Heater repair? (Austin)

[1990txgirl]

We leave our heater on the "auto" setting so it will kick on when the house temp. falls below a certain point. Lately, the heater makes a low whirring noise for about 30-60 seconds before it comes on--it almost sounds like it might not come on at all.

The heater is the original one that came with the house, which was built in 1998. Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? Any referrals to a technician? Thanks in advance.

 

[horn4life]

If it's a buzzing sound it might be some relay.

If it's a gas furnace it is natural for the gas to fire up before the fan comes on. Usually about 30-60 seconds. this might be construed as a "whirring sound" as the gas ignites and begins heating the transfer unit making a definite noise BEFORE the fan kicks on. A temperature sensor tells the fan when to kick on, the fan also runs for a minute or two after the gas cuts off so that the heat transfer unit cools off before shut down to prevent damage to the unit.

If easily accessible I would simply look and listen to the unit and MANUALLY run the thermostat up to get the thing started.

 

[Tailgate]

Call Fox. They just fixed our office heater for about $150. It's an old one.

I am sure a heater company would have tried to tell me I need to buy a new $1000 heater.