In this article…
- 10 Common Furnace Problems and How To Fix Them
- Maintaining Your Furnace To Prevent Potential Issues
- Keeping Your Furnace And Home Running All Winter Long
Your furnace is a lifeline for keeping your home and your family warm and cozy as temperatures drop and winter arrives.
Without proper maintenance, common problems can lead to poor heating, costly repairs, or even safety hazards.
Luckily, maintaining your furnace before it gets too cold and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues will ensure you stay warm all winter long and can be prepared in case any problems arise.
Here at DEETS, we’ve been your heating and cooling experts since 2001, helping thousands of homeowners in Northern Pennsylvania maintain their homes’ comfort throughout all the seasons.
Whether you need professional HVAC repairs or just want to know some general maintenance tips for your system, we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make an educated decision and be your guide for all things heating and cooling.
This article will outline common furnace issues along with troubleshooting tips and preventative measures to keep your system operating at peak performance all winter long.
10 Common Furnace Problems and How To Fix Them
Many issues that can occur within your furnace can be prevented. However, when they arise unexpectedly, it’s important to know how to easily fix them to keep your furnace running properly.
Let’s look at 10 common problems that can occur with your furnaces and a few simple solutions to follow.
1. Clogged Air Filters
Air filters are your furnace’s first line of defense against dust, debris, and allergens.
When they get clogged, they restrict airflow, making your furnace work harder to heat your home. This can result in higher energy bills, uneven heating, and even system breakdowns.
If you’ve noticed a decrease in your furnace’s efficiency or an increased amount of dust in your home, it’s likely time to replace your filters.
Follow these maintenance tips to avoid clogged filters:
- Check your air filters monthly, especially before and during peak usage periods.
- Replace disposable filters every 1-3 months or clean reusable filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use filters with a MERV rating* suited to your system and household needs for better filtration. For example, homes with pets or allergies may require higher-rated filters for better filtration.
*The MERV rating on an air filter is the minimum efficiency rating value, which measures how effectively the filter captures airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter works.
2. Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat that doesn’t function properly can lead to spotty temperatures, making your home too hot or too cold. It can also prevent your furnace from turning on or off at the right times.
A faulty thermostat may be due to dead batteries, system updates, or if the thermostat is outdated.
Luckily, troubleshooting a faulty thermostat is easy. Follow these steps in order to fix your faulty thermostat and keep your furnace running properly:
- Replace the batteries and check that the thermostat is set to “heat” mode.
- Clean the thermostat to remove dust and debris that might interfere with its sensors.
- If the problem persists, inspect the wiring connections or reset the circuit breaker.
- Still no luck? It may be time to upgrade to a smart thermostat or call an HVAC professional.
3. Blocked Vents
When floor vents are blocked by furniture, rugs, or debris, your furnace can’t distribute heat evenly throughout your home. This not only makes some rooms uncomfortable and colder than others but also strains the system.
If some rooms feel colder than others, be sure to check that all vents are free from blockages, and follow these tips:
- Regularly check that all vents are open and unobstructed.
- Vacuum vent covers and inside the ducts to remove accumulated dust.
- For outdoor vents, clear away leaves, snow, or other debris that might block airflow.
- Consider having your ductwork inspected and sealed if airflow issues persist.
4. Pilot Light Problems
Older furnaces often rely on a pilot light to ignite the burners. If the pilot light goes out or won’t stay lit, your furnace won’t produce heat.
If your furnace stopped running or producing heat at all, it’s possible the pilot light may have gone out.
When this occurs, follow these steps to inspect and relight the pilot light and keep your furnace running.
- Check that your gas supply is active and that the valve is fully open.
- Clean the pilot light assembly to remove dirt or debris that may interfere with ignition.
- Inspect the thermocouple, which ensures the pilot light stays lit, and replace it if necessary.
- If drafts are a problem, consider installing a draft shield near the furnace.
- Follow your furnace manual’s relighting instructions carefully or contact a professional if unsure.
5. Dirty Burners
Burners are responsible for creating the flames that heat your home. Over time, dirt and debris can build up, reducing combustion efficiency and potentially causing your furnace to operate irregularly.
If you’ve noticed dirt build-up around your furnace and burners, inspect and clean them following these steps.
- Turn off the power and gas to your furnace before cleaning the burners.
- Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.
- Clean the flame sensor with fine steel wool to ensure it detects the burner flames properly.
- Schedule a professional cleaning if you notice soot buildup or suspect more serious issues.
6. Short Cycling
Short cycling happens when your furnace turns on and off too frequently, which wastes energy and stresses your system. It can be caused by dirty filters, thermostat issues, or blocked vents.
If your system regularly short cycles and you aren’t sure what the culprit is, these tips will help you navigate and pinpoint the main cause and keep your system free from short circuits in the future.
- Replace clogged air filters to improve airflow.
- Check that your thermostat is located away from drafts or heat sources that might cause false readings.
- Clear vents and ducts to ensure proper airflow throughout your home.
- If the problem continues, a professional inspection may be needed to address issues like a malfunctioning limit switch or blower motor.
7. Dirty Ductwork
Dusty or dirty ductwork not only reduces heating efficiency but also impacts indoor air quality, allowing more dust and dander to cycle through your system and into your home. This can aggravate allergies and lead to uneven heating.
Because your ductwork is an integral part of your HVAC system, ensuring they are in good health is crucial.
If you’ve noticed an increased amount of dust, dander, and allergens throughout your home, try inspecting your ductwork and performing these simple maintenance tasks to improve IAQ.
- Vacuum visible portions of ducts and clean vent covers regularly.
- Replace air filters frequently to prevent dust from circulating through the system.
- Schedule a professional duct cleaning if you notice significant debris, mold, or pest infestations.
8. Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor pushes warm air through your ducts and into your living spaces. If it malfunctions, you may experience weak or no airflow.
Follow these easy tasks to avoid blower motor issues and keep your furnace running smoothly.
- Check and replace the air filter to prevent the motor from overheating.
- Inspect the motor’s power supply and wiring connections.
- Clean the blower motor and its housing to remove dirt and debris.
- A professional may need to repair or replace faulty components like the capacitor or limit switch.
9. Cracked Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a critical component that heats the air. A crack in this part can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, posing a serious health and safety risk.
- If you suspect a crack, turn off the furnace immediately and contact an HVAC technician.
- Replace the heat exchanger or the entire furnace, as repairing a crack is not a safe option.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home for early warning signs of leaks.
10. Uneven Airflow
Uneven heating can result from blocked vents, dirty ducts, or imbalanced airflow. This can leave some rooms too cold while others are overly warm.
If vents are blocked or there is excess dirt and dust around your system, it can also decrease your system’s efficiency and strain your system.
To avoid uneven airflow and making your system work harder, look at these components of your system to ensure proper airflow throughout your home:
- Ensure vents are open and unblocked in all rooms.
- Seal duct leaks and insulate exposed ductwork to reduce heat loss.
- Consider adding more return vents or installing a zoning system for better control.
Maintaining Your Furnace To Prevent Potential Issues
While understanding common furnace problems and how to troubleshoot them is important, you also want to know some preventative maintenance steps you can take before the first winter storm hits to stay warm and avoid costly repairs.
Follow these precautionary measures to prep your furnace for winter and stay warm and comfortable:
- Change Air Filters: Replace filters regularly to maintain optimal airflow and reduce strain on the system.
- Inspect Vents and Ducts: Clear blockages and seal any leaks to improve airflow and reduce heat loss.
- Clear the Outdoor Unit: Remove debris like leaves and branches to ensure proper ventilation.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Periodically lubricate internal components to prevent wear and tear.
- Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly and adjust it for energy efficiency.
- Inspect Electrical Connections: Tighten loose connections and address wiring issues.
- Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and ensure detectors are functioning properly.
- Seal Air Leaks: Close gaps around windows and doors to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace annually to catch potential problems early.
With these preventative maintenance tips, you can prep your furnace for the season and enjoy warmth and comfort until springtime.
Keeping Your Furnace And Home Running All Winter Long
Now that you know 10 common furnace problems and how to properly troubleshoot them, you’re well prepared to take preventative measures to protect your furnace before it gets too cold and keep your home warm even if something goes wrong.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re equipped to handle minor issues that may occur to your furnace and ensure it continues to run effectively.
As a general rule of thumb, remember these three key maintenance tips to follow to protect your furnace and your home:
- Keep the area around your furnace clear to reduce fire risks.
- Monitor for unusual sounds that may indicate a problem.
- Insulate ducts to minimize heat loss in unconditioned spaces.
By addressing common issues and following these maintenance tips, your furnace will stay in top shape, providing reliable warmth and comfort throughout the winter.
Along with properly maintaining your furnace before it’s too cold, it’s also crucial to protect all plumbing elements around your home to avoid a potential pipe burst and water damage to your home.
To further your winter preparation journey, check out this article that outlines eight plumbing elements to winterize around your home and how to prepare them to endure below-freezing temperatures properly.
Then, both your furnace and home’s plumbing will be ready to endure a long winter, and you can avoid running into costly repairs and damage to your home.
In Need Of A Winter HVAC Tune-Up?
If you’ve noticed your HVAC system is not performing as well as it used to, it may be time for a professional, pre-season tune-up.
At DEETS, our team of expert, certified technicians is here to provide you with exceptional service and make sure your furnace is ready to handle the winter.
When you’re in need of high-quality HVAC service with a trustworthy company, nobody beats DEETS.
