10 Common Furnace Issues
You depend on your furnace to keep you warm through the cold winter months. When it doesn’t work properly, your home can get very uncomfortable very quickly. Defining the problem can help you understand what is causing your furnace issues. Here is a list of the ten most common furnace problems and what causes them.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
This is a very costly furnace repair that could be avoided with the proper care. The main reason your heat exchanger can crack is the failure to schedule your annual maintenance. Scheduling regular professional inspections allow our team to spot your furnace issues, along with many other problems, before it costs you a fortune.
Dirty Filters
By simply changing your HVAC filters, you could keep your furnace working more efficiently for much longer. When your filters are dirty, your furnace has to work much harder to circulate air. Not only do dirty filters reduce the airflow, but they can also quickly become completely clogged. This can cause damage to the limit switch. If the limit switch doesn’t work, neither does your furnace’s fan.
Frayed or Slipped Blower Belt
If your furnace makes a squealing sound when running, it is likely signaling a problem with the blower belt. The blower belt is usually frayed or has slipped from its position. Blower belt problems are usually caused by normal wearing, which could be identified in annual inspections. This wear and tear can lead to problems with airflow, problems controlling the heat, or overheating.
Electric Ignition or Pilot Light Problems
If you have a faulty ignition switch or pilot, your furnace can’t provide heat to your home. Homeowners with electric furnaces should first check the circuit box to see if a breaker has been tripped. Homes with gas furnaces should try to relight the pilot. If these steps don’t fix the problem, you need to call a professional for furnace repair.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for keeping your furnace at the temperature setting of your choice. Without a functioning thermostat, your furnace can’t keep your home comfortable. Plus, it can lead to further problems with the fan.
Flickering or Yellow Pilot Light
If your gas furnace has a pilot light that flickers or has a yellow color, you could have too much carbon monoxide. You should immediately call a professional for furnace repair, to keep your family safe.
Worn-Out Ball Bearings
This problem is signaled by a scraping sound from your furnace. If this happens, immediately turn your furnace off and call a professional for help.
Frequent Cycling
If your furnace cycles from off to on constantly, it could indicate several issues. It could be a clogged filter, airflow restriction, or the thermostat.
Constantly Running Blower
When this happens, it is often because of a problem with the limit switch. You may require an HVAC expert for replacement.
Mechanical Issues
Mechanical problems generally produced loud noises, such as thumping or banging. You should call a furnace repair professional immediately, to avoid causing further problems.