For most of the year, your A/C is the hero. But when that first “cold” front hits and the temperature finally drops, you go to your thermostat, flip the switch to “Heat”… and nothing happens. Or worse, you smell something burning.
Don’t panic. As your trusted, full-service HVAC experts at Fast Air Conditioning Repair, we are here for your heating needs just as fast as we are for your cooling.
This expert guide provides the direct answers you need for the most common heating problems.
That “Burning Smell” on the First Cold Day
This is the #1 call we get every fall, and 99% of the time, it’s not dangerous. That burning smell is just the smell of dust burning off the heating element (in a furnace) or the heat strips (in an air handler). It’s been sitting dormant for 9-10 months.
If the smell is very strong, smoky, or lasts for more than an hour, turn the system off and call us for an emergency repair. But usually, it’s normal and will go away quickly.
Understanding Your Heat Pump (vs. a Furnace)
Many homeowners get confused when their heat pump blows lukewarm air. This is the #1 misunderstanding about these systems.
Heat Pump vs. Furnace
- A Heat Pump is an all-in-one system. It’s your A/C and heater combined. In the winter, it reverses and pumps heat into your house from the outside air. The air it produces will not feel “hot” like a furnace; it feels lukewarm. This is normal.
- A Furnace only provides heat (usually gas or electric). You have a separate, dedicated A/C unit for cooling.
We are certified experts in repairing and installing both systems.
What Are “Heat Strips” (Emergency Heat)? “Heat Strips” (or Emergency Heat) are a backup system inside your air handler. They are powerful electric coils, like a giant toaster, that turn on when the heat pump can’t keep up (usually when it’s very cold) or if the heat pump breaks.
Warning: You do not want to run on Emergency Heat all the time. It is extremely expensive. If your “EM Heat” light is on, it’s a sign your heat pump has a problem that needs a fast repair.
The Solution: Maintenance & “Repair vs. Replace”
The single best way to prevent a “no heat” emergency is to get your heater serviced before you need it. The best part? It’s the same service as your A/C tune-up.
When you schedule your Fall A/C Maintenance, our technician doesn’t just check the cooling; they also:
- Test the Heat Pump’s reversing valve and refrigerant levels.
- Clean and Inspect the Furnace’s burners and safety sensors.
- Test the Heat Strips to ensure they work in an emergency.
This checkup ensures your system is safe, efficient, and ready before you need it.
For older systems, we use the same “Repair vs. Replace” logic as an air conditioner. If your system is over 15 years old, inefficient, and needs a major repair (like a new compressor or heat exchanger), that money is better invested in a new, high-efficiency heat pump system. A new system will heat your home more reliably and save you a significant amount on your monthly energy bills.
Don’t Get Left in the Cold.
Your comfort and safety are our #1 priority, whether it’s 95 degrees or 45 degrees. We are your year-round, full-service HVAC experts, and our promise of “fast” service applies to your heater, too.
Contact us today to schedule your fall heating tune-up or for a fast, reliable repair.