Furnaces are a cornerstone of home comfort during the winter months. However, like any other machine, furnaces can develop problems over time that need to be addressed. To help you identify potential furnace issues and fix them as soon as possible, here is a list of the top 10 most common furnace issues:
- Pilot Light Issues: If your pilot light will not stay lit or keeps going out, this could be an indication of a problem with components in the pilot assembly. It could also mean you have insufficient gas pressure.
- Thermostat Malfunction: If your thermostat isn’t working properly, your furnace won’t be able to regulate the temperature inside your home. Make sure to replace or check that the batteries in your thermostat are still good.
- Clogged Air Filters: If your air filters are clogged with dust and debris, it can reduce airflow and force the furnace to work harder than it needs to. Replacing or cleaning the filters regularly is important for maintaining proper indoor air quality levels as well as keeping energy bills low.
- Blower Fan Issues: The blower fan is an essential component of a furnace because it circulates heated air throughout your home. If you notice that the fan isn’t running at all or is very noisy, then you may need to replace it or have it serviced.
- Ignition Problems: If your furnace won’t ignite and start producing heat, then this could be due to an issue with the ignition system. You should see an orange glow through the port hole on the door of the furnace when it goes to light.
- Damaged Heat Exchangers: The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the burner into your home’s air supply. However, if this component becomes cracked or corroded due to age or overuse, then it can cause dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to enter your house. Your furnace should be checked with a combustion analyzer every season to limit this possibility.
- Electrical Problems: If you notice sparks near your furnace or if it trips the circuit breaker often, this could mean there is an electrical issue inside the unit which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
- Short Cycling: This occurs when a furnace turns on and off repeatedly in short bursts before reaching its desired temperature setting. This can be caused by improper airflow, malfunctioning thermostats or overheating furnaces so have it checked out by a professional.
- Leaky Ducts: If your ductwork is leaking, it can cause the heated air to escape before it reaches its intended destination. Duct sealant such as duct tape can be applied to diminish air loss.
- Lack of Maintenance: Unfortunately, taking care of our homes can slip through the cracks in busy lives. Neglecting regular maintenance on your furnace could result in a range of issues that may not be as easily resolved as those listed above. Be sure to have it checked by an expert regularly and practice proper upkeep for best results for you and the safety of your loved ones.
By taking the time to ensure that your furnace is in working order, you can save yourself both money and stress in the future.
Click here to schedule furnace maintenance with A1 Heating and Air Conditioning.
