Furnace Repair is a costly endeavor, but often worth the investment to ensure you and your family stay comfortable. Choosing the right contractor can significantly minimize costs by ensuring repairs are done correctly and protecting warranty coverage.
Unusual noises like banging, whining or rattling are common indicators that something is wrong with your furnace. A skilled technician can pinpoint the issue and perform furnace repair quickly to restore heat to your home.
A furnace’s ignition system controls the combustion process that warms up your home. If your furnace’s ignition system isn’t functioning correctly, you might notice that your home doesn’t heat as it should. This is a sign that the gas ignition system needs repairs or replacement. While some minor issues can be resolved by homeowners, complex problems should always be repaired by a professional.
In some cases, your ignition system might need replacement because the igniter is cracked or broken. Located below your furnace’s access cover, the igniter is responsible for heating the fuel and starting the combustion process. Inspect the igniter to see if it has a yellow tint or shows any signs of wear. If you notice a yellow tint or any other problems with the igniter, turn off your furnace and call a professional.
If you have a newer furnace that uses an electronic ignition system, it may be difficult to diagnose this issue without the help of a technician. However, if your older furnace still has a standing pilot light, it is possible that the pilot light has gone out or that the ignitor switch has stopped working.
If your ignitor switch isn’t working, you won’t be able to get your furnace to produce heat even though your thermostat settings are correct. In addition, a malfunctioning ignitor switch can increase the amount of wear and tear on your furnace. An experienced HVAC technician can inspect your ignitor switch to see if it’s malfunctioning or needs replacing. They can also clean it if it is dirty.
Short Cycling
If your furnace turns on and off frequently without ever reaching the temperature set by your thermostat, your system is short cycling. This condition disrupts your comfort and increases energy bills while also placing extra stress on the system. Fortunately, there are many potential solutions to this problem.
One common cause of short cycles is a dirty air filter. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow to the heat exchanger and causes it to overheat. The furnace’s built-in safety devices then shut the system down to prevent damage. Changing the air filter or replacing it entirely can help fix this issue.
Another potential cause of short cycling is a faulty thermostat or battery. Old or weak batteries interfere with the thermostat’s ability to correctly read your home’s temperatures, which can affect cycle length. Changing the batteries or relocating the thermostat to a cooler area can often remedy this issue.
A clogged flue or vent pipe can also trigger the system to shut down. The flue is designed to release hazardous gasses, so if it becomes blocked by debris such as a bird’s nest or dead vermin, the system will overheat and shut down as a precautionary measure.
If the above troubleshooting steps fail to help, it’s time to call a professional. An HVAC technician will have the tools, skills and knowledge needed to diagnose the issue and repair it promptly. They can also assess your current system to determine if it’s the right size for your home’s heating requirements. Getting a new, properly-sized furnace can help you avoid costly repairs and short cycling in the future. Contact us to learn more about our furnace installation services today.
Insufficient Airflow
When your furnace kicks on, it should be blowing plenty of warm air throughout the house. If you’re noticing weak airflow, it may be time for a heating repair.
A few simple tasks can help improve weak airflow in your furnace. Start by inspecting vents for obstructions, checking for closed dampers, and evaluating ductwork insulation. These basic maintenance steps can make a big difference in the performance of your system.
Changing air filters regularly is another important way to enhance your system’s performance and efficiency. Make sure to use a filter that fits your system, and replace it whenever it’s clogged with dust and debris.
If your furnace is producing excessive amounts of smoke or a burning smell, it’s time for an inspection and cleaning by a professional HVAC technician. In these cases, the underlying problem can be complex and require specialized expertise.
One of the most common reasons for poor airflow in a furnace is blocked flue pipes. These pipes transport dangerous combustion fumes out of the home, but if something blocks them from exiting, it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, a fire, and serious health consequences.
Maintaining proper ventilation during a furnace repair is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of the homeowner and anyone else in the vicinity. Ventilation standards outline criteria for vent sizing, clearance distances from combustible materials, and other factors that promote safe working conditions in confined spaces like a furnace room.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer, can be produced by furnaces or other gas appliances that aren’t operating properly. It’s a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can cause a wide range of symptoms in humans. It builds up in the body and displaces oxygen, causing poisoning that can be fatal.
The best way to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is to install carbon monoxide detectors and keep them regularly tested. It’s also essential to have your furnace and any other gas-powered appliances checked by a professional on an annual basis. During a regular tune-up, the technician will replace the air filter and lubricate the motor to help avoid carbon monoxide leaks.
Other ways to prevent carbon monoxide leaks is by making sure that your flue pipes and chimney are in good condition. Over time, these components can corrode or become blocked with soot and other debris. During routine inspections, the technician can make sure that they’re clear and free from damage or obstructions.
Lastly, never use generators or portable fuel-burning appliances inside your home. They should always be used outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. If you or anyone in your household develops any of the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Pregnant women should be especially careful, as carbon monoxide can attach to fetal hemoglobin at a level 10% to 15% higher than it does in the mother.
A carbon monoxide detector will sound if the CO levels get too high, helping you take action before the problem gets worse. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from your furnace this winter.
Electrical Issues
As with any electrical system, a furnace’s electrical connections can become faulty over time. This can affect the system’s ability to function, as well as pose safety risks to homeowners. This is a type of problem that should be handled by a professional, as the proper handling of wires requires knowledge and skill.
One of the most common issues related to furnace electrical components is a faulty capacitor. Capacitors store and release electrical energy to help start the motor that drives your furnace’s blower fan. When a capacitor wears out, it may stop working and lead to motor failure.
A bad fuse is another electrical issue that can negatively impact your furnace. Fuse problems typically stem from a lack of maintenance, which leads to the accumulation of dust and grime on fuse terminals that prevent them from connecting properly. Using a fuse with the wrong capacity is also a culprit. Trained technicians can quickly diagnose a faulty fuse and recommend a replacement.
Other electrical issues include problems with the thermostat’s wiring and the control board. A faulty thermostat can lead to unreliable temperature controls, while wires with loose ends can cause short circuits that shut down the entire unit.
Before you tackle any DIY furnace repair, be sure to turn off the power supply to the system. This will eliminate the risk of accidental contact with live wires and minimize your exposure to electric shock. It’s also a good idea to wear non-conductive work gloves and use insulated tools whenever possible. A voltage tester is also a helpful tool to have on hand, as it allows you to test whether an electrical component has an active current without touching it.