During the cold winter months, having a functioning furnace gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the season. You may not notice it running in the background when there are no issues. Even though your furnace is designed to last a long time, there is a chance that something could go wrong. Understanding some of the most common furnace problems in cold weather can help you recognize them when they occur.
The Most Common Furnace Problems
You might encounter some or all of these common furnace issues.
Furnace Stops Producing Heat
The furnace can stop working if the thermostat is not working. In the case of a faulty thermostat, the furnace won’t turn on because it cannot send the ignition signal. A malfunctioning thermostat, a dead battery, or loose wiring could cause this problem.
The furnace might not produce heat when the thermostat is not turned on or if the temperature setting is too low or not set to “heat.” The first thing you should do if you are concerned about your furnace is to check the thermostat to make sure it is set correctly.
Dirty Ductwork
Over time, your heating ducts may become clogged with dust and debris. This buildup can restrict airflow, making it harder for the furnace to push warm air through the ducts. As a result, you receive less hot air.
The ductwork in your furnace might need cleaning if it isn’t heating the house as well as it used to. Due to this, the furnace is forced to work harder, which increases wear and tear, increases energy bills, and may cause the system to fail. Placing your hand in front of your vents and feeling the air released will allow you to determine the airflow.
The Furnace Repeatedly Turns On and Off
The furnace typically cycles on and off when heating your home to maintain the temperature set on the thermostat. Usually, a furnace will cycle on, heat the room or home to a desired temperature, then cycle off several times an hour, depending on the programmed and outdoor temperatures.
Something usually needs to be fixed if a furnace starts short cycling or turning on and off frequently without reaching its set temperature. Short cycles are usually caused by a lack of airflow in the furnace, which causes it to overheat. During a short cycle, the furnace will only operate for a few minutes before turning off.
Noise From the Furnace
Once the thermostat reaches a specific temperature, a signal is sent to the furnace, and you might hear a click. You may hear a “whooshing” noise as the air travels through your ductwork. Some furnaces have louder blowers than others.
All these situations are normal. However, louder and more constant noises indicate that an inspection is needed and something is wrong with your system; you might need a furnace repair. An irritating noise could be a sign that something has come loose. You should tighten or adjust your furnace if it is knocking or rattling.
Problems with Blower Motor
Air released from the furnace circulates throughout your home with the help of a blower motor. A malfunctioning blower motor may not circulate enough warm air to keep your home comfortable. The ball bearings that are part of that blower are at risk of breaking. Many things can go wrong with your blower belt, for example, the belt of the motor might slip out of place and only need to be reinstalled by an HVAC technician. It is easy to detect this problem by listening to the high-pitched squeal from the furnace.
Hamilton Home Comfort Provides the Best Service
Contact Hamilton Home Comfort if you experience any issues with your furnace. Customers trust us for our excellent furnace installation, inspection, maintenance and repair services. We also offer regular furnace maintenance services to help you keep your heating system well-functioning throughout the year. Please give it a read “Can You Repair a Bad Furnace Gas Burner?”.
