Do you have chills that are multiplying? Are you losing control? It has happened to us all, an unruly furnace that shuts down on the coldest day of the year or stops giving heat right in the middle of a balmy winter afternoon.
Some furnaces problems are extremely easy to fix, yet some may require a specialist. Below, we give 10 common furnace problems and tell you how to fix them.
1. Furnace Has No Power
This may seem like an obvious check. However, with furnaces usually being in out of sight places like basements and attics, surrounded by multiple items, it can be an easy mistake to make. It is not uncommon for people to forget to check that the furnace itself is plugged in.
If your thermostat is on and the setting is correct but you have no heat, then check the furnace is getting power. If it is still plugged in, try looking to see if the electrical circuit may have tripped.
2. It Is Not Igniting
If your unit has a pilot light, there may be a number of issues that are stopping it from igniting or staying lit. These may include blogged outlets, a broken thermocouple, or a safety switch that may be causing problems. All of these will need the help of a professional, as you should not try to fix anything yourself that involves gas unless you have the necessary qualifications.
Electric ignitor furnaces are a little easier to diagnose, and very often the problem is the flame sensor. This is a safety feature that turns off the system if there is gas but no ignition flame. If the sensor becomes dirty, it can fail to see the flame and shut down your system for no reason.
To clean it, start by turning off the power to the furnace, ideally at the circuit breaker. Close the gas supply, then remove the flame sensor itself. Clean it with fine sandpaper, removing any build-up, then wipe away the dust and replace it.
3. Furnace Problems and Filters
Filters in a furnace take a lot of wear and tear, and as such, it is important that you replace them regularly. If a filter is unclean, it can restrict the airflow to the furnace. This means the unit has to work harder, using more power, and it could lead to a furnace shutdown.
All of this can lead you to an overworked furnace that is giving less heat. You can also cause irreparable damage to your furnace if it does not have enough air. Any furnace issues that involve the unit turning on and off are very likely to be filter related.
4. Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is an extremely important part of a furnace. It keeps the air used for combustion and the air used in your home for breathing separately. The heat exchanger can crack, and it can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, so it must be fixed quickly and professionally.
Signs it may be cracked include a sooty furnace, unpleasant odors, and water around the unit. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for this, and for safety, you must call a professional immediately.
5. Thermostat Settings
Another easy one to overlook is the thermostat settings. Double-check they are set correctly and even go over the instruction manual. You could have missed one simple command that is stopping it from giving you heat.
6. Grinding and Scraping Sounds
A grinding of scraping noise is usually down to wear and tear furnace issues. Ball bearings in the blower will need replacing. For this, you should call a furnace repair professional as it is a tricky job that can only be done by a professional.
7. The Furnace Is Squealing
A high pitched squealing is another indication of worn furnace parts. In this instance, the problem will be coming from the blower belt. There are two quick fixes you can try.
If the belt does not look damaged, tighten it. If it is damaged, then buy a new one and replace it. It is possible to do this yourself if you have the correct tools.
8. Access Panels
Another safety feature in furnaces is that they will not run if the access panel has been left open. If you have been inside the furnace, cleaning, or repairing, always make sure the access panel is fully closed before a test. You may have solved the problem, but created another by not securing the panel back in place.
9. Limit Control Switch
If your thermostat is on auto and your blower is running continuously, you may have a problem with the limit control switch. This box directs heat from the furnace to the ducts. if the air gets too hot, it will shut down the whole system.
Once the unit refuses to turn off, you have a broken limit control switch. Call furnace repair services to assess and fix the job.
10. Groaning Ducts
Groaning ducts that pop or ping is not a serious problem. However, if they get louder and more frequent it can be extremely annoying. The noises are down to the expansion and contraction of metal ducts as heat passes through them.
Locate the area of the duct that is making noise. When you have found it, check no flaps of metal are moving around inside or on the outside of the duct. Then take a hammer and make a small dent somewhere in the duct shell, and the problem should abate.
Call a Professional
Should anyone in your house start to experience flu-like symptoms while you have furnace problems, it could be a carbon monoxide leak. This is very dangerous, and you must call a furnace repair specialist immediately.
Unique Air HVAC is here to assist with any of your furnace needs. the safety of you is your family is paramount to us, so we will assess the problem quickly and effectively. Call us for a quote today or come and discuss your furnace needs with us starting today.