As a homeowner, dealing with furnace issues is inevitable. Even if you’ve never experienced it before, you’ll eventually face at least a few hiccups with your heating system. It may seem like a headache, but with the right resources and knowledge, handling furnace problems can be a breeze.
The most common problems with furnaces are:
- Dirty ductwork
- Old filters
- Faulty starting mechanism
- Broken blower components
- Malfunctioning heat exchanger
- Bad Limit Switch
- Thermostat in need of repair
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Unexpected noises
- Gas leaks or odors
Let’s take a closer look at each of these common furnace problems individually.
Cleaning Dirty Ductwork
Did you know that a simple repair could improve the performance of your heating system? Dust and debris can easily get into your ductwork, which can reduce the amount of warm air that’s circulating in your home. If you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t heating your home as well as it used to, it might be time for a cleaning session. You can easily check your vents by seeing how much air is flowing out.
To ensure that your heating system is running smoothly, get in touch with an HVAC technician you trust. Regular maintenance can prevent future problems by cleaning out your ductwork and HVAC system. Keep your home cozy and comfortable by taking care of your heating system.
Changing Filters
Breathe easy with a cleaner and healthier home environment thanks to your furnace filter. This humble component is designed to trap and block dirt, allergens, and pollutants from infiltrating your cherished abode. However, the big question is, when do you change it? Don’t fret; we’re here to help. While the frequency of changing filters may vary, a good rule of thumb is to swap it out every month or two. Want a more precise answer? Peek at the packaging for a customized timeline. Keep your eyes open for telltale signs that it’s time to replace your filter, such as a decreased airflow and a furnace that seems to be struggling. Don’t let a dirty filter stand in the way of your toasty winter nights.
Fixing the Starting Mechanism
A furnace is like the engine of your home’s heating system. And just like every engine needs a way to start, every furnace needs a mechanism to jumpstart its heating cycle. This mechanism can vary depending on the furnace’s age and model.
For older furnaces, a pilot light is typically used to ignite the furnace’s burners. But as technology has evolved, newer furnaces now use electrical ignitions instead of pilot lights.
Unfortunately, even with the advancements in technology, ignition or pilot light failures can still occur. If this happens, your furnace may not turn on and heat your home like it should. In this case, you will need a professional HVAC technician to either repair or replace the malfunctioning component.
Although you may be able to see the pilot light inside your furnace, it’s best to leave this type of repair to the experts. So, if your furnace is acting up, don’t hesitate to give New Century Service a call. We’ll have your furnace up and running again in no time.
Fixing Blower Components
Your furnace is equipped with a blower mechanism that is responsible for distributing warm air throughout your home. However, if you’ve noticed that your furnace isn’t working as it should, the blower bearings could be the culprit.
Over time, these bearings can become worn and damaged, leading to a scraping sound that cannot be ignored. If you continue to run your furnace without addressing the issue, you risk causing even more damage to the bearings.
To avoid this, it’s essential to seek the help of an experienced HVAC repair specialist right away. They can diagnose the problem and replace the ball bearings if necessary, ensuring that your furnace operates smoothly once again. Don’t let a faulty blower mechanism leave your home chilly – contact us today to schedule a repair appointment.
Replacing Blower Belt
As much as we rely on our furnaces to keep us warm, there are many parts that could potentially malfunction. While we’ve talked about the importance of ball bearings in the blower, there’s another crucial piece that could cause more problems than you might think – the belt for your blower fan.
When your blower belt starts to wear out or becomes displaced, you’ll likely hear a high-pitched squeal coming from your furnace. This is a common sign that something is wrong, and it’s important to get it checked out right away.
There are a few different scenarios that could lead to a faulty blower belt. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of slipping out of place, which can be fixed by an experienced HVAC technician. Other times, wear and tear sets in over time and a replacement is necessary. Regardless of the issue, it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored.
The problem with a malfunctioning blower belt is twofold – not only will you be left without the heat you need, but your energy bill will also start to skyrocket. Inefficiency is never a good thing, and it’s always better to nip these problems in the bud before they snowball out of control.
Damaged Blower Capacitor
The magical magician working behind the scenes to get your HVAC system up and running is none other than the capacitor. This lightweight powerhouse is like a battery, zapping out amps of energy to get your blower motor moving. But if it’s damaged, chaos can ensue. Your motor may end up gobbling up all the energy from the circuit board, leading to power surges that can trip the breaker or even create a short circuit. A furnace that fizzles out midway might be suffering from a damaged blower capacitor, but there’s no need to panic. A skilled HVAC expert can look and determine if a replacement is in order.
Replacing the Heat Exchanger
Have you ever stopped to appreciate your furnace’s unsung hero, the heat exchanger? This amazing coil of tubes is responsible for all the warmth that fills your home, as it heats the air your furnace pushes through it.
But here’s the thing – with all the intense heat the heat exchanger handles, it’s important to stay on top of regular furnace maintenance. Without proper care, the heat exchanger can crack or malfunction, leaving you out in the cold.
If you do end up needing a replacement, don’t panic – while it’s one of the more costly repairs, it’s still more affordable than buying a whole new furnace. So keep an eye (and an ear) out for any signs of trouble, like air leaks from your vents. And always remember to show your heat exchanger a little love and TLC – after all, it’s the reason you’re able to snuggle up nice and warm in your comfy home.
Fixing the Limit Switch
The limit switch is like your furnace’s guardian angel, keeping both your heating system and your home safe. It senses the heat inside the furnace and uses that information to control the blower fan, ensuring that your furnace runs smoothly. But that’s not all – the limit switch also has the important job of protecting you and your home from potential disasters. If it detects that your furnace is getting too hot, it will automatically shut off the burners, preventing fires and other dangerous situations. If you notice that your furnace is running non-stop, it could be a warning sign that your limit switch is not working properly, leaving you vulnerable to issues that no homeowner wants to face.
Cleaning the Flame Sensor
If your furnace isn’t running as it should, it might be due to a malfunctioning flame sensor. This important component inspects the presence of a flame to ensure the safe operation of your furnace. But if this sensor isn’t maintained properly, it can become clogged with debris and soot, leading to delays in detecting the flame and causing the system to shut down.
Fortunately, you can often fix the problem by cleaning the sensor. Simply unscrew it from the access panel and remove any accumulated debris. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, though, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. An HVAC technician can not only clean the sensor, but also determine whether any further repairs are needed to keep your furnace running smoothly. So, if your furnace is giving you trouble, don’t let it get the best of you–schedule a maintenance appointment today!
Repairing Your Thermostat
Sometimes, the heat troubles you’re experiencing might not stem from your furnace itself. Your trusty thermostat analyzes the temperature in your home and sends a signal to your furnace to start up a heating cycle. However, if your thermostat is operating incorrectly, it might sense the wrong temperature, causing your furnace to produce heat you don’t need, or not enough heat when it’s chilly. The communication between your thermostat and furnace might also be to blame, which could have something to do with the electrical system. An experienced HVAC technician can offer a solution by checking your thermostat for software or hardware problems, and either repairing or replacing it to bring the warmth back to your home.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
If your furnace keeps tripping the circuit breaker, don’t ignore it. It could be a sign of a larger issue. While a one-time power surge may be the culprit, ongoing problems require further investigation. It’s possible that multiple high-wattage devices are sharing the same circuit and overloading it. Alternatively, there could be a fault in the wiring that’s causing excess energy to flow. Ignoring these issues can pose a hazard to your home and family. So, call in an electrician to assess and fix the problem. Don’t put off electrical maintenance – it’s essential for keeping your home safe and secure.
Unexpected Noises
Discovering issues with your furnace is not just a matter of staying warm – it can also be a matter of safety. One of the tell-tale signs that something is amiss is the sudden onset of disconcerting noises. These can range from benign clunking to alarming scraping and squealing that could keep you up at night. Unfortunately, pinpointing the source of the sound can be difficult. You may need to call in an HVAC specialist to diagnose the underlying issue. A squeaking noise can signal a blower belt issue while a grinding noise indicates possible blower bearing damage. Clunking sounds can be caused by a plethora of mechanical malfunctions. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to turn off your furnace until the issue is resolved, to avoid a potential fire or further damage.
Gas Leaks or Odors
Don’t be alarmed if you catch a whiff of burning when you turn on your furnace at the beginning of the season. It’s just a sign that layers of dust are being scorched away as the system heats up. This natural phenomenon should only happen a few times and will dissipate within an hour.
However, if you catch a moldy scent coming from your furnace, this could be a cause for concern. It could mean that allergens and debris have accumulated in the system, which could irritate your respiratory system.
A more serious concern is if you detect gas or a metallic smell coming from your furnace. If this is the case, call for immediate furnace repair and evacuate the house. Don’t hesitate to turn off the gas valve and open all the windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation. Safety should be your top priority in this situation.
Why Is My Furnace Running But There’s No Heat?
Once the furnace has been activated, the blower motor will start running. Nonetheless, the furnace will only heat the air if ignition is successful.
If the ignitor of a furnace is not performing correctly, it can prevent the proper production of heat and cause a decrease in air temperature. Regular servicing of the furnace is recommended to maintain optimal operational capacities.
If the thermostat or gas valve in your system is exhibiting signs of malfunction or disruption, please undertake a thorough troubleshooting process to accurately diagnose the issue. After completing the troubleshooting, examine for any indications that the ignitor may be failing, if all else appears to be normal.
If you are experiencing any difficulties with your furnace, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the specialists at New Century Service. They can easily replace the failing ignitor and provide you with the most cost-effective and appropriate solution. Ignoring a faulty ignitor for too long may lead to more costly repairs later.
Identifying the Common Furnace Repairs Your Home Needs
During the winter months, it is essential to ensure that your residence is adequately heated. A malfunctioning furnace can quickly render the living space unbearable in terms of temperature.
It is important to be aware of the typical repairs and issues that may occur in relation to a furnace in order to properly identify and address any problems that may arise. Familiarization with the tell-tale signs will ensure that appropriate assistance can be obtained to rectify any difficulties.
In order to ensure optimal comfort levels throughout the year, it is essential to maintain a regular furnace maintenance program during summer and winter months alike.
It would be best to have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace to determine if any issues exist. We are committed to addressing all furnace issues promptly and prioritize the safety of our customers. For maintenance and repairs for your furnace, please contact New Century Heating and Cooling’s HVAC technicians. We are here to assist in restoring the comfort and warmth of your home. We service the Twin Cities’ Northwest Suburbs and surrounding areas.