All homeowners should have at least a few basic furnace troubleshooting skills. These will be helpful when the cold months arrive. Furnaces are made to last, but that doesn’t mean they are not susceptible to wear and tear. These durable systems can show symptoms and issues down the line. Unfortunately, these problems can reduce your home’s comfort and safety. Not all HVAC problems can be solved via a DIY. However, there are some furnace troubleshoots you can still do.
Furnace Troubleshooting Tips For Homeowners
Contents
Read on to learn more about the common furnace issues and the corresponding troubleshooting step you can take to fix them.
Furnace Is Not Properly Maintained
Your furnace tends to be overworked during the winter season. It should also be operational during the other months. A heating unit that does not receive regular furnace maintenance is more likely to wear out faster. As a result, your system might experience a premature breakdown. Maintenance should be done at least once a year to ensure that your furnace works effectively and efficiently. It ensures that all problems are resolved immediately and that all components are in tiptop shape. Waiting until the damage in your system escalates can lead to irreparable issues that are costly to fix.
Troubleshoot: Contact your local, trusted technician to get your HVAC system checked and maintained once a year.
Clogged Furnace Filter
The furnace filter’s job is to trap dust, dirt, and other debris to ensure they do not get distributed around your house. This way, you maintain a high level of indoor air quality. Unfortunately, the filters get dirty as time passes. Clogged filters restrict proper airflow, making your system less efficient. It could even strain your furnace, and this could lead to bigger problems.
Troubleshoot: Check the filter periodically. Clean or replace it as needed.
Electric Ignition Or Pilot Control Problems
Your system might be experiencing electrical issues, and it is affecting the electric ignition. Your furnace cannot heat your home if the pilot is out. If your system has an electric igniter, avoid lighting it manually. Check if the furnace has power first before you re-light it. Make sure to refer to the owner’s manual and follow the instructions carefully when re-lighting it.
Troubleshoot: If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it. Check your furnace as well, and search for any drafts or clogs. If the system still doesn’t re-light, call a professional right away.
Faulty Thermostat
If your furnace fails to turn on when you use the thermostat, the component might be malfunctioning. See if it is also showing the right temperature readings. If not, it might have battery problems. Troubleshooting your thermostat should be relatively easy and won’t cost much unless you need to replace or upgrade it.
Troubleshoot: Reset the thermostat. Do this by switching the furnace on and off or shut the power to the system completely. Change the batteries with new ones as well. Remove any dust or debris with a soft and dry cloth or brush. Contact an HVAC expert if these steps do not work.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
A furnace that does not produce warm air is a result of several issues. Some of these include an incorrect thermostat setting, dirty filter, low fuel levels, or a pilot light that’s gone out. Another reason is that you have a furnace with an insufficient capacity for that space it needs to heat.
Troubleshoot: Make sure you have the right-size furnace for your home. A furnace that is too small needs to be upgraded. Call your local HVAC technician to help you find the right size. Check to see that the thermostat has the right setting, clean or change the filter, make sure you have enough fuel, and check the pilot light as well.
Odd Furnace Smells Or Sounds
Certain furnace sounds are warning sounds that should not be ignored. These include booming, rattling, clicking, and screeching noises. If your furnace is letting out an odd smell, it could be an indicator of furnace trouble.
Troubleshoot: There might be an airflow problem, so check the filter as it might be what’s causing the blockage. Other reasons could be a clogged burner or a mechanical issue. If so, do not conduct a DIY and call a professional heating tech to help you.
Furnace Blower Continuously Runs
There might be a problem with the limit switch when the furnace blower keeps running when it’s supposed to stop. Some models allow you to turn off the fan limit switch manually. Check to see if this is the case with your unit. If so, adjust it accordingly.
Troubleshoot: The automatic setting on the limit switch will stop the fan from running continuously. However, if you have a damaged limit switch, call an HVAC contractor to inspect your unit.
Short Cycling Furnace
Short cycling is when your furnace turns on and off in quick successions. It could be caused by various reasons, the most common being you have the wrong furnace size. Other reasons for furnace short cycling include dirty furnace filters, inaccurate temperature reading, and overheating.
Troubleshoot: Ensure that the thermostat is working correctly and that there are no direct heat sources nearby. Call a professional HVAC tech to see if the furnace you have is the right size for your space. The same goes if you have a damaged heat exchanger.
Conclusion
It is always a good idea to know how your furnace operates and what you can do to help ensure it is functioning correctly. Homeowners can safely and effectively conduct heating troubleshooting steps as long as they are equipped with the right information. After all, there are issues that you can fix on your own. The more you understand your heating system, the more effectively and efficiently it can work for you.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning When You Need Furnace Repair Or Replacement Services
When you need superior heating and cooling services, do not hesitate to call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We have the best professionally certified and trained technicians who can perform quality HVAC maintenance, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each of our techs is friendly, skilled, and experienced in conducting accurate and prompt HVAC services at all times.
Rest assured that you are in good hands with PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide affordable and the most competitive rates in the area. Our techs can recommend the best HVAC make and model that suits your home’s needs and budget. We value your satisfaction, so all our work comes with a guarantee. Schedule an appointment and call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!