Top 5 Most Common Furnace Repairs
Top 5 Most Common Furnace Repairs And What To Expect
Life would be better if you could count on your furnace to run without issue all winter long.
But just like your air conditioner in the summer, your heating system is tested in extreme. Although we can’t guarantee your furnace will never breakdown over its lifetime, we can educate you on the most common furnace or heating repairs. Plus how to avoid them and what to expect if you experience them.
Dirty Filters Causing Problems
If your furnace is acting up in any way, check your filter first! Dirty filters are very common and extremely easy to fix. The damage it causes your home comfort system? That’s a different story. Your furnace filter keeps the air in your home and ductwork clean by blocking dust, dirt, allergens, pollutants and other gross stuff. Unfortunately, there are no “one size fits all” guidelines for changing your filter. Best practice is to check it monthly and determine how often it needs replaced for your home. Double check the filter packaging as well – there are many different filter variations and some high-quality ones need replaced more often.
Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air
Your furnace has one job: to keep your home and everyone in it warm! If it’s lacking in that department (and you already changed your filter) check your thermostat to ensure the settings are correct. The temperature, fan setting, and operating mode are the most common things you’ll want to look at. As well as any programming or schedules you may or may not be aware of. Another common cause for no hot air is the pilot light (which is responsible for igniting the fuel in your system). Something as simple as a dirty igniter can result in no flame-age. No matter how easy the repair may be, it’s worth having a professional look over the whole system to confirm everything else is working optimally.
Inadequate Cooling From Furnace
A furnace cycles off once the desired temperature is reached. If it starts turning on and off frequently, especially without reaching the set temperature, then you’ve got a problem. A common cause? Lack of airflow! This can be due to a dirty filter (are you seeing a pattern here?), blocked vents, or something more serious. Your furnace may also just be too small for your home! Rather than risk your furnace overheating, leaving you in the cold, call a technician pronto for a full system evaluation. That way you know what the actual problem is and get it fixed.
Furnace Making Noise
You know the normal sounds your furnace does (or doesn’t) make. So if something seems off, it probably is. With so many moving parts and components, it’s challenging to tell what the cause of the noise is just by listening. But it will only get worse if you choose to ignore it! A bolt may need adjusted or tightened. Or an integral part of the equipment may have finally given out. Either way, have an HVAC technician inspect all the parts to determine the cause of the noise and make any necessary repairs (minor or major). It’s worth it to restore the peace and quiet in your home.
Leaking Gas From Furnace
If have a gas furnace, carbon monoxide detectors should in your home! This colorless, odorless gas is a silent killer and can slowly escape from the smallest of cracks in your heating system. Although the biggest cause is the age of the system, cracks can form anytime because of the heated metal expanding and contracting. This is one of the most important reasons we recommend annual maintenance! To keep an eye out for any wear or tear that could lead to a potential crack. If you do suspect a gas leak, shut down your furnace immediately and call a professional!
How To Avoid These Furnace Problems?
When it comes to furnace repairs, consider is the age of your heating system first. And be realistic. There’s only so much you can do if your furnace is over 10 years old with a laundry list of repairs made over its lifetime. However, there are things you can do to prevent major problems. Change your filter regularly! This will prevent a whole host of issues with your home comfort system. Next, schedule preventative maintenance (we recommend once a year) for your heating and cooling system. Staying ahead of any major issues helps you avoid costly, surprise repairs.
With that being said, it may be time to schedule a furnace repair if you notice any of the above problems. And if you’re part of our Comfort Club, you get front-of-the-line service for repairs no matter how cold [or hot] it is!
If you have any other questions or concerns, please call (757) 868-7600 or send us a message through the online form below.
