Common Furnace Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them: An Essential Guide
Is your furnace acting up? CJS Heating & Air can help you diagnose and repair common furnace problems in Columbus, OH! Our experienced team of HVAC professionals provides reliable and affordable solutions. As temperatures drop and winter approaches, your furnace becomes essential to keeping your home warm and comfortable. Regularly scheduled furnace maintenance is key. However, like any other appliance, furnace problems can leave you without heat during a cold night.
We will discuss some of the most common furnace problems and provide tips on troubleshooting them, ensuring your furnace stays in top working condition throughout the winter season, and costly future furnace repair.
Common Furnace Problems
Furnace not turning on?
One of the most common issues with furnaces is that they need to turn on when needed. This could be due to various reasons, such as a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Here’s what you’ll be able to do to troubleshoot this problem.
- Check the power supply: Make sure that your furnace is receiving power by checking the fuse and circuit breaker.
- Inspect the thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is set to heat mode and the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature.
- Check for loose wires: If you notice any loose wires or connections, secure them properly.
- Change the batteries: If your thermostat runs on batteries, try replacing them and see if that solves the problem.
If none of these solutions work, it may be best to call a professional HVAC technician for further assistance. They have the necessary skills and equipment to diagnose and solve any underlying issues with your furnace.
It’s also important to note that if your furnace is not turning on, it could be a sign of a more serious problem such as a faulty ignition system or a malfunctioning blower motor. In these cases, it’s best to leave the troubleshooting and repairs to the professionals.
Regular maintenance of your furnace can also help prevent issues like these from occurring. Make sure to schedule annual inspections and cleanings to keep your furnace running efficiently and effectively.
No heat coming from furnace?
Another common issue with furnaces is that they may turn on, but no heat is produced. This could be due to a clogged air filter, a faulty pilot light, or a malfunctioning blower motor. Here’s what you can do to troubleshoot this problem:
- Check the air filter: If your air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow and prevent heat from circulating. Try replacing the air filter and see if that solves the problem.
- Relight the pilot light: If you have a gas furnace, make sure the pilot light is lit. If not, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it.
- Inspect the blower motor: If your furnace is making unusual noises or vibrating excessively, it could indicate an issue with the blower motor. In this case, it’s best to call
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps for a furnace with no heat and still cannot resolve the issue, it is best to call a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to diagnose and fix any underlying problems that may be causing your furnace to not produce heat.
In some cases, the air filter may be completely clogged and preventing proper airflow through the furnace. This can lead to overheating and a shut off of the heat source. By replacing the air filter, you can prevent this issue from occurring and keep your furnace functioning properly.
Additional tips:
Another common issue is a faulty pilot light in gas furnaces. If the pilot light is not lit, then there will be no fuel flowing to produce heat. In this case, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely relight the pilot light. If you are unsure of how to do this, it is best to call a professional for assistance.
Lastly, a malfunctioning blower motor can also cause your furnace to not produce heat. If there are any unusual noises or excessive vibrations coming from your furnace, it could be a sign that the blower motor needs to be repaired or replaced. This is a more complex issue that should be handled by a professional HVAC technician
Furnace constantly cycling?
Another common issue that homeowners may face with their furnace is constant cycling. This can be frustrating as it not only disrupts the comfort of your home, but it can also lead to higher energy bills. Here are some possible causes and solutions for this problem:
- Thermostat location: Optimize temperature accuracy and improve the efficiency of your furnace by strategically placing your thermostat away from sources of heat and drafty areas.
- Dirty air filter: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, leading to overheating and short cycling. Regularly changing your air filters can help prevent this issue.
- Improperly sized furnace: If you have recently replaced your furnace, it’s possible that it may be too large for your home. A furnace that is too big will cycle more frequently, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the system.
- Blocked vents: Ensure that all vents are open and unobstructed to allow proper air flow throughout your home. Blocked or closed vents can cause uneven heating and lead to short cycling.
If none of these solutions solve the issue, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician for further assistance. They can properly diagnose and fix the problem to ensure your furnace is running efficiently.
Strange noises coming from furnace?
Experiencing strange noises from your furnace can be concerning and often indicates an underlying issue that needs attention. These sounds, ranging from banging or rattling to whistling, can signify various problems, from minor repairs to more significant concerns.
It’s crucial not to pay attention to these auditory cues, as they can be early warning signs of necessary maintenance or repairs to ensure your heating system’s safe and efficient operation. Addressing these noises can prevent severe complications and ensure your home remains warm.
- Check for loose parts: Loose or damaged parts inside the furnace can cause strange noises. Carefully inspect and tighten any loose parts, or call a professional for repairs.
- Lubricate moving parts: If you notice squeaking or grinding noises, it could indicate that some components need lubrication. Follow your furnace’s manual for instructions on how to properly lubricate moving parts.
- Schedule regular furnace maintenance: To prevent potential issues with your furnace, make sure to schedule regular maintenance appointments with a professional HVAC technician.
They can identify and fix any problems before they become major issues. So next time when you encounter any of these problems with your furnace, you’ll know exactly what to do. With these troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your furnace stays in good working condition and keeps you warm throughout the winter season. Remember to always prioritize safety when dealing with any furnace issues and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
By familiarizing yourself with these common furnace problems and how to troubleshoot them, you can save yourself from unexpected heating emergencies and costly repairs. Remember to perform regular maintenance on your furnace, such as changing the air filter, to prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help.
Additional tips:
In addition to these troubleshooting tips, it’s also important to schedule regular furnace maintenance. This can help identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems that leave you without heat in the middle of winter.
Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of proper installation when it comes to your furnace. A properly installed furnace is less likely to experience issues and will have a longer lifespan. Make sure to hire a qualified HVAC technician for installation and always follow manufacturer instructions for maintenance.
