Furnace problems are major headaches, no matter when they arise.
And yet, no matter when you have issues with your home heating system — no matter what the time of day is or what day of the year — our local furnace technicians here at Monroe Heating & Air are always available to help, ever-ready to come to your residence and get your comfort-making machine back on track. We’re even available on weekends and holidays.
With that said, however, there are a host of reasons why a home heating unit might develop problems, and a host of steps you, as a homeowner, can take to thwart the problem in the first place.
Below is our list of the most common causes of furnace problems along with tips to help you prevent them from transpiring.
Thermostat problems
If you lose your heat, one of the first things you should check is your thermostat. Thermostats often need calibration when they’re older. Moreover, they can become faulty or defective. Then again, if you’re fortunate, the source of the problem might be something as simple as the thermostat’s power source or batteries. In any case, if you have an older thermostat, upgrading to a Wi-Fi thermostat or smart thermostat is a worthwhile investment that will pay for itself in a very short period of time.
Furnace maintenance neglection
All too-often we repair problems that could have been prevented with a furnace tune-up, inspection and seasonal maintenance visit in the fall. If you want to make sure your furnace runs smoothly, efficiently and lasts a long time — maintenance is a wise investment well worth the cost, especially when you look at the big picture and compare it to the cost of a breakdown or furnace failure and high heating bills. As noted above, seasonal maintenance enables our HVAC technicians to thoroughly evaluate the unit and pinpoint potential problems before they develop into disasters during the heating season.
Air filter is old or needs replaced
Air filters fill up with dirt and dust quickly. They need to be checked frequently throughout the wintertime. When an air filter is clogged, it causes the furnace to have to work extra hard to heat the home — harder than normal to sustain the same temperature. This increase in strain due to lack of airflow is harmful and unnecessary. We strongly suggest keeping an eye on furnace filters throughout the winter months and frequently replacing them or cleaning them.
Pilot light or ignition problems
The pilot light/igniter is an important part of a gas furnace heating system. It’s responsible for the flames that make the heat. It ignites the actual fuel that heats the home. If this component isn’t working, the fuel won’t ignite and you’ll be left cold. With this in mind, there is a way to properly check to see if your pilot light is operational. Ideally, it’s good to have it checked out at least every fall as part of a maintenance visit because the flame should be blue and not yellow and it should never be flickering. These are things a professional knows how to identify. Dealing with gas and the potential for carbon monoxide — it’s always better to play it safe than to be sorry.
The blower motor failure
Because the blower motor is essentially what keeps the air circulating in your home, if this component fails it doesn’t matter how efficient your furnace is, the hot air will not get distributed to where you need it in your home. A blower motor can fail from overheating, bad wiring or other issues. Have your ducts cleaned and your furnace tuned-up to keep the blower working effectively. And, as noted above, keep your air filters from clogging.
Fuel supply issues, electrical problems
The majority of home heating systems are fueled by natural gas or powered by electricity. The most common reason for furnace breakdown due to electrical issues is poor wiring. Poor wiring can cause a furnace to short out and blow a breaker. To make sure your home heating equipment is wired properly, you can ask a technician to have a look when you have maintenance performed. And if you suspect problems with a natural gas furnace, the matter should be taken seriously. Natural gas is toxic and can be dangerous. You should call us, or someone, right away. With respect to any of these sorts of problems, we look for them when we do maintenance. Be sure to have your furnace tuned-up annually to avoid any potential issues.
Don’t delay getting your furnace fixed today!
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or any issues we haven’t covered, call Monroe Heating & Air today at (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here
