Heating Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my heater blowing cold air?

Several factors might cause your heater to blow colder air than normal.

• Thermostat issue — Make sure your thermostat fan is set to "auto" instead of "on." If the thermostat reads lower than your home's temperature, the fan may blow room-temperature air.
• Dirty air filter — A clogged filter blocks airflow. Your furnace may shut down or blow cooler air as a safety feature to prevent overheating.
• Faulty pilot light — If your furnace can't properly ignite the fuel, it won't blow warm air.
• Leaks in the ductwork — Temperature fluctuations cause wear and tear on duct systems. Holes or gaps allow warm air to escape before it reaches your rooms.
• Dirty flame sensor — Bursts of warm air followed by cold air can mean a dirty flame sensor, which prevents the gas burner from staying lit.

Why does it smell when I turn on my heater?

If you haven't turned on your heater in several months, there's usually no need for alarm. With little usage, dust builds up inside the heat exchanger. What you're smelling is that dust burning off as it travels through your air ducts — it's temporary. If the smell persists beyond the first hour or two of use, or smells like burning plastic or electrical, call us.

How can I lower my heating bill?

A few habits can make a meaningful difference in your winter energy costs.

• Dust often — Dust clogs your filter and degrades air quality. Regular dusting around vents reduces what gets pulled back into your heating system.
• Clean or change the furnace filter monthly — During winter when the system runs hard, check the filter at least once a month. A clean filter means better efficiency and cleaner air.
• Schedule annual inspections — A professional tune-up ensures your furnace runs at peak efficiency. Even a small adjustment can produce significant savings on your heating bill.

Do I need a new furnace?

There are clear warning signs that your furnace is nearing the end of its life.

• Higher gas and electric bills — Rising energy costs without a change in usage often mean your furnace is overworking itself.
• Age approaching 15–20 years — That's the average lifespan of most furnaces. If yours is in that range, start planning for a replacement.
• Frequent breakdowns or repairs — Furnaces that need replacing tend to require more repairs in their final two years than in all prior years combined.
• Uneven temperature distribution — Some rooms hot, others cold? Your furnace may not be distributing heat effectively.
• Yellow burner flame — A healthy furnace burns blue. Yellow means inefficient combustion or improper venting.
• Poor indoor air quality — Dry or stale air can indicate a furnace problem affecting your home's ventilation.
• Strange clanging or knocking noises — Furnaces should run quietly. New noises usually mean worn or failing components.

How do I choose the right heating system for my home?

Choosing the right system involves several factors: the size and layout of your home, the fuel sources available to you, what type of system you currently have, and the comfort needs of your family. A proper load calculation by a licensed technician is the only reliable way to size a system correctly. At BR McGinty, we walk you through every option, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you select what's right for your home and budget — no pressure.

What is an AFUE rating?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. The number typically ranges from 80% to 98% — the higher the rating, the more of your fuel dollar actually heats your home rather than escaping as exhaust. That said, a higher AFUE rating also means a higher upfront cost. The right choice depends on your home's heating load and how long you plan to stay in the house. We're happy to help you do the math.