Winter brings its own set of challenges, and a malfunctioning furnace is undoubtedly one of the most inconvenient and discomforting issues to face during the cold winter months. As the temperatures drop, the last thing you want is to find yourself in a cold home due to a non-functional furnace. Rusk Heating & Cooling explains the common causes behind a broken furnace, provides troubleshooting tips, and discusses when emergency heating services can keep your entire house warm during winter nights.
Understanding the Causes of a Furnace Breakdown
Furnaces are complex systems with various components working together to provide warm air to your home. Identifying the cause of a furnace failure is crucial in determining the most appropriate solution when your furnace breaks. Here are some common reasons why your furnace might go out:
1. Lack of Maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your HVAC system in top condition. Neglecting routine check-ups and cleanings can lead to clogged filters, dirty burners, and overall reduced efficiency, eventually causing the furnace to stop working.
2. Ignition Issues
If your furnace has trouble igniting, it could be due to a faulty pilot light (if you have a natural gas furnace) or an electronic ignition system. Issues with ignition components often result in the furnace failing to produce heat.
3. Thermostat Problems
Sometimes the culprit is not the furnace itself but the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can incorrectly signal the furnace to turn off or not turn on at all so it seems as if the furnace has stopped working.
4. Electrical Problems
Faulty wiring, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse in the electrical panel can disrupt the electrical supply to your furnace, causing it to shut down.
5. Mechanical Failures
Any mechanical component within the furnace, such as the blower motor or fan, can fail over time, leading to a complete breakdown.
Troubleshooting Tips to Try When Your Furnace Breaks
Do you know what to do when your furnace goes out in winter? Before panicking and reaching out for professional help to get your furnace fixed, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to potentially address furnace issues and save yourself from an uncomfortable night in the cold:
Check the Thermostat Settings: Ensure that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature. Sometimes, a simple adjustment can kick-start the furnace back into action.
Inspect the Pilot Light: For older natural gas furnaces with a pilot light, make sure it’s lit. If it’s out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If you have an electronic ignition system, check for error codes or indicators that might point to ignition issues.
Change the Air Filter: A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down. Regularly changing the filter can prevent this problem.
Check the Circuit Breaker: Inspect the circuit breaker dedicated to the furnace. If it’s tripped, reset it. If it continues to trip, there may be an electrical issue that requires professional attention.
Examine the Vents: Blocked vents or ducts can impede the flow of warm air. Ensure that all vents are open and unobstructed to allow proper airflow.
Verify the Fuel Supply: For gas furnaces, check if the gas supply is sufficient and make sure the gas valve is open. If you smell gas and suspect a gas leak, take safety precautions – evacuate the premises immediately and contact emergency services as well as your gas company.
If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to consider professional assistance.
Emergency Heating Services
Furnace breakdowns have an uncanny knack for happening at the most inconvenient times, often in the dead of night when temperatures are at their coldest. In such cases, emergency HVAC services become a lifesaver. These services are designed to address urgent heating system issues outside regular business hours, ensuring you don’t have to endure a freezing night with a broken furnace.
Whether your furnace decides to call it quits at midnight or during a weekend, emergency HVAC services are available around the clock to provide prompt assistance. These services prioritize quick response times to get your furnace up and running as soon as possible. Emergency HVAC technicians are trained to handle a variety of urgent situations. They come equipped with the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix issues on the spot.
Worst case scenario, if a complete repair isn’t feasible immediately, emergency HVAC services may provide temporary heating solutions such as space heaters to help a central room or the entire house stay warm until a permanent fix can be implemented. Always exercise caution when using a space heater or portable heater.
Contact Us for Furnace Repair Services
While troubleshooting your heating system issues can be beneficial, a long-term solution often requires the expertise of professional HVAC technicians. If your furnace is giving you trouble this winter, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rusk Heating & Cooling.
Our team of experienced technicians is ready to diagnose and repair any furnace issue, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable throughout the winter months. Don’t let a furnace outage leave you in the cold – contact us today for reliable and efficient furnace repair services. We are also available to provide 24/7 emergency services no matter what time of day your furnace goes out.