Most people might not know this, but furnaces are one of the most common household appliances that break down. Furnace problems can range from being easy to fix with some TLC to requiring major repairs by an HVAC professional. They also happen to be very expensive to repair or replace. If your furnace is on its last leg, don’t worry! We have compiled a list of the most common problems you might experience with your furnace – and what you can do about them.
1. Dirty and clogged filters:
Furnaces need clean, unobstructed air to work properly. If your filters are dirty or clogged, they will have a hard time getting the proper amount of airflow into your home – causing higher utility bills and inefficient cooling/heating.
Clean them regularly with an oil-free vacuum cleaner hose attachment. Make sure you remember to replace them every few months. You can buy special furnace cleaning kits, or you could hire a professional service who will do it for cheaper than the cost of buying all new filters and hiring somebody yourself.
2. Cracked Heat Exchanger:
The heat exchanger is what heats your home. When it cracks, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning – which has no smell or warning signs. If you think that the heat exchanger might be cracked, shut down your furnace immediately and call professional technicians as they have all of the tools necessary to inspect for any damage. If you think the heat exchanger might be cracked, look for discoloration in your furnace’s vents.
3. Worn out Ball Bearings:
A lot of moving parts in a furnace can cause wear and tear. Furnace ball bearings are one of the most common types of components that go bad, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. If your fan belt breaks or comes loose from your motor, you probably need new bearings! If your bearings are worn out, you might hear strange noises or more friction as the fan spins. You can buy them online and replace them yourself – but it’s a pretty difficult process.
4. Limit Switch Malfunction:
A limit switch is a safety component that stops the furnace from continuing to cycle on and off. When it malfunctions, your unit might overheat or short out – which can be costly repairs. If you think this might have happened, check your circuit box for any unusual odors coming from around the area where your furnace cycles on and off. If it smells burnt, don’t worry! You can call a repair technician to have them inspect the area for you before they do any repairs.
5. Thermostat not working:
This is one of the most common problems that I see every day. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, you might notice higher than usual utility bills, or it just won’t be as comfortable in your home. If this happens to you, check all the wires to ensure they are securely plugged into their sockets and the timer is set correctly. If they are plugged in, and you don’t know how to program your thermostat, call a professional service to inspect it for you.
6. Furnace not blowing air:
If your furnace isn’t blowing air, you might notice weird smells or not be comfortable in your home. The problem could lie with the blower motor or inside of the unit itself – which is why it’s important to call a professional service for help. If you think this has happened, check all of the vents and make sure they are open. If your furnace is blowing air, but it’s not very cold, you might have a damaged heat exchanger or blower motor.
7. Burned out spark igniter:
If your furnace isn’t turning on at all, the problem might be that the spark igniter is burned out. The igniter powers the burner. This is something you should take care of right away. If your furnace isn’t turning on at all, check to ensure that there aren’t any obstructions in front of or around the unit. If everything looks clear, it’s possible that the spark igniter is burned out, and you need to call a professional service for help.
Have you had any issues with your furnace? As the weather begins to turn cold, now is the time to get it checked! Let Hoot help! Contact Us
