When your furnace works properly, your indoor space will remain warm and comfy. You’ll never have to worry about the harsh outdoor conditions that can make your living space unbearable. While heating systems are made to last for several years, something will likely go wrong along the way. By learning the common furnace problems, you will know what to look out for and when to call a trained technician to correct the issue. Below are some of the most frequent furnace problems you will likely encounter.
1. Dirty or Clogged Filters
One of the most common furnace problems many homeowners face is having dirty or clogged air filters. Furnace filters trap unwanted particles, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants from the air circulating in your building. Over time, these pollutants clog the air filters and prevent proper airflow. It becomes harder for your heating system to draw air into the mechanical parts.
When this occurs, your furnace has to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home. It strains your system’s vital components, leading to high energy consumption. It can even shorten your furnace’s lifespan. You can avoid these issues by cleaning or changing your air filters every three months. If you have pets, consider changing the filters monthly to maximize your furnace’s efficiency.
2. Cracked Heat Exchanger
Overheating your indoor space or failing to replace the furnace’s air filter on time can easily lead to a cracked heat exchanger. This issue can quickly hamper the ability of your heating unit to function efficiently.
Even worse, a cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas, to seep into your living space. Some tell-tale signs of a cracked heat exchanger include soot around the system, strong and unpleasant smells, and pools of water near the furnace. Indications of carbon monoxide poisoning like nausea, irritated eyes, or headaches are also possible signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
3. Loud or Unusual Noises
Typically, furnaces make some noise during normal operation. You’ll likely hear some clicking sounds once the thermostat reaches a specific temperature and sends signals to the heating system. The furnace may also produce whooshing sounds as the air travels through the ducts. However, if you start noticing loud and unusual noises, it indicates a problem with your furnace.
For instance, if you hear a rattling, humming, or knocking noise, there is a likelihood that a furnace component is loose and requires adjustment. In cases where your system makes a loud rumbling sound, there may be fuel in the furnace’s combustion chamber after shutting it off. Popping or banging sounds signify that the burner struggles to reach the temperature required to combust fuel. Rattling noises signify a broken fan blade or loose ductwork. Whichever weird sounds your furnace makes, a technician should inspect your system and determine the best solution.
4. Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air
The purpose of having a furnace is to distribute warm air when it’s chilly outside. If you turn on your system and it fails to warm your business or home, it’s a cause for alarm. Ensure the thermostat is set to heat and the temperature isn’t too low. If you are still experiencing problems after adjusting the thermostat, the furnace may have a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or clogged blower. In this case, you’ll need to seek help from an industry expert to fix your system’s electrical components.
5. Furnace Doesn’t Heat Your Rooms Adequately
Sometimes, your furnace may turn on but fail to heat up all your rooms. Some rooms may appear relatively warmer or colder than others. If you have an undersized furnace, it will struggle to produce adequate warm air for your entire space. You may have to crank the heat up for longer to achieve the right indoor temperature. However, this leads to excessive strains on the system’s components, which causes expensive repairs in the long run.
If you have an oversized furnace, it will produce excess heat and shut down within a short period. These short running times will also lead to uneven heating. It’s a good idea to consult a knowledgeable professional to help you choose the right furnace size depending on the number of people in your household, the climatic zone, and the home’s square footage.
6. Pilot Light or Ignition Control Issues
The pilot light or ignition control is one of the most vital components in your furnace. Once the heating system kicks on, the ignitor produces a flame that burns natural gas to produce heat. If the ignition control malfunctions, this process won’t occur. When your system has pilot light issues, you may hear it trying to turn on several times without achieving a complete heating cycle.
Dirt accumulation within the furnace is a common cause of ignition control problems, especially on older heating systems. Even though modern furnace models have an electric ignition system, these aren’t foolproof. Therefore, if you notice a colored, weak, or flickering pilot light, call a professional immediately.
7. Frequent Cycling
Furnaces cycle on and off to maintain the desired indoor temperature. When a furnace turns on and off frequently and your indoor space doesn’t attain the set temperature, it’s time to contact a professional. Two possible causes of frequent cycling are restricted airflow or a clogged filter. When your furnace frequently cycles, it may overheat and increase energy consumption.
8. Furnace Does Not Turn On Automatically
When your heating system is in good working condition, it should automatically turn on and heat your building. It only requires a signal from the thermostat to know when to warm your indoor environment. When temperatures drop and your system doesn’t turn on automatically, it has a problem. Try checking the thermostat setting to see if it’s too low. If adjustments on the thermostat don’t solve the issue, you’ll have to seek assistance from an experienced professional to fix your system.
Your Trusted Furnace Repair Team
No matter how minor a furnace problem may seem, it is a significant inconvenience to you, your other family members, or your employees.
At Bold City Heating & Air, our priority is to keep you and your loved ones comfortable throughout the year. Whenever you have a problem with your furnace, you can trust our highly skilled technicians to restore it quickly. We will diagnose the issue and provide you with the most effective solution. Our continuous training program ensures our team stays up-to-date with the latest technology, so no job is too complex for our experts.
Since we started our business in 2016, we have consistently received positive customer reviews for providing top-notch services. Our NATE-certified professionals never stop until your heating system is fully functional. We provide a wide range of services, including duct repair, sealing, and maintenance; commercial and residential duct cleaning; and HVAC maintenance, installation, and repair in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas.
Reach out to our team at Bold City Heating & Air today to discuss your furnace repair needs.
