Save yourself the headache of extensive furnace repairs by learning about the ten most common problems detected by furnace troubleshooting!
Furnaces may not sit very high on the list of things you need to take care of around the house. However, these underappreciated devices remain one of the best solutions to keep you and your family warm during the cold winter nights. We only seem to realize the usefulness of these appliances when they break down.
How Do I Know if My Furnace Needs Troubleshooting?
Do you feel like your furnace generates less heat than it once did? If so, you may find it has negatively impacted your family’s comfort level, leaving you wondering if you need a replacement furnace.
Acquiring a new furnace costs a lot of money, and many homeowners would almost always rather repair, if possible. Below, you will find a list of questions you can ask yourself to figure out if your furnace requires repairs or a complete replacement:
- Do I notice cold and hot spots inside the house?
- Does my furnace produce less heat than it did in the past?
- Have I received higher energy bills lately?
- Is my furnace more than ten years old?
- Does my furnace constantly run or click on and off frequently?
- How often do I need to call my local furnace repair expert?
10 Most Common Furnace Problems
Furnace troubleshooting can detect problems that keep your system from functioning at peak efficiency. Below, discover the ten most common problems homeowners experience with their furnaces.
1. Clogged and Dirty Filters
A furnace with dirty, clogged filters reduces airflow, which forces the furnace to work harder to circulate warm air. This issue often results in increased energy bills. Clogged filters may also damage the limit switch that controls the fan.
2. Maintenance Issues
A lack of maintenance can cause your furnace to break down unexpectedly. Remember to schedule regular maintenance checks for your furnace.
3. Noisy Furnace
Occasionally, you may notice your furnace making squeaking, rumbling, or rattling noises. These abnormal sounds often arise as a result of airflow reductions, clogged burners, or mechanical problems.
4. Wear and Tear
Problems related to the thermostat, airflow, or overheating can occur because of the effects of wear and tear over the years. Routine maintenance checks can take care of these problems.
5. Continuously Running Blower
If you notice blower issues with your furnace, it may point to a malfunctioning limit switch. You will need to hire a professional to sort this one out for you.
6. Faulty Thermostat
A broken thermostat can cause various problems, such as a malfunctioning fan or a reduction in the amount of heat your furnace produces. Check your thermostat’s batteries and replace them, if necessary.
7. The Furnace Fails To Heat Up
Problems with the power, thermostat settings, gas, or pilot light can lead to a furnace’s inability to heat up. Acquiring the services of a professional to carry out routine maintenance checks on your furnace can help prevent this issue.
8. Pilot Control and Electric Ignition Problems
Pilot control and electric ignition problems may crop us because of faulty electrical components. Sudden drafts and thermocouple problems may also result in the pilot light failing to function properly. This somewhat common issue will make it impossible for your furnace to heat your home or commercial space. We recommend leaving ignition issues to the experts.
9. Cycling Frequency
If your furnace clicks on and off frequently, it may indicate an improper thermostat setting or a clogged filter. Keep in mind that short cycles make the system work harder to generate heat.
10. Insufficient Heat
Clogged filters represent one of the most common furnace issues. A clogged filter can cause your furnace to produce insufficient heat. Also, you need to make sure your furnace is the right size for the space you wish to heat. Too small of a furnace will never produce enough heat to warm up a room.
Which Components Cause the 10 Most Common Furnace Problems?
Discover some of the furnace components that cause the most problems below.
Filters
As the most common furnace problem, clogged filters can cause significant damage to the limit switch or result in higher energy costs. Scheduling regular maintenance for your furnace can help you avoid this problem.
Heat Exchanger
Your furnace may not function at peak efficiency because of a cracked heat exchanger. A damaged heat exchanger represents a costly problem you can prevent by scheduling regular servicing.
Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
When it’s working correctly, your pilot light should burn blue. However, excess carbon monoxide in gas furnaces can lead to a yellow or flickering pilot light. We recommend hiring the services of a professional to inspect it.
Limit Switch
A faulty limit switch can cause your furnace to blow endlessly. You will need to hire an expert to take care of this issue.
Ball Bearings
If your furnace produces scraping sounds, it may indicate worn-out ball bearings. In such cases, it’s best to turn off the furnace immediately and call a professional to deal with it.
Blower Belt
A frayed, slipping blower belt will result in your furnace producing high-pitched squealing noises. Having a professional replace the belt or tighten it should solve this issue.
Leave the Tough Tasks to the Experts
If furnace troubleshooting does not help solve your problems, do not hesitate to call for the services of an HVAC technician. Keep in mind furnaces come with the added risks of gas-related safety issues and combustion hazards, so it’s best to leave the work to trained technicians. A professional heating contractor will perform a thorough examination of your furnace, provide advice, and execute any necessary repairs.
Furnace Replacement and Installation
Mission Comfort remains wholly dedicated to customer satisfaction. We provide services for furnace installation, furnace maintenance, and furnace repair in Waldorf, MD, and the surrounding areas. Contact us at (301) 701-3768 or check out our scheduling page and select the date that suits you best to book a service appointment online.
