4 Common Furnace Problems And How To Fix Them
We'll soon rely on our furnace to heat our home as the cooler weather sets in. Being cold is the worst possible feeling! Brr!
If your furnace isn't working properly then it needs a repair. You can troubleshoot some things on your heating system and/or gas furnace yourself such as a dirty air filter.
A professional HVAC technician should do most of the furnace repair work. Here are some of the most typical furnace issues and solutions!
Thermostat Throwing You Off?
The thermostat is the root of many furnace issues. If you're having trouble getting the heating to work, it could be because your thermostat is controlling your furnace. You can check the following items.
Does the power to your thermostat work? Some thermostats might just need their batteries replaced.
Verify that the heat setting is active on your thermostat. The thermostat may still set to the summer cooling mode or to the fan-only setting for air circulation.
Check that the temperature in the room is at least five degrees higher than the thermostat's setpoint. While you might not want it that warm in your house, this step can assist you in identifying the main source of your problems.
Confirm the date and time on the thermostat. Many modern thermostats control your home comfort system based on the day of the week and time of day. If these are incorrect in your thermostat, chances are the temperature setpoint is changing when you don’t want it to.
The Furnace Will Not Turn On
Checking the thermostat settings is the first step to take if your furnace won't kick on. But if you have already looked there, relax. A furnace won't turn on for countless reasons.
In fact, if any part of your gas furnace isn't working, your furnace will shut down and not turn on. Here are the main reasons our technicians see out in the field if your unit won't work.
Circuit Breaker Trip
One of the most frequent causes is a circuit breaker trip. Find the "HVAC" or "Furnace" label next to one of the switches on the breaker panel in your house. This toggle's appropriate setting is "on."
The circuit breaker has been tripped if the switch is in the "off" or middle position. Switch back and forth while keeping it in the "on" position to reset the breaker. If the breaker keeps tripping, there may be a bigger issue at hand. The circuit breaker is a safety measure, so if it continues to trip, you’ll want to call us for repair.
Wiring Issues
If the circuit switch is turned "on" but your furnace isn't turning on, there may be a problem with the unit itself that is preventing power from reaching it. Wiring issues are frequent, but the furnace door safety switch is also a frequent source of trouble.
Open Furnace Door
Your furnace's door needs to be installed for it to operate. A sensor known as a safety switch is found in many furnaces. The furnace won't turn on if the door is open.
Whatever the problem, Miller's Heating & Air can assist in finding its root and carry out any necessary rewiring.
Power Switch
Make sure your power switch is on. You can always use this to reset your furnace as well.
Pressure Switch
When the inducer motor runs it creates a vacuum. This will close the pressure switch, which sends a signal to your ignitor to turn on. If your pressure switch has a part failure, it can get stuck closed. This is the most common gas furnace issue that we see.
Limit Switches
Limit switches are a safety feature. They will shut down your furnace when either:
Furnace is too hot
Flames have hit it
Blower Motor
Your unit's blower motor will stop working if there is:
a blown capacitor
blown bearings
and/or an electrical failure.
Gas Line
With your gas line turned off, your gas furnace won't work. Also, if there is a leak from your gas line then your unit won't work. A natural gas leak is a
Gas Valve
A malfunctioning gas valve can cause your unit not to turn on. It can get stuck closed or the rely contactor on the valve can not open correctly.
Creepy (or Annoying) Noises
Furnaces that are overly noisy are not just annoying; they are a sure sign that a problem is developing. Our customers have mentioned banging, squealing, and humming among other noises.
Sadly, this an issue that has a lot of DIY options associated with it. We strongly advise contacting our team as soon as possible when you start to hear these noises.
However, one thing you can do to is be particularly specific about the kind of noise and the location. This will assist us in preparing for your visit. We will make sure to have the necessary supplies and tools to address your particular problem.
Short Cycling
We refer to your furnace's frequent on-and-off heating cycles as short cycling.
Short cycling is frequently caused by a dirty filter. When your filter becomes clogged with dust and debris, it reduces how much air flow can pass through your system. Lack of airflow can lead to overheating, and as a safety measure, your furnace will turn off when the air becomes too hot.
Most people in the Northwest need to replace their filter at least quarterly (that’s every 3 months). You might replace your filter more frequently if:
You have pets in the home
Someone in your family suffers from indoor allergies
Health ailments of those living in the house, like asthma or other breathing problems
In these cases, we suggest replacing filters monthly.
A clean-looking filter, by the way, doesn't necessarily mean that it is clean. Some of the tiny particles caught by air filters are invisible to the naked eye.
Even if everything seems to be in order, keep the replacement schedule. Additionally, it has been far too long since your last replacement if your filter is visibly dirty.
Preventative Maintenance
The best thing you can do to prevent your furnace from breaking down is scheduling an annual maintenance. Other benefits of preventative maintenance include:
safety check by a professional HVAC technician
improve efficiency and lower utility bills
filters brought to your home
better indoor air quality
keeps your warranties active
diagnostic check of potential system problems
At Miller's, we offer our World Class Maintenance Plan, which includes an annual maintenance and safety check. Other benefits include priority service and discounts on services.
Best Furnace Repair in Vancouver,
Portland and Surrounding Areas
Heating equipment is complex. You should hire a licensed HVAC company to work on your HVAC system.
For the best furnace repair in Vancouver and Portland, reach out to MIller’s Heating & Air today!
