As a homeowner, you try your best to protect your family and home from threats such as leaks or external damages. Another critical task is keeping them warm during cold days and nights. One way to do this is to check your windows to see if they are closed and/or provide everyone with a comfortable blanket, but this isn’t nearly enough. Above all else, you must ensure that your furnace is functioning correctly, keeping your house at an ideal indoor temperature.
There can be several reasons why a furnace malfunctions. A professional can inspect the machine, but it is also important to recognize signs when a repair is needed to prevent future problems. Here are five common signs that indicate a repair or replacement is required.
Most Common Issues with Furnaces
Your furnace is a critical component of your home’s HVAC system. This interconnection means it could face a few issues that need attention, such as:
- Dirty ductwork
- Malfunctioning heat exchanger
- Broken thermostat
- Faulty circuit breaker
- Gas leaks or odours
- Broken blower pieces
How Do I Tell What’s Wrong With My Furnace?
In some cases, surefire signs indicate your furnace is dealing with some issues. In these cases, it’s best to contact a professional who can accurately assess and repair the problem.
Inadequate Heating
If your home isn’t reaching the desired temperature, even with the thermostat set correctly, it could indicate that your furnace isn’t operating efficiently. This could be due to a variety of problems, such as a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a more serious issue within the furnace itself.
High Heating Bills
A sudden and unexplained increase in your heating bills could be a sign that your furnace is working harder than it should to heat your home. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as a dirty air filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a more serious issue with the furnace itself.
Unusual Smells
If you notice any unusual smells coming from your furnace, such as burning or gas, it could be a sign of a serious problem. You should turn off your furnace and contact a professional immediately.
Dusty or Dry Home
A furnace that isn’t working properly can also affect the air quality in your home. If you notice that your home is unusually dusty or dry, it could be a sign that your furnace isn’t circulating air properly or that the humidifier is not working.
Strange Noises
If you hear any strange noises coming from your furnace, such as banging, popping, or squealing, it could be a sign of a problem. These noises could be caused by loose parts, a dirty burner, or a more serious issue.
9 Common Furnace Repairs
1. Malfunctioning Thermostat
If you are a homeowner who uses their furnace regularly, then there will be a time when your thermostat will start to glitch. One cause of this is dead batteries. However, if your furnace fails to function, you may have a more significant issue, such as a faulty thermostat that isn’t giving correct commands to the furnace system. With a defective thermostat, your heating system may consume extra energy and wear out the components sooner than expected. If the batteries are dead, you must purchase new ones for a quick and easy “repair” job. However, if the thermostat is defective, you may need to call a professional to repair or replace it.
2. Blocked Air Filters
Regardless of the season, having a home that can stay warm when you need it is beneficial to anyone. However, this may not be possible if your air filters are blocked. Causes of blockages can include everything from improper maintenance and constant use to old, worn-out components. Clogged filters can force your furnace to work harder, produce insufficient heat, and circulate air inefficiently. To avoid damage, try your best to replace air filters periodically, especially during winter, approximately once every 90 days. This is a best practice worth adopting.
3. Pilot Light and Ignition Issues
If your home has an older furnace, an issue you may encounter is a malfunctioning pilot light. This can flicker due to the blocked pilot orifice, low flame settings, or a faulty safety switch. You can relight the pilot light by following the steps provided by the manufacturer. However, if the light is still out after this, try washing the pilot orifice and increasing the flame setting. During this process, ensure that the light remains blue. If this is not the case, call an HVAC service technician for help.
4. Gas Leaks
Any foul smell can ruin a perfect day. However, when these odours start seeping from your furnace, it can signify a possible gas leak. Most gas leaks will smell like sulphur or rotten eggs, though there are also gases that aren’t easily detectable without specialized equipment due to being odourless. If you suspect a gas leak, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Most importantly, call a professional to inspect and repair the leak’s source.
5. Wear and Tear
A furnace that has gone years without maintenance will face complications. Like any machine, a furnace consists of many parts that rely on one another; as one begins to wear down, the others may soon follow. Having your system work harder than it should cause permanent damage, such as blower belts malfunctioning or loose furnace panels. To avoid this, remember to check and maintain your furnace regularly.
6. Faulty Circuit Board
The circuit board is usually located behind the furnace and acts as the brains of the system by sending the signals to the blower motor and burner to work. Indicators for a faulty circuit board include vents blowing cold air despite the need for heat, or you may not hear the blower fan spinning inside it. If these sound familiar, it’s better to have a professional inspect these electrical components.
7. Malfunctioning Flame Sensor
The flame sensor at the bottom of the inner furnace detects if the furnace is burning to allow the gas valve to open and enable heated air to flow through. If the flame sensor doesn’t sense the fire in approximately seven seconds, it shuts off the gas flow. This could be caused by dust coating the flame sensor if it’s too close to the pilot light.
8. Broken Blower Motor
The blower primarily pulls air from your home and blows hot air back through the vents. You should be able to hear your blower motor when your furnace is running. If you don’t, that’s a clear indicator of an issue, such as dust coating or blockage. Also, any unusual noises, like scraping, thumping, or grinding, could indicate a serious issue that is best left to the professionals.
9. Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger can be found over the blower motor and looks like a set of thin metal coils. These filter hazardous gas from the warm air and ensure proper indoor air quality. Serious symptoms can result from a cracked heat exchanger, such as dizziness or loss of consciousness. These are caused by the heat exchanger’s inability to filter hazardous gas before blowing into your home. It’s critical to shut the furnace off, open the windows, leave the house, and immediately call emergency services to inspect the situation.
How Do You Fix a Furnace That Is Not Heating?
Any of the solutions mentioned previously can help fix your furnace. Before your furnace faces issues, know the signs and maintenance best practices needed to keep it running smoothly for years. To help support you, our professionals at Top Hat Home Comfort Services will sit down with you, perform a thorough furnace inspection, and discuss options for maintaining your HVAC setup. In addition, we provide numerous furnace repair services for your convenience.
Book an appointment today for informed and friendly assistance and peace of mind.
