Edited: September 15, 2025
Your furnace isn’t just another appliance in your home — it’s the system that keeps every corner warm and safe when winter nights in Albuquerque dip below freezing. But here’s the thing many homeowners wonder: is furnace care something for a plumber or an HVAC technician? The answer is often both.
At B. Carlson Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we hear this question all the time. Furnaces are complex systems tied to both plumbing and HVAC, and knowing who to call can feel confusing. In this guide, we’ll clear things up, share the most common furnace issues we see in Albuquerque homes, and explain why a maintenance inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make before the next cold snap.
Is a Furnace Part of the HVAC System?
Yes — your furnace is a central part of your home’s HVAC system. It does more than just produce heat. The furnace’s blower circulates warm air in the winter and also helps push cool air from your air conditioner in the summer. If the blower isn’t working, both heating and cooling suffer. That’s why keeping your furnace maintained helps protect your comfort year-round.
And because we’re licensed and certified to handle both plumbing and HVAC systems, you don’t have to second-guess who to call when something goes wrong.
Understanding How Furnaces Work in Albuquerque Homes
At its core, a furnace pulls in air, heats it, and circulates it back through your living spaces. Most Albuquerque homes rely on forced-air gas furnaces, with Carrier models being especially common — though we work on all major brands.
Local construction plays a big role too. In older adobe-style houses, furnaces are often tucked into tight closets or utility nooks, which can make proper airflow and venting tricky. Newer builds may have more efficient layouts, but both styles face unique challenges in our high-desert climate. Dust, altitude, and wide day-to-night temperature swings put extra stress on heating systems. That’s why routine checks are essential, no matter the age of your home.
Where is My Furnace? Common Locations of Furnaces in Homes
Furnaces are typically installed where they can tie easily into ductwork and utilities. In Albuquerque, we most often see them in utility closets, garages, or tucked into mechanical rooms. Older homes sometimes wedge furnaces into very tight spaces, which can create venting problems.
We’ve inspected thousands of homes across the city, and one of the most common fixes we handle is adjusting or replacing vent pipes that were angled poorly in cramped spaces. It’s the kind of issue that looks minor but can have major effects on safety and efficiency if not corrected.
Plumbers and Furnaces – Why the Connection Matters
It surprises many homeowners to learn that plumbers don’t just handle water lines and drains. We’re also trained in gas lines, venting, and the safety systems that keep your furnace running smoothly. That means when you call us for a furnace inspection, you’re not just getting a “filter change.” You’re getting a full evaluation of the parts of your system that matter most for safety and performance.
And when it comes to deciding whether to call a plumber or an HVAC specialist? In many cases, we’re both — which means you only need one trusted team. With decades of experience serving Albuquerque homeowners, we’ve built our reputation on being the call you can count on.
Common Issues We See in Albuquerque Furnaces
Every city has its quirks, and Albuquerque homes are no different. Here are the problems we see most often:
- Dirty filters — still the number one culprit behind weak airflow and overworked furnaces.
- Venting problems — especially in older homes where furnaces are crammed into small closets and exit pipes are angled poorly. This can create both safety and efficiency concerns.
- Older systems — furnaces that haven’t been upgraded or inspected in decades are at higher risk for breakdowns.
- Skipped maintenance — the most common mistake we see. Skipping an annual inspection almost guarantees problems down the road.
Our technicians are trained to not just spot these problems but also explain them in plain language, so you understand exactly what’s going on in your home.
Regular Maintenance Inspections Are Essential
An annual inspection isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s your furnace’s insurance policy. Here’s why:
- Safety first: A trained plumber can spot gas leaks, venting issues, and carbon monoxide risks before they become dangerous.
- Better efficiency: Clean filters and proper airflow mean lower energy bills and less strain on your system.
- Peace of mind: No one wants to deal with a furnace breakdown during a January cold snap. Maintenance keeps you a step ahead.
- Longer lifespan: Routine care helps your furnace last years longer than one that’s left unchecked.
Most furnace inspections take about an hour, but the peace of mind lasts all season long.
What Happens During a Professional Furnace Inspection
When our team performs a furnace inspection, it’s not just a quick peek inside. Here’s what we check:
- Filters are replaced or cleaned.
- Vent pipes are inspected to ensure they’re angled correctly.
- Gas lines and connections are tested for leaks.
- Airflow and efficiency are verified.
- Safety systems are confirmed to be working properly.
This thorough process ensures your furnace is prepared for whatever Albuquerque’s winter throws at it.
Turning Your Furnace On for Winter
If your furnace has been sitting idle through the warmer months, it’s smart to do a little prep before the cold sets in. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Switch your thermostat to heating mode and set a comfortable temperature.
- Replace the air filter to improve airflow.
- Check that warm air is blowing from your vents.
- Listen for normal startup sounds from the blower.
These quick checks help you spot obvious issues, but the best way to ensure safe and reliable performance is scheduling a professional inspection. That way, you’ll know your furnace is ready for the season ahead.
How Homeowners Can Avoid Common Mistakes
Most furnace headaches start with small oversights. The good news? They’re easy to avoid when you have the right plan in place.
- Don’t skip annual inspections. The easiest way to stay on track is by joining our Care Club, which takes the guesswork out of scheduling and keeps your furnace maintained year after year.
- Don’t wait for warning signs. Strange noises, weak airflow, or odd smells mean the problem has already started. Proactive tune-ups catch these issues before they disrupt your comfort.
- Don’t crowd your furnace. If it’s tucked into a closet or utility space, give it breathing room so airflow and venting aren’t restricted.
With the Care Club, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your furnace (and the rest of your home’s systems) are professionally checked and cared for on a regular schedule — no surprises, no scrambling when winter hits.
Your Best Friend in Home Services.
Your furnace is one of the hardest-working systems in your home, and it deserves the same level of care you’d give to any other major investment. With licensed, certified technicians and years of experience serving Albuquerque, B. Carlson has built a reputation for keeping homes safe and comfortable.
Don’t wait for an emergency — schedule a maintenance inspection today or ask about joining our Care Club for year-round peace of mind. We’ll make sure your furnace is ready for whatever the season brings.
