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Keep Warm All Winter With a Working Furnace
Keeping warm all the way through winter is key to a happy home. As temperatures drop and we hunker down for the remaining winter months, it’s crucial that your furnace continues to heat your home. You’ll feel the impact immediately if there are issues. However, you can be prepared for any issue that may arise with our guide to the five most common furnace issues and how you can address them.
Common Furnace Issues
1. Not Producing Heat
It can be frustrating when your furnace is not doing its job. If your furnace is not working, it will need to be fixed by a professional to prevent burst pipes behind your walls and water damage. It’s important to keep your family warm and comfortable, especially in the winter.
When the furnace isn’t producing heat, it can be caused by one of these following reasons:
- The thermostat is not on or set to the correct temperature.
- The air filters are clogged. When dust and debris build up in the air filter, heat cannot travel through the vents.
- The pilot light flame went out. The pilot light provides the ignition source in the furnace. Without it, the furnace cannot produce heat.
2. Constant Activating and Deactivating
If your furnace turns on and off without completing a full cycle, or without reaching the correct temperature, airflow could be to blame. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and leads to the furnace overheating. Once the furnace overheats, the safety switch kicks in to shut down the system to prevent problems.
3. Not Automatically Turning On
The furnace should automatically turn on when the thermostat is adjusted. If you need to manually turn the furnace on, there could be a few reasons why:
- A lack of fuel.
- A malfunctioning pilot light.
- The circuit breaker switched off.
- A blocked air filter.
- The thermostat is off or on the wrong setting.
4. Making Strange Noises
Every furnace, even a brand new one, is going to make noise. You may commonly hear clicking and whooshing noises which are normal. Other types of noises may be a sign of mild to severe furnace issues that need to be addressed by a professional. For example, knocking or rattling noises can indicate loose parts in your heating system. If you hear rumbling noises when your furnace is off, the source of the issue may fuel in the combustion chamber. Consult with a licensed technician to diagnose the source of the noises.
5. Not Working
Sometimes the furnace might stop working in the middle of a cycle, or maybe it’s not working at all. The problem could be one of three things:
- A tripped circuit breaker
- The pilot light malfunctioning
- No ventilation
DIY Fixes for Your Furnace
These common furnace problems all have similar causes and can be handled on your own.
Following these recommendations can help you solve the problem. Remember to always ensure your safety when working on your furnace and make sure it is both off and completely cool before starting.
- Check the circuit breaker. It may have tripped and turned off, which would turn off the power to the furnace.
- Change the air filters. Any build-up in the filters prevents proper ventilation throughout your home.
- Adjust the thermostat. It should be on and the temperature should be high enough for you.
- Open vents. All the vents in your home should be open to allow for continuous airflow.
- Inspect the ignition source. If the pilot light is out, you can try re-lighting it with a long match.
If these solutions haven’t solved your problem, a licensed HVAC technician can help diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Furnace Repair & Installation Services
If you need a helping hand, or don’t know where to start troubleshooting, the HVAC professionals at Gold Medal Service can assist. Our team provides exceptional heating repair services in Trenton, NJ and other locations. We are committed to providing innovative furnace repair and furnace replacement services to keep your living space comfortable.
Our licensed technicians can extend the life of your furnace, assure proper efficiency, prevent further breakdowns, and keep your family safe. In addition, our team offers other types of HVAC services such as heat pump replacement, heating system maintenance, and air conditioning repair. If your furnace is not working, book an appointment online to receive assistance.