3200 Northern Blvd., Rio Rancho
Affordable Answers
Straight answers to the questions New Mexico homeowners actually ask.
Your furnace smells funny the first time you turn it on. Your water heater started popping. The swamp cooler isn't keeping up, a drain won't clear, or a breaker keeps tripping. You want to know if it's normal, if you can handle it yourself, or if it's time to call someone.
That's what this page is for. After 40+ years of taking care of homes in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the surrounding communities, we've heard just about every question there is, from heating and cooling to plumbing and electrical. Noah Howland, president of Affordable Service, answers the most common ones here.
Furnace 101: Is Your Heating System Ready for Winter?
How often should I change my furnace filter?
At least every three months. If you have refrigerated air, your furnace blower runs in both summer and winter, so stick to that three-month schedule year-round. If you have a swamp cooler, you probably only change the filter at the start of heating season. That's not enough. Change it at least one more time during the winter. And if you want to change it every month, even better. Keeping up with your filter is one of the best things you can do to avoid bigger problems down the road.
Is it normal for my furnace to smell when I first turn it on?
Yes, at first. When you turn the furnace on for the first time in the season, dust that settled on the heat exchanger burns off, and you'll smell it through the house. That should go away after the first few times it runs. If you're still noticing unusual smells after the first day, have it checked right away. A furnace is a gas appliance, and carbon monoxide is a real risk. Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. It can save your life.
Why is my furnace making a squeaking, rattling, or grinding noise?
Any unusual noise is worth having a professional look at. It might still be blowing warm air, but a squeak, rattle, or grind usually means something is wearing out. Ignore it and one failing part can take others down with it, and a small repair turns into a big, expensive one.
Why are some rooms in my house colder than others?
Uneven heating is common, especially with older furnaces. Most older furnaces are single-stage. They're either fully on or fully off. Think of a car heater that could only blast on high or shut off. The back seat would never warm up. Newer furnaces can adjust how hot the air is and how hard it blows, so they can run at a lower setting, keep air moving, and heat the whole house more evenly. If some rooms in your home stay cold, we can come out, take a look, and walk you through your options.
How often should my furnace be serviced?
Regularly. Like anything with moving parts, if you take care of it, it takes care of you. Regular service is the best thing you can do to keep a costly problem from developing later.
When should I replace my furnace?
Most homeowners start thinking about it around the 15 to 20 year mark. At that age, if a major part fails, the repair often costs more than the system is worth, and many people choose to replace it instead. If your furnace is getting close to that range, get a quote now. That way you know your options before it becomes an emergency.
What can I do myself, and when should I call a pro?
Changing the filter is something any homeowner can do, and most of us should be doing it more often than we are. Anything inside the furnace is a different story. It's a gas appliance, and it can be dangerous. Leave internal service and repairs to a licensed, experienced technician.
Water Heater Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
How long does a water heater last?
Most tank water heaters today come with just a 7-year warranty on the tank. As a tank ages, the risk of a leak goes up. Sometimes it's a small leak you can catch early. Sometimes the tank fails all at once and floods the garage or the house, which can mean drywall damage and an insurance claim. That's why a lot of homeowners replace an older water heater before it gets to that point.
Why is my water heater making a popping or rumbling noise?
That popping, gurgling, or percolating sound usually means sediment has built up in the bottom of the tank. New Mexico's hard water makes this especially common. Sediment makes your water heater less efficient, cuts down on how much hot water you get, and can shorten its life. Flushing the tank once a year helps clear it out.
Why is there water around my water heater?
Water near your water heater usually means a leak, and it's worth having it checked right away. A small leak caught early is a lot better than a tank that fails all at once. If the tank itself is leaking, it can't be repaired. It needs to be replaced.
Why do I keep running out of hot water?
Sediment buildup can cut into how much hot water your tank holds and how quickly it heats. If your household runs out regularly, with showers, laundry, and dishes all competing for hot water, a tankless water heater may be the better fit. It heats water on demand, so it doesn't run out.
Tank vs. tankless: which is better?
It depends on how your household uses hot water. A tank water heater stores a set amount, so a busy household can run through it. A tankless water heater heats water as you need it, so you never run out, and it's much more efficient than a standard tank. It's a strong option for bigger families and busy homes.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Smaller issues, like problems with the pilot or gas components, can usually be repaired. A leaking or ruptured tank can't. If the tank is leaking, it's time to replace the water heater.
Can I take care of my water heater myself?
There isn't much on a water heater a homeowner can service. If you're handy, you can flush the tank yourself. If you'd rather not add one more thing to your list, we can flush it for you during your Comfort Club visits.
Let us worry about it
You've got enough on your plate. Whether it's heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical, you don't have to figure it out yourself or track down a different company for every job. Leave it to the pros at Affordable Service. One call covers it all.
Want to stay ahead of problems? Comfort Club is our maintenance membership for your heating and cooling system. We come out twice a year, in the spring and fall, to get it ready for the season and catch small problems before they turn into expensive ones. Members also get priority scheduling and repair discounts, with plans for homes with refrigerated air or a swamp cooler.
Call 505-255-COOL (2665) for service, or to find the right Comfort Club plan for your home.