When was the last time you changed your furnace filter? If it's been more than a few weeks, it's probably time for a new one, especially if you have pets.

As your heating system runs, it pulls in dust, dander, and dirt. Your furnace filter is designed to trap these particles, protecting the mechanical components and keeping them out of your home's air.

However, a clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your heating system to work much harder to push air through. This not only decreases efficiency and raises your energy bills but also impacts the air quality in your home. By replacing a dirty filter, you can improve both your system's performance and the air you breathe.

Your thermostat is the brain of your heating system, responsible for signaling the furnace when to turn on and off to maintain a comfortable temperature. If it's not working correctly, you will have trouble keeping your home warm.

If you suspect your thermostat is the problem, start with these simple checks:

Check the batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them to ensure it has a reliable power source.

Verify the settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to "HEAT" and the fan is set to "AUTO." If the fan is on "ON," it will run continuously, regardless of the temperature.

Clean the sensor: A dust-covered sensor can lead to inaccurate readings. Gently wipe it clean to ensure it can correctly sense the room's temperature.

 professional. If it's the middle of winter, though, just give our Santa Clarita HVAC contractors a call at 818.697.4609 instead.

When your pilot light or surface ignitor fails, it won't be able to light the burners. This leaves your furnace unable to produce heat, leaving you in the cold. To help prevent this from happening, have an HVAC professional in the Santa Clarita area check and clean your system regularly.

If it's the middle of winter and your furnace has already stopped working, don't wait. Give our Santa Clarita HVAC contractors a call at 818.697.4609 right away for fast, reliable service.

The furnace exhaust blower is a critical component that safely vents combustion gases from the heat exchanger to the outdoors. If this blower fails, your furnace may cycle on and off repeatedly or shut down completely. To prevent this dangerous and inconvenient issue, make sure to schedule regular inspections and maintenance for your heating system.

The blower motor is a crucial component that circulates air throughout your home. If it fails, it doesn't matter how well your furnace is heating the air—that warmth won't be distributed.

Blower motors often fail from overheating or becoming clogged with debris. To keep yours working effectively and extend its lifespan, be sure to have your ducts professionally cleaned and your furnace tuned up regularly.

The heat exchanger is arguably the most important component of a conventional furnace. It's the part that safely transfers heat from the burner's flame to the air that is circulated throughout your home.

When a heat exchanger develops cracks or holes, replacing it can be a very expensive repair. Because of the high cost, many homeowners choose to replace the entire furnace instead. An experienced HVAC professional can best advise you on whether a repair or replacement is the right choice for your situation.

It's also important to note that if the stress on your heat exchanger is caused by the furnace being oversized for your home, simply replacing the heat exchanger will likely lead to the same problem developing again. In that case, a full system replacement with a properly sized unit would be the best long-term solution.

If your furnace isn’t keeping up with the temperature set on your thermostat, a number of issues could be at play. The most common cause is a clogged air filter, which restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder.

Other potential reasons for poor performance include:

An old or failing furnace: As furnaces age, their efficiency naturally declines.

A malfunctioning thermostat: An inaccurate or faulty thermostat won't be able to signal your furnace correctly.

Blocked or closed vents: Make sure all air vents are open and free of furniture or other obstructions.

Problems with the pilot light or flame sensor: A dirty or malfunctioning pilot light or flame sensor can prevent the burners from igniting.

For expert diagnosis and repair, contact Rays today.

When your furnace blows cold air, the cause can range from a simple issue to a more complex problem. Start by checking your thermostat to make sure it's properly set to "heat" and that the fan isn't set to "on."

If the thermostat isn't the problem, the issue could be more serious, such as a faulty flame sensor, a clogged condensate line, or even leaks in your ductwork. Our technicians are trained to quickly diagnose these problems and provide a professional, lasting repair.

The cost of furnace repair in Santa Clarita varies widely depending on the problem. Smaller issues, such as a sensor replacement, can be as low as $100. However, major repairs, like replacing a heat exchanger, can cost thousands.

Most standard furnace repairs typically fall within the $300 to $800 range. Keep in mind that older systems are more prone to complex and expensive issues, which is why regular maintenance is the key to preventing costly breakdowns.

Before you call for professional furnace repair in Santa Clarita, try a few simple troubleshooting steps. You might be able to solve the problem yourself and save a service fee.

Here's what to check:

Replace a dirty air filter: A clogged filter is the most common cause of furnace issues.

Check your thermostat: Make sure it's set to "heat" and the fan is on "auto."

Verify the circuit breaker: See if the breaker for your furnace has tripped and needs to be reset.

Ensure all vents are open: Confirm that no vents are blocked by furniture or closed.

If you’ve gone through this checklist and your furnace still isn't working, it's time to call the experts. Contact Rays for professional and reliable assistance.

If your furnace in Santa Clarita is making unusual noises, it's a sign of a potential mechanical problem. Ignoring these sounds could lead to more serious damage or even a system breakdown.

Here are some common noises and what they often indicate:

Booming or rumbling: This can be caused by dirty burners that ignite with a loud bang due to a buildup of gas.

Popping: This may signal a cracked heat exchanger, a very serious and potentially dangerous issue. It can also be caused by expanding and contracting ductwork.

Buzzing or grinding: These sounds often point to a failing blower motor, a key component that circulates air.

Rattling or clanking: This can be as simple as a loose screw or bolt that needs to be tightened.

Don't wait for a small problem to become a major repair. Contact us at 818.697.4609 to schedule a professional inspection and repair.

If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to call for professional furnace repair in Santa Clarita:

Persistent burning smells: A persistent burning odor could indicate a serious electrical or mechanical problem.

Thermostat error codes: If your thermostat is displaying a code, it’s signaling an issue with the system.

Frequent cycling: If your furnace turns on and off too often, it could be a sign of an airflow problem or an oversized system.

Weak airflow or no heat: This is a clear indicator of a potential issue with the blower motor, clogged filter, or other internal components.

Unusual noises: Popping, banging, rattling, or grinding sounds often point to mechanical problems that require immediate attention.

A sudden increase in energy bills: A sharp rise in your utility costs with no change in usage can mean your furnace is losing efficiency and struggling to keep up.

Don't wait for a complete breakdown. Contact us at (818) 697-4609 to schedule a repair and get your system running safely and efficiently again.

Seeing water leaking from your furnace might seem strange, but it's a common issue, especially with newer, high-efficiency systems that are designed to produce condensation.

Here are some of the most common causes of a furnace leak:

Clogged condensation drains: A buildup of debris, dirt, or algae can block the drain line, causing water to back up and overflow.

A damaged heat exchanger: A crack in the heat exchanger can cause condensation to form and leak. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Faulty condensate pumps: If your furnace's condensate pump isn't working correctly, it won't be able to move the water outside, leading to a leak.

Air conditioner or humidifier issues: If your furnace is running in conjunction with your AC or humidifier, the problem might stem from one of those units.

Regardless of the cause, a leak can lead to serious damage to your furnace and your home. Call us at 818.697.4609 to address the problem right away.

For some older furnaces, the pilot light may occasionally go out. To safely relight it, follow these steps:

Turn off the gas to the furnace and wait at least five minutes to allow any residual gas to dissipate. This is a crucial safety step.

Locate the control knob on the gas valve and turn it to the “Pilot” position.

Press and hold the reset button or the control knob to begin the flow of gas to the pilot.

While holding the button, use a long lighter or match to ignite the flame at the pilot.

Once the pilot light is lit, continue to hold the button down for about 30 to 60 seconds. This allows the thermocouple—a safety sensor—to heat up and signal that a flame is present.

Slowly release the button. If the flame remains lit, turn the control knob to the “On” position.

If the pilot light doesn't stay lit after several attempts, the problem may be a dirty or failing thermocouple, a clogged pilot tube, or another issue that requires professional attention. In this case, contact Rays for assistance.

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue for furnaces in Santa Clarita. If a crack or hole develops, it can allow highly dangerous carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas—to leak into your home.

Because of this safety risk, a cracked heat exchanger cannot be repaired; it must be replaced. The cost of a heat exchanger replacement is significant, often making it more economical to replace the entire furnace with a newer, more efficient model.

Our experts can safely assess your system and help you determine the best and most cost-effective option for your home's safety and comfort.

If your furnace seems to be running endlessly, it's likely due to one of several common issues. This constant operation wastes energy, drives up your utility bills, and can put unnecessary strain on your system, leading to a breakdown.

Common culprits include:

A thermostat malfunction: A faulty sensor or a miscalibrated thermostat may not be correctly reading the temperature in your home.

Clogged air filters: A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to run longer and harder to heat your home.

A dirty flame sensor: If the flame sensor is covered in soot, it may not be able to detect the flame, causing the system to constantly try to reignite.

An obstructed flue: A blocked exhaust flue can prevent your furnace from operating properly.

For a fast and accurate diagnosis and professional repair, call us today at 818.697.4609.

A cheap furnace repair might seem like a great deal at first, but it can often lead to bigger problems down the road. When a price seems too good to be true, it’s usually because the company is cutting corners in ways that will cost you more in the long run.

These cost-cutting measures can include:

Inferior parts that fail quickly: Low-quality replacement parts might save money initially, but they are far more likely to break down again soon.

Incomplete system inspections: A quick, cheap repair often means the technician only addresses the immediate symptom, not the underlying cause of the problem.

Unskilled technicians: Companies that offer low prices may employ technicians who lack the proper training and experience to do the job right.

Pushy contractors recommending unnecessary replacements: Some contractors may use a low-cost "bait and switch" tactic, offering a cheap repair only to then aggressively push for an expensive and unnecessary replacement.

No warranty on the work: A reputable company stands behind its work. If a contractor doesn’t offer a warranty, you have no recourse if the repair fails.

Choose Rays for reliable, high-quality furnace repairs. We use top-grade parts, employ certified technicians, and stand behind our work with a full warranty, giving you peace of mind and long-term value.

At Rays, we are equipped to service and repair all major furnace brands in Santa Clarita, including:

Lennox

Carrier

Trane

Goodman

American Standard

Rheem

Comfortmaker

Bryant

No matter the make or model, our experienced and certified technicians have the knowledge to quickly and accurately diagnose and fix any issue your system might have, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable.

A noisy furnace is a common problem, often caused by high fan speeds, unbalanced ductwork, or obstructions. The first thing to try is to lower the blower fan setting, if your system has that option. This can often reduce the noise level without sacrificing comfort.

If the sound persists, the issue is likely more complex. It could be a sign of loose components, a failing motor, or a blockage in your ductwork. Don't ignore these sounds, as they can lead to more serious and costly damage.

For a professional diagnosis and a solution that will restore quiet operation, call our experts at 818.697.4609.

Strange smells coming from your furnace can be unsettling, and in some cases, they can signal a serious problem.

Here are some common furnace smells and what they might mean:

Burning Dust: A temporary, dusty smell is normal when you first turn on your furnace for the season, as it burns off dust that has settled on the heat exchanger. This smell should dissipate quickly.

Mold or Mildew: A musty or stale smell could mean there is mold or mildew in your ductwork or air conditioning evaporator coil.

Electrical Burning: An acrid or burning plastic smell could indicate an electrical problem, such as a short circuit or an overheating motor.

Rotten Eggs: This is the most dangerous smell and indicates a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, but utility companies add a chemical to it that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs to make leaks detectable.

Grime: A smell of dirty socks or grime could be due to a dirty heat exchanger or evaporator coil.

If you smell anything like rotten eggs or an electrical burning odor, turn off your furnace immediately, open your windows, and call 818.697.4609 right away. These are urgent safety hazards that require immediate professional attention.

Routine maintenance is the key to extending the life of your furnace and ensuring it runs safely and efficiently. By scheduling an annual tune-up with our experts at Rays, you can catch small issues before they turn into major, expensive repairs.

Regular maintenance should also include:

Replacing air filters regularly: A clean filter improves efficiency and prevents strain on your system.

Addressing minor issues promptly: Don't ignore strange noises, thermostat problems, or unusual smells. Getting these checked out early can prevent a major breakdown.

By investing in preventative care, you can save money on utility bills, avoid the inconvenience of a cold home, and ensure your furnace operates at its best for years to come.

If your furnace clicks on and off repeatedly without staying on, it could be a sign that your flame sensor is dirty. The flame sensor is a crucial safety device that detects if the burners have successfully lit. If it's covered in grime, it can't "see" the flame and will shut off the gas, causing the furnace to short-cycle.

Here’s a quick guide to cleaning it:

Shut off all power and gas to the furnace. This is the most important step for your safety.

Locate the flame sensor. It's a thin, metal rod-like probe positioned directly in the path of the burner's flame.

Carefully remove the sensor. It's typically held in place by a single screw.

Gently clean it. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or a piece of steel wool to lightly sand off any carbon buildup on the metal rod.

Reinstall the sensor and turn the power and gas back on.

If your furnace still short-cycles after cleaning the flame sensor, the issue may be more complex. If you're uncomfortable performing this task or the problem persists, it's best to call a professional. Contact Rays for a safe and effective repair.

While minor maintenance tasks like changing an air filter are safe for a DIY approach, most furnace repairs should be left to a professional.

Furnaces are complex systems involving a combination of electrical, gas, and mechanical components. Working on them without the proper training and tools can be extremely dangerous, posing risks of electric shock, gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even a fire.

For safe and effective repairs that protect both your home and your family, it's always best to contact a certified professional. For reliable and expert furnace service, contact Rays.