Furnace problems can happen at any time. It’s important to know about the common issues so you can be aware of how to fix them. Here are the top five furnace problems you should know about.
Dirty Filters
This is one of the most common furnace problems. Luckily, it’s also the easiest to fix. Clogged and dirty filters prevent air from circulating properly. This makes it harder to draw air into the mechanical components and causes your furnace to work harder than usual. This can result in poor heating or even your furnace shutting off to protect itself. To keep your furnace in good working order and to ensure maximum efficiency, replace your filter regularly. All you have to do is switch off your furnace, remove the old filter, and insert the new one.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for determining when heat needs to be produced and how much heat is needed. If it stops working, it can impact your furnace’s performance output. You might notice problems like short cycling, sporadic heating, or your house feeling too cold or too hot.
If your thermostat requires batteries, try changing them for a fresh pair. If it doesn’t require batteries, try shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds to reset it. Still not working? Time to call in an expert to see what’s up.
Mechanical Wear and Tear
Over the years, your furnace will begin to wear out. The components will have gone through quite a few heating cycles and may become slow, dull, bent, or moved out of place. Even if one of the components fails, it can cause the entire unit to stop working. From airflow problems to overheating, mechanical wear and tear can cause numerous furnace problems. For wear and tear issues, call in a professional to identify and fix the problem.
Pilot Light Issues
One of the most important components in your furnace is the pilot light, also known as the ignition control or the ignitor. When the furnace turns on, the pilot light produces a small flame that burns natural gas to generate heat and power. Without it, your furnace won’t be able to produce heat. If you hear your furnace try to turn on but go silent and never start, it could be a pilot light problem.
When it comes to this issue, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting to repair or replace the pilot light without the right training or equipment could lead to burns or other injuries.
Lack of Maintenance
Lack of maintenance is another very common furnace problem. Just like your car, your furnace needs regular maintenance. But instead of oil changes, your furnace needs filter changes, cleanings, minor adjustments, and upgrades. Without routine maintenance, your furnace will break down and age much faster than a well-maintained furnace. You can change your air filters regularly, but on top of that, you should have professional maintenance performed annually to keep it in tip-top shape.
Furnace Problems? We Can Help
If you’ve noticed some furnace problems, let Comfort World Heating & Air Conditioning know! We can handle your furnace repair, maintenance, and installation. We’ve been bringing comfort to the valley for over 30 years, so you can count on us to get the job done right. Our highly trained technicians in Scottsdale, Arizona, want to bring a little more comfort to your world!