Troubleshooting Guide to Common Furnace Issues

A properly working furnace will provide your family with several benefits. It provides clean and safe air, which is essential in helping to avoid asthma and other breathing problems. Your furnace will also provide steady temperatures inside your home, so you and your family are relaxed and comfortable, especially during the cold seasons. A broken furnace during winter is a definite no-no!

Unexpected furnace problems may surface at any time! You need to be ready and know at least the basic troubleshooting steps before making a heating repair service call.

What are some Common Furnace Problems?

Dirty filters

Clogged or dirty air filters are a common problem in HVAC systems, leading to circulation problems in the furnace. In some cases, when the air filters have traces of debris and dirt  it can potentially damage the limit switch, which is what controls the fan. It is recommended to regularly clean your filters considering that failure to clean heating equipment is a leading factor contributing to home heating fires.

Wear and tear

As your heating system ages, it is common to experience wear and tear problems. Still, it can cause overheating, heat control-related problems, and airflow problems.

Electric ignition problems

Clogs or drafts in your appliance can result in a faulty ignition or pilot. As a result, it will have difficulties in providing enough heat in your home.

Malfunctioning thermostat

If your thermostat has a malfunction, it can lead to problems with the fan, and your furnace may not produce any heat.

Frequent cycling

If there is constant cycling between the ON and OFF modes, this is an indication that your air filters are clogged. It can also mean that there is improper airflow, or the thermostat was not set properly.

Noisy furnace

A noisy furnace is not normal. As soon as you notice rumbling, squeaking, or even light rattling sounds, it is an indication that your furnace has a mechanical problem. It is highly recommended to call for an emergency furnace repair when you start noticing sounds in your furnace.

Blower issues

A common blower issue is when it continuously runs. It is an indication that there might be a problem with the limit switch. In this case, calling a professional to have it replaced is necessary.

Not enough heat

A furnace’s main function is to provide enough heat, and if it doesn’t perform that task anymore, then there may be problems with the pilot light, power, gas, or thermostat setting.

Lack of maintenance

Unexpected problems and breakdowns with your furnace may also be due to a lack of maintenance. Having a scheduled inspection will ensure your appliance runs more efficiently.

Heating and Furnace Maintenance Tips

Keeping your furnace working efficient! Here are simple preventive steps you can do on your end:

Check for gas leaks around your furnace.

Smelling gas is usually an indication of a leak in the furnace. Nonetheless, even if there is no smell, it is highly advised to inspect for leaks around fittings and accessible pipes within your furnace. A leak is likely to cause a hissing sound or emit a strong smell of gas.

Change your air filter every 4 to 6 weeks.

To prevent a premature system failure, it is highly recommended to change your filter every 4 to 6 weeks. This way, you and your family will breathe clean air inside your home.

Replace old equipment.

Just like cars, furnaces incur a lot of breakdowns throughout its life. As your equipment ages, you may experience more furnace problems. Check signs of deterioration in your equipment and, if necessary, replace it with a new one so you can have energy-efficient equipment at home.

Ensure safety valves are working properly.

To troubleshoot your safety valves, check to see if the pilot light is on. If not, check your manufacturer’s instructions for relighting it. Next, check to see if the thermopile is generating adequate voltage. Otherwise, you may need to replace it with a new one.

Clean dirty burners.

To clean the gas burners, open the clip that holds them in place. Next, carefully remove it from the inside of the furnace. Use a soft-bristled brush and put it onto the wand of a vacuum cleaner. While vacuuming, you’ll be able to remove the dust, rust, and hardened debris.

Secure any loose panels.

Inspect if you hear loud and unusual noises in your furnace. It may only be caused by a loose screw or a loose panel, so simply tighten them!

Check and calibrate your thermostat.

Once a year, you should check and calibrate your thermostat so it displays great accuracy. To do so, locate your thermostat and tape a glass tube thermometer next to it. Check its temperature reading after 15 minutes. You will know if your thermostat is calibrated correctly if the temperatures are the same on both.

Get a yearly maintenance check.

While some minor furnace issues can be easily fixed with basic troubleshooting steps, some are better handled by professionals. Trust only those whose experience speaks for themselves and have a reputation for diagnosing furnace issues accurately and resolving them promptly. Getting a yearly maintenance check can save you money on repairs, especially when the same problems keep surfacing. Schedule a heating repair service with a reliable HVAC service provider like Tri-City so that they can perform preventive checks on your furnace before the heating season.

Why Should you Hire a Tri-City Professional?

Tri-City has dedicated technicians with the right skills and special equipment to perform repairs. They can also guarantee safety measures in doing an emergency furnace repair. In return, you will get all the benefits from their knowledge in all things furnace-related. On top of that, they are also a Carrier Factory Authorized dealer. This distinction is given to dealers who have consistently performed to a rigorous set of standards and integrity. You can take comfort in knowing that your heating equipment will get proper care and maintenance.

Contact Tri-City Heating and Air today!