Even in Southwest Riverside County, winter nights can get cold — temperatures in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, and the surrounding mountains drop into the 30s and 40s from November through February. When your furnace stops working, you need fast answers. Davis Plumbing and Heating Inc. provides furnace repair and replacement throughout Riverside County year-round.

Is It the Furnace or the Thermostat?

Before calling a technician, check these quick items first:

  • Is the thermostat set to HEAT and the temperature set above current room temp?
  • Is the fan set to AUTO (not ON)?
  • Check the furnace circuit breaker — is it tripped?
  • Is the furnace filter clean? A severely clogged filter can trigger a high-limit switch shutoff.
  • Is the pilot light lit? (On older units with standing pilots)

Common Furnace Problems and What They Mean

  • Furnace blows cold air — Could be a failed ignitor, dirty flame sensor, or issue with the heat exchanger. Requires professional diagnosis.
  • Furnace won’t turn on at all — Check the power switch (looks like a light switch near the unit), circuit breaker, and thermostat batteries.
  • Furnace short-cycles (turns on and off frequently) — Often caused by an oversized unit, clogged filter, or failing flame sensor.
  • Furnace makes strange noises — Banging indicates delayed ignition; squealing points to a blower motor belt issue; rattling may mean loose panels or ductwork.
  • Yellow or flickering pilot flame — Should be blue. Yellow or orange may indicate a carbon monoxide risk — call immediately.

The #1 Furnace Problem: A Dirty Filter

The single most common cause of furnace problems is a dirty air filter. Restricted airflow causes the system to overheat, triggering the high-limit switch. The fix is simple: replace your filter every 1–3 months. Use a filter rated MERV 8–11 for good filtration without excessive restriction.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Furnace

If your furnace is under 10 years old, repair is usually the right choice. If it’s 15+ years old and needs a major repair (heat exchanger, inducer motor), replacement is often more cost-effective. A new high-efficiency furnace (90%+ AFUE) can cut your heating costs by 20–40% compared to an older 60–70% efficient unit.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

A cracked heat exchanger in your furnace can leak carbon monoxide into your living space — an invisible, odorless, deadly gas. If your CO detector goes off, leave the house immediately and call 911. Do NOT re-enter until the home has been cleared. Davis Plumbing can inspect your heat exchanger and ensure your furnace is operating safely.

Furnace Repair & Replacement Throughout Riverside County

Davis Plumbing and Heating services all major furnace brands — Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Rheem, Goodman, and more. We serve Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Sun City, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, San Jacinto, and surrounding areas.

Call (951) 657-0393 for fast furnace repair or to schedule a free replacement estimate. You can also contact us online.