There’s a long list of reasons as to why a
furnace
may stop working. Many of these issues can be fixed by following a few at-home steps, while others may require professional help. Common problems, such as finicky thermostats or dirty air filters, can be an easy diy fix if you know what to look for. By identifying and inspecting key parts of your gas furnace, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem without needing to consult a professional.
A smoothly functioning furnace is the key to enjoying a cozy and comfortable home during the chilling winter months. However, occasionally, your furnace may encounter issues that demand immediate attention to restore optimal performance and ensure the safety of your home. While leaving the repairs to experienced professionals is advisable, acquiring a basic understanding of common furnace problems can be invaluable in identifying early warning signs and making informed decisions regarding your system’s maintenance and repair needs. Rx comfort heating & air conditioning will discuss the most frequent furnace issues that homeowners face, their possible causes, and helpful troubleshooting tips.
What are Common Furnace Problems?
By travis baugh
gas furnace repair. Three words no homeowner wants to think about. But the truth is, even the best carrier gas furnaces don’t last forever. The longer you stay in your home – and the older your heating system gets – the likelihood that you'll be paying for a gas furnace replacement or repair will increase. Common furnace problems you may experience – like inconsistent room temperature, higher than normal utility bills, reduced airflow and strange noises or smells – may signal it’s time to call a local carrier dealer for gas furnace service.
But before you make the call, be sure to try some of the gas furnace troubleshooting tips described below.
One of the most common furnace problems is a dirty air filter. A dirty filter will reduce airflow, making your furnace have to work harder to produce heat. Additionally, as dust bunnies and other allergens build up in the filter, they will be spread throughout your house, so a clean air filter does wonders for the air quality inside your home. If you have a fiberglass filter, you should change it every two months or so, and if you have a paper filter, change it every 3-6 months. Electrostatic filters, if cleaned regularly, can last for years. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or ask a furnace repair professional how to change it.
Is There a Way to “Diagnose” a Furnace Problem?
Having extensive experience with oil furnaces is crucial when selecting a repair contractor. A skilled technician who has worked on numerous oil furnace models and brands will be able to diagnose problems more efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run. Additionally, an experienced professional should have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in repairing and maintaining various types of oil furnaces. They’ll know how to identify common issues specific to your furnace type, as well as any potential safety hazards that may arise during repairs. Another essential aspect of experience lies in staying up-to-date with industry advancements.
Your furnace might not be turning on because its circuit breaker has tripped. This can happen if the furnace is overworked. Check if its circuit breaker has tripped with the following steps: make sure your vents are open and unobstructed locate your electrical panel and find the breaker marked as "furnace" or "hvac" move the switch to the off position move the switch back to the on position if the breaker trips again (goes into a neutral position), do not reset it again as that is a sign that the furnace might have a serious problem. Contact an hvac professional immediately to diagnose and fix the issue.
Just like about every other furnace component, starting capacitors don’t last forever. If you are experiencing power problems on occasion, this is likely the culprit. Luckily, this is an easy fix, so a furnace technician should be able to have you back up and running in no time.
When the furnace sputters or shuts off in the middle of winter, it’s a stressful situation. You want to get it fixed immediately, but you may be skittish about attempting diy repairs on a furnace that runs on potentially dangerous gas fuel. There are some simple, safe diy gas furnace troubleshooting steps that just about anybody can start with to try to resolve efficiency or heating problems. Try these tips and then call your local furnace repair specialists if you get stuck and need more advanced help.