Did you know that your furnace can last from 15 to 20 years? But, to make a furnace last longer, it must have regular inspections and proper maintenance.
Your furnace is a necessary fixture, especially during the cold winter months. If it suddenly stops working, do you know what to do? Here are the top five furnace problems residential homeowners run into. This will give you an idea of what to look for and when to call for professional help.
Not Producing Heat
The main function of a furnace is to distribute heat to your home when you need it. If your furnace is not producing heat, that definitely means in trouble. Sometimes, you just need to adjust the thermostat settings and check the air filters. A buildup of dust and debris can hinder the flow of warm air from your furnace. You may need to replace the air filter. (On average, you should change the filter every one to three months.)
Strange Noises
Your furnace will make minor humming noises, especially an older unit. An unbalanced blower wheel could cause thumping noises. A squealing noise could mean several things: a bearing that needs oiling; a loose blower belt in need of replacement or adjustment; or a blower motor malfunction.
A humming noise could be from a faulty fan or capacitor. A metal scrapping or a rumbling sound could mean a problem with the blower wheel. A banging or popping noise could mean dirty burners that cause a delay in the ignition. Don’t ignore these strange noises. Call an expert for help.
Furnace won’t turn on
If your furnace won’t turn on, it could be a simple fix or a major issue that needs repair. Try to tweak the thermostat settings. If nothing happens, check your circuit breakers. The switches must be set to “ON.” If it still won’t turn on, check the drain pan and empty it if it’s full of water. A clogged air filter could also the problem.
Short Cycling
Does your furnace turn on then off in short cycles? The air filters may be clogged with dirt and grime. That will stop the airflow in the furnace. Dusty flame sensors that became dirty from soot could also be the problem.
The blower continues to run
If your blower is always running, check the thermostat. The fan could be switched to “ON.” Change it to “AUTO.” Adjust the thermostat to the current room temperature and wait for a few minutes. Look at the limit switch located inside the furnace panel cover. If the button is set to manual, it will run the fan at all times. Set it to automatic to make the fan work only during the heating cycles. If the blower still runs, the furnace belt may need lubrication or replacement.
Don’t be caught with a broken furnace and a cold house in winter. Call us for professional furnace repair in Clarksburg, MD.
At Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we pledge to exceed expectations at every turn! Schedule service today.