Fall is the perfect time to test your furnace for the first time before you begin to rely on it every day for warmth. It’s a smart idea to make sure that your furnace will kick on when you need it to. If your furnace doesn’t start up right away, you may be experiencing one of these 5 common furnace problems which we’ll discuss in more depth below.
Being without heat in the middle of the winter is an emergency. Testing your furnace now and having your fall furnace tune-up are great first steps in preventing a dangerous and cold situation. We hope some of these tips help, but remember, Rusk offers emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
5 Common Furnace Problems
It’s common to experience furnace issues now and again. Here are some common furnace problems and some solutions to try when your heater isn’t turning on.
Furnace Frequently Cycles On and Off
If you’re turning on your conventional gas furnace for the first time and it repeatedly starts and stops, that is called “short cycling.” There are many common reasons that can cause short cycling such as a blocked exhaust vent, dirty filter, or other internal reasons.
It’s a smart idea to get in the habit of changing your furnace’s air filter every 90 days. The filter catches dust, allergens, and other debris from getting to your furnace. Replacing a dirty or clogged filter on a regular basis will help maintain airflow to the furnace and keep these irritants from circulating in the air. You can buy replacement furnace filters at most any hardware store.
Keep furnaces vents, exhausts, and chimneys clear of debris. It’s a good idea to inspect these areas once a year to make sure nothing is blocking these vents. If blocked, they could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Avoid an embarrassing phone call the next time your heat goes out, and triple-check that the heat in your home is turned on. Be sure to verify the temperature settings. User error is one of the frequent causes for “no heat” calls. If the heat is on, your thermostat could still be the source of the problem. Many home thermostats rely on batteries for power. Check to see if your thermostat needs batteries, and replace them to get the heat on again.
Thermostats should be replaced every 10-15 years, so having no heat could mean that it’s time for a replacement. If your thermostat is new, it might not be compatible with your heating system, or it is faulty.
Blower Runs Constantly
Another common furnace problem is the fan constantly blowing. Verify on the thermostat if the “fan” setting is on. This setting causes the fan to blow continually. Change the setting back to auto to see if this helps it. A constantly running blower could also be a sign that there is a malfunction with the fan limit control switch. Try restarting the furnace at the breaker to see if that helps.
Pilot Light or Electric Igniter is Out
Most furnaces run on gas which heats the air in your home. Older furnaces use a pilot light, while newer models use an electric ignition. If the igniter or pilot light aren’t working, consult your owner’s manual or contact a furnace repair technician to inspect it.
Furnace Is Noisy
If your furnace is making weird noises, it’s trying to tell you something. Noisy furnaces are in trouble, and it’s a good idea to turn them off and then call a professional HVAC technician for help. Noisy furnaces are usually signs of internal issues and should only be addressed by a professional.
Call Rusk If Your Heat Won’t Turn On
Rusk is here to help you solve common furnace issues. If you’re experiencing any of these issues or different issues, it’s a good idea to call Rusk right away for furnace repair or replacement services.