Without regular maintenance checks and tune-ups, your furnace will eventually break down, irrespective of its age and type. Some of the common signs of furnace problems that you should look out for include:
- persistent noises
- tripped carbon monoxide detector
- inadequate heat
- poor air quality
- a discolored pilot light
It is important to note that a malfunctioning furnace could be a significant health and safety hazard. Specifically, running such a furnace can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Furnace Repair Mercer County NJ: Common Furnace Issues You May Run Into
Contents
In this article, we discuss some of the common issues that lead to a malfunctioning furnace.
Dirty And Clogged Air Filters Lead To Furnace Problems
A dirty and clogged air filter will not only reduce airflow into your furnace but also increase the wear and tear of your heater, causing it to work longer and harder to heat your home. In other words, your heating system will become less efficient. To avoid this issue, hire a qualified HVAC contractor to clean your furnace and replace the air filter regularly.
Thermostat-Related Issues With Your Heating System
Your thermostat may malfunction due to thermostat-related issues including, among others, incorrect calibration, wiring issues, dust and debris, and mismatched components. For instance, aging or faulty wiring could break the connection between the furnace and the thermostat. This problem causes your heater to malfunction. Similarly, a defective heat anticipator can cause your furnace to short cycle. Because of the varied nature of thermostat-related issues, you should not attempt to troubleshoot and fix such issues by yourself. Instead, you should get an experienced HVAC technician to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Problems With A Cracked Heat Exchanger In Your Heater
Consisting of a metal chamber and passageway, the heat exchanger is responsible for separating the combustion process from the air inside your home. It ensures your home remains free from toxic flue products such as carbon monoxide.
Unfortunately, the thin metal, covering the heat exchanger, can crack due to various factors. These factors include repeated moisture exposure, rust, and debris. If this happens, you are likely to experience furnace issues. In particular, your furnace may fail to heat air or stop blowing air altogether. Even worse, it will cause the aforementioned flue products to leak into your home, posing a potential health risk.
To ensure this does not happen, you should call a qualified HVAC contractor to replace your cracked heat exchanger as soon as possible.
Furnace Blower Motor Issues & Causes
In a forced air HVAC system, the primary function of a blower motor is to circulate conditioned air. However, without regular maintenance, the blower motor will likely malfunction due to various reasons. The main reasons for blower motor failure include:
- Dirt accumulation: The accumulation of dirt and other debris can clog the blower motor, causing it to fail.
- Mechanical failure: The blower motor can fail due to mechanical issues. For example, worn out bearings will eventually cause the blower motor to malfunction. Similarly, if the limit switch is worn out, the blower motor will run continuously. As a result, it will circulate cold air instead of conditioned air. What’s more, a worn out belt drive will make it hard for the blower motor to start. At this point, it is important to note that tight drive belts tend to wear out faster and also place unnecessary pressure on the bearings.
- Electrical failure: Electrical issues can cause the blower motor to fail. Common causes range from insufficient voltage to capacitors issues. Blower issues can be challenging to troubleshoot and fix, especially if you lack the necessary knowledge and expertise. Because of that, you should call a professional HVAC contractor to repair your unit’s blower issues.
Conclusion
Some of the common furnace issues you may run into include blower motor issues, cracked heat exchanger, thermostat-related issues, and dirty air filter. If you experience any of these issues, call a professional HVAC contractor to fix the problem. Remember, your furnace is a complex and potentially dangerous appliance.
When you need an HVAC contractor, contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer exceptional heating and cooling services including AC repairs, HVAC installations, furnace tune-ups, and more.
All of the HVAC technicians at PFO Heating & Air Conditioning have ample experience and NATE certifications. They understand the ins and outs of your heating and cooling system. They can accurately diagnose any issues and offer practical solutions. When possible, they will present you with all of the available solutions so that you can choose an option that works best within your budget and plan.
Not only do our technicians have the knowledge and expertise, but they are highly professional and friendly. We use a rigorous process to hire our staff to ensure that your experience with us is a pleasant and highly satisfactory one. We guarantee all of the work that we do. Give us a call today to schedule a free estimate.
Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Bordentown, Florence, Trenton, and these zip codes: 08501, 08505, 08518, 08601 as well as all surrounding areas in Mercer County, NJ.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!