Fall and winter are fast approaching, and this means the heating season for homeowners is upon us. For some, using their furnaces for the first time in a while translates into cozy nights in, while for others, it means that repairs are on their way.
This guide walks you through common furnace problems and their solutions to prevent reoccurring repairs.
Dirty Air Filters
The Problem
Air filters work a lot harder than you think. Besides providing clean, fresh air for your home, they can also filter harmful bacteria, pollen, smoke, pet dander, dust, mold, and other pathogens that could be circulating in your home, keeping you safe and healthy. You also don’t want these things inside your furnace. Think of the air filter as the gatekeeper for your furnace.
Air filters can also save you money on energy bills. Your HVAC doesn’t have to work as hard to push air through a clean filter.
The Solution: Replace them regularly
Home air filters protect your HVAC system but can be harmful if you don’t change them regularly. Clogged filters result in reduced airflow, making your furnace work harder. Overworking your furnace usually means you pay for more repairs.
Forgetting to change air filters can cause excessive wear and tear on your system, which leads to a reduction in indoor air quality.
Ensure your air quality is clean and that your furnace is working efficiently with the right air filters. You can set a monthly alarm to remember to change them. It’s a simple strategy that goes a long way.
Malfunctioning Thermostats
The Problem:
When you notice problems with the temperature in your home, or if you don’t hear your furnace kick on when it’s cold, check your thermostat.
The Solution: Check Settings
Remember to set it to HEAT rather than COOL, and set the fan to ON instead of AUTO. Swap out the batteries and replace them with new ones. If your thermostat doesn’t use batteries, do a check of the circuit/control board. If you’ve exhausted these options, give us a call at (818) 403-3775, and one of our technicians will be on their way.
Blower Running Continuously
The Problem:
A furnace blower should only run when the furnace operates. If your furnace is working correctly, it cycles on and off.
The Solution: Troubleshoot The Thermostat
If your blower runs continuously, turn the thermostat to AUTO and lower the thermostat temperature. If this doesn’t trigger your furnace to turn off, your furnace has a limit switch. If you have a solid working knowledge of your furnace system, you can troubleshoot and repair it yourself. If not, give us a call at (818) 403-3775.
Dirty Burner
The Problem:
The fuel for your furnace goes through the burners, starting with the gas valve opening, and then the igniter and flame sensor work to control the flame.
The Solution: Look at The Color of The Flame
Make sure your gas is on, turn it on, and look at the color of the flame. If it’s blue and the flame is even, the burner is clean. A yellow flame usually indicates dirty burners. It’s essential to clean it at least once a year. If the burner assembly isn’t in good condition, replace it. Give us a call at (818) 403-3775, so we can clean the burners and get you back to comfort.
Noisy Furnace
The Problem:
Most of the time, when your furnace starts making strange sounds, it’s time to investigate. These sounds indicate your furnace needs help:
- Whistling
- Rattling
- Banging
- Popping
- Squealing
- Scraping
The Solution: Investigate
Anything from a loose screw to dirty burners, leaks, or a faulty part and other issues in your ductwork can cause noises as well. When you’re not sure what’s causing the noise, Give us a call at (818) 403-3775.
Need Help with Furnace Repair?
Your furnace is a complex system, and sometimes, you need the HVAC experts on your side to figure things out in a timely and cost-effective way.
Call us today at (818) 403-3775 to ensure that your furnace keeps you comfortable all season long and for many years to come.
