral buildup and mold. You should also ensure the water feed line is clear and the humidistat is set correctly for the outdoor temperature. AAA can include humidifier service as part of your regular fall heating tune-up.
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Section 5: Heat Pumps & Emergency Service
A heat pump works by extracting heat from the outdoor air and moving it into your St. Charles home. Even in cold weather, there is still thermal energy available for the system to collect and use for heating. Modern high-performance heat pumps are an extremely efficient alternative to traditional gas furnaces.
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A dual fuel system in Chesterfield combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace for the most efficient heating possible. The heat pump handles the heating during moderate temperatures, and the gas furnace takes over when it gets extremely cold. This setup offers the perfect balance of comfort and energy savings for the Missouri climate.
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We are a family-owned company that has served Chesterfield and the surrounding area since 1970 with a focus on fair and honest pricing. Our technicians are not commissioned, meaning they focus on fixing your problem rather than selling you unnecessary parts. With thousands of 5-star reviews, we are a trusted partner for all your home's mechanical needs.
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