What Are the Most Common Problems of a Furnace?
Furnaces heat and distribute air around the home, keeping living spaces cozy in cold weather. Like any mechanical system, furnaces can suffer problems over time. Here are common heater problems that require furnace repair:
Dirty or Clogged Filters
Dust, dirt, and other particles build up in a furnace’s filters, decreasing airflow. This can cause the furnace to overheat as it fights to push air through the system. Unaddressed, the furnace’s efficiency decreases, and the system may shut down. An overworked furnace could also increase your energy usage and utility bill.
Ignition or Pilot Light Issues
Older furnaces often suffer ignition or pilot light malfunction. If the pilot light goes out or the electronic ignition system fails to activate, the burners won’t ignite, and the furnace will not run. Drafts may extinguish pilot lights, and faulty ignition switches or thermocouples usually prevent the electronic system from activating.
Thermostat Malfunction
The thermostat controls your home’s temperature settings. If it is not working correctly, the furnace may not receive the signal to turn on or off, resulting in inconsistent temperature throughout your home. Most thermostat problems are resolved by calibrating or replacing the thermostat.
Frequent Cycling
Another common problem is frequent cycling—the furnace turns on and off too often. This is often caused by a faulty thermostat, dirty filters, or blocked airflow. A frequent cycling furnace does not work efficiently and can wear out the system over time. It also forces the furnace to use more power, resulting in higher energy bills.
Blower Motor Failure
The furnace blower motor moves warmed air from the furnace into your home’s ductwork. Without the blower motor, a furnace cannot disperse warmed air as desired. Worn-out components, overheating from clogged filters, or electrical problems are common causes of this issue.
A blown-out blower motor causes the furnace to overheat or shut down completely. Strange noises like squealing or grinding are usually signs that your blower motor is struggling. Diminished airflow may also indicate that the blower motor is malfunctioning.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Heat exchangers regulate air temperature by transferring heat from too-hot air to cooler air pockets. Metal fatigue from constant heating and cooling cycles can lead to cracks. If a heat exchanger cracks, dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide can leak into the home, putting inhabitants at risk. A formaldehyde-like smell or a non-blue flame in your furnace could indicate a cracked exchanger.
Worn-Out Belts or Bearings
Over time, a furnace motor’s belts and bearings wear out, causing the system’s performance to decline. The furnace often makes a squealing or squeaking noise if worn-out belts or bearings are present. Without timely replacement of these parts, the furnace may stop working altogether.
Electric Ignition Problems or Relay Problems
A modern electric ignition system ignites a furnace’s burners, replacing the traditional pilot light. A malfunctioning ignition relay prevents the furnace from lighting properly, and the system will not produce heat. Electrical surges, incorrect igniter parts, or the system’s age may reduce ignition efficiency. Electrical problems are often complicated and require a professional diagnosis and furnace repair.
Overheating
Furnaces usually overheat due to blocked airflow, dirty filters, or malfunctioning components. Built-in safety sensors automatically shut down a furnace when it overheats to protect against damage and reduce fire hazards. If you notice a burning smell, shut off the furnace as soon as possible to prevent sparks from overheated wires.
After overheating, your furnace may need to be reset, which requires turning off the electrical breakers and activating the reset button. Clean or replace furnace filters frequently to prevent overheating.
Faulty Limit Switch
The limit switch turns on the blower once the air in the furnace has reached the desired temperature. If it does not work properly, the blower can run on and off continuously or not turn on at all. This problem decreases heating efficiency, results in unnecessary wear to your blower motor, and raises energy costs.
Schedule Furnace Repair
Furnaces are reliable sources of heat, but as parts wear down, their efficiency and safety may decrease. Regular maintenance, including changing filters, inspecting components, and scheduling professional inspections, can prevent many common issues. Ignoring strange sounds or smells from the furnace often increases energy costs, safety hazards, and costly repairs. Contact an experienced furnace technician today to schedule a maintenance inspection.
Read Next: Lalo-265123
Mary Norrie is a dedicated content creator at ilounge.org, specializing in insightful and engaging articles across a range of topics. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering high-quality information, Mary helps readers stay informed with the latest trends and updates
