Furnaces are essential for keeping your home warm and cozy during the cold winter months. However, they can experience a variety of problems and technical issues that can affect their performance. Here’s a list of common furnace problems during the winter season, along with tips on how to troubleshoot them and when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Furnace Issues during the Winter:
Furnace Failure to Ignite/Start
Possible causes: Ignition problems, thermostat issues, or a malfunctioning pilot light.
Troubleshooting:
- Check if the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and in the “heat” mode.
- Ensure the pilot light is lit or try restarting the ignition system as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inadequate Furnace Heating or Uneven Heating
Possible causes: Loose components, worn-out belts, or issues with the blower motor.
Troubleshooting:
- To pinpoint the problem, listen for particular sounds and where they are coming from. Fix loose or damaged parts by tightening or replacing them. If you still hear the noise, get in touch with a qualified technician for a more in-depth diagnosis.
Frequent Cycling On and Off:
Possible causes: Dirty filters, thermostat problems, or an oversized furnace.
Troubleshooting:
- To improve airflow, replace or clean your air filters. Make sure your thermostat is set correctly and consistently. If the problem persists, contact an HVAC expert to find the right furnace size.
Strange Noises:
Possible causes: Loose components, worn-out belts, or issues with the blower motor.
Troubleshooting:
- To diagnose the problem, listen for certain sounds and where they are coming from. Tighten or replace any loose or damaged parts. If the noise doesn’t go away, contact a qualified technician for further testing.
Lack of Airflow in Furnace:
Possible causes: Blocked air vents, dirty filters, or ductwork issues.
Troubleshooting:
- Remove any obstructions from the vents and registers Then, clean or replace the air filters to improve airflow Finally, check the ductwork for leaks and blockages and take care of them
When is it time to call a professional when it comes to furnace issues?
- If you can’t fix the problem on your own, or you’re not sure if you should do any repairs, let us know.
- If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, immediately turn off the furnace and gas supply, ventilate the area, and contact a professional HVAC technician.
- If you catch a whiff of gas or think there might be a leak, shut off your furnace and gas, make sure everything is ventilated, and get in touch with a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician right away.
- If the furnace is emitting unusual odors, such as a burning smell.
- If you’re unable to identify the cause of the problem or the furnace requires parts replacement or major repairs, contact us immediately!
If you want to make sure your furnace runs smoothly during the winter, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a professional before the season starts. That way, you can avoid any potential problems. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help!
