A furnace is one of the most important appliances in many homes because it helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable. When everything is going well with your furnace, you may not notice it operating behind the scenes. While these heating units have a long lifespan by design, there is a probability that something will go wrong at some point. The good news is that many furnace problems are pretty easy to fix. You can do some troubleshooting on your own, or a trained heating expert can help solve the problem quickly. Below are some of the most common furnace concerns and what you can do to fix your furnace.
1. A Malfunctioning Thermostat
If your home’s furnace is not producing heat at all, check the thermostat to ensure you’ve set it to heat. You can also check your thermostat batteries and replace them if necessary to ensure the thermostat has sufficient power to activate your furnace. Also, make sure the location of your thermostat is away from any sources of heat to avoid wrong readings. If you’ve replaced batteries and checked the settings and the furnace is still blowing cold air, you need to contact a professional.
2. Ignition Issues
Most of the modern gas furnaces come with electric ignition. The electronic part ignited by some electrical components turns the gas pilot on, which kindles the burners later. If there’s an issue with the ignition, your furnace might start malfunctioning. The good news is that simple fixes such as filter replacement, power and gas line checks can do the trick. If these fixes don’t solve the problem, it’s time to call in your technician.
3. Furnace Noises
Banging, squealing, rumbling, humming, and thumping sounds are all signs of internal problems in your home’s furnace. If you notice loud or unusual noises coming from the furnace, it can indicate a serious issue. Turn off the gas and power to the heating system and call your heating expert immediately to inspect the unit and diagnose the problem. Leaving the gas or power on can cause severe damage to your furnace.
4. Cracked Heat Exchangers
A crack on the heat exchanger can affect the general performance of your furnace. It can also lead to carbon monoxide buildup in your home. Some of the signs of cracked heat exchangers might include unpleasant odors, pools of water on the floor near your furnace, carbon monoxide poisoning, and soot on the inside part of the furnace. If you notice any of these signs, shut down the heating system immediately and call an expert to handle the problem.
5. Dirty Furnace Filters
A dirty filter is among the most common causes of furnace and air conditioner breakdowns. Dirty filters can get clogged with dust and dirt, impeding airflow. As a result, your furnace will have to work extra harder than usual to maintain the set temperatures. Additionally, clogged filters can also cause your furnace to keep switching on and off. This problem will not only cause your house to feel quite uncomfortable but also increases your home’s energy consumption and the probability of a furnace breakdown. Make sure you regularly check and change the furnace filters, particularly during the heating months, to reduce the chances of a furnace breakdown.
6. Zero or Insufficient Heat
The purpose of having a furnace in your home is to make your living space comfortable when the outdoor temperatures are extremely low. However, if your heating unit fails to blow warm air, it is an indication that your system needs repair and maintenance. If you are conversant with heating systems, you can make a quick check on your thermostat, power availability in your furnace, and the heat registers. However, if you have no experience with these units, it’s highly recommended to call an expert to inspect your unit.
Contact Us for Reliable Furnace Services
Knowing the common furnace problems that might arise during the heating season and ways to fix them can help keep your unit running efficiently. It can also lower your chances of a furnace breakdown or costly repairs in the long run. If you experience any of the above issues and have tried fixing them yourself with no luck, our heating experts at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are here to assist. These licensed professionals have the industry know-how and experience to correct and service your heating unit for optimum efficiency.
Our company also offers air conditioning, zoning, air quality, ventilation, and new construction services to the residents of Albany, NY, and its surroundings. Contact our experts today to schedule your service request or book an appointment.
