Furnaces will develop faults whether you use them or not. In fact, performing a regular maintenance on your system does not stop these faults from happening.
Even the best furnaces are going to need repairs with time. There are some general problems of furnaces that every homeowner must be aware of.
Discussed below are 5 common furnace problems and how to handle them.
1. Lack of maintenance
This is the foremost problem almost every homeowner encounter with their furnace. However, it is the most preventable one.
It is very easy to forget to maintain your furnace, especially in the warmer days. Furnaces need to be maintained even when they are not in use. This will ensure that they do not disappoint during coldest days of the year. Therefore, always perform a routine check on your furnace and keep it in a good working condition.
We recommend our furnace and A/C maintenance plan, which includes Kohles & Bach cleaning and checking your furnace in the fall and your air conditioner in the spring.
2. Problems with the pilot light or ignition
Often times, whenever the furnace is blowing cold air or randomly blowing warm air, the problem is either from the pilot light or the ignition.
It is sometimes possible for the homeowners to check the pilot light in some models, but it is not advisable to re-light them without an expert supervision.
Re-lighting the pilot light is more than lighting a candle. Thus, call a professional to find out why the light was out and fix it before relighting.
3. Filter problems
Filter problems are usually caused by lack of maintenance. Therefore, they can easily be prevented. Filters can get clogged up from all the dirt and dust in the air.
A simple cleaning process can help to fix the issue. During the cold days when the furnace is on a constant usage, try to change the filter once a month to keep the system working perfectly.
4. Problems with air flow throughout the house
If you are having issues with the airflow throughout your home, just know that there may be a problem with the ventilation system.
Therefore, there is every possibility that something is mechanically wrong inside your units like chunky fan motors, worn belts or broken bearings.
If you encounter an issue like this, always call on a professional because this kind of issue requires splitting the unit apart.
5. Issues with the thermostat
The problem with the thermostat is the most easily-observable because everyone in the house knows if the heat is too much or too little.
Again, it is always best to have an expert look into this issue of a problematic thermostat. You may need to completely replace the thermostat if it can’t be fixed. We normally recommend digital or wifi thermostats to our customers because it can save you a lot of money.
For instance, you no longer have to worry when you forget to turn down your system because the thermostat will automatically regulate it.
Bottom line
There are several other common problems you can encounter with your furnace. Eve, a regular maintenance does not automatically means problems will not arise.
We are not saying you should not maintain your system. In fact, regular maintenance can help you spot many of these problems earlier. However, knowing what to do whenever any of these problems occur is vital.
If you are facing any problem with your home heating system, give us a call today!