What Is The Most Common Problem With Furnaces?

​This article discusses what is the most common problem with furnaces? And when seeking expert assistance for your furnace repair is necessary.

​"Is it just me, or is it cold in here?" We want to start by saying that, if that is the question that drew you to this post: That stinks. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you; nobody needs a quitter furnace in the midst of winter. The good news is that many furnace problems are easily, swiftly, and affordably fixed.

​First Furnace Repair Problem: The Thermostat Is Not Set for Heating

We don't mean to sound like the IT "help" desk crossed with HVAC, but we have to at least inquire: Is your thermostat turned on, and on the proper setting? Go check even if you're positive. It could have been mistakenly turned off or the temperature adjusted too aggressively. The batteries in your thermostat may have also run out. While you check, we'll cross our fingers for you.

​Furnace Repair Problem #2: It's Not Getting Power

Alright, so... It seems that we didn't cross our fingers card enough, because you are still reading. (I apologize.) The next "Boy, do I feel dumb" thing to make sure your thermostat is working and that its settings are accurate is this: Is there a plug for the furnace? Even though it sounds absurd to suppose it unplugged somehow, it's still worth checking into before ruling out any other options.

In case your furnace is connected, make sure the circuit breaker has tripped.

• Turn the furnace's circuit breaker back to the ON position if it is already in the OFF position.
• If it is in the ON or OFF position, turn it to OFF first, then back to ON.
• Reap relief if it remains in the ON position, indicating that the tripped breaker was an isolated incident.
• Should the breaker trip once more, there can be an issue with either the wiring or the breaker itself. Either way, you ought to work with a certified electrician for HVAC services.

Furnace Repair Problem #3: The furnace is producing a scraping or grinding noise.

Your blower should be turned off right away if it is making a grinding or scraping noise, which indicates that your ball bearings are worn out. You'll need assistance from a knowledgeable Greater Austin HVAC specialist to do this adjustment.

​Furnace Repair Problem#4: It's Making A Squealing Sound

Shuddering furnaces are a sign of a worn-out or slipped blower belt. You should be able to handle this repair on your own if you have a reasonable aptitude for mechanics.

• Try tightening the belt if you don't see any damage to it. (Just watch out not to go overboard or you'll run into Issue #3.)
• Get a new belt from your home improvement store and replace it according to the owner's manual's replacement recommendations if you can detect signs of wear and tear on the old one.
• Alternatively, you might save a ton of time and trouble by letting us assist you.

Furnace Repair Problem# 5: ​Issues with the pilot light or ignition in the furnace

In the event that the pilot light on your older furnace quits, you will require assistance from an expert to look into a number of potential problems. Your flame setting might be too low, your pilot orifice may be clogged, your thermocouple may be acting strangely, or—this is definitely a major one—your safety switch may be broken.

Note: Cut the gas supply and wait a few minutes before attempting to relight your pilot. Because natural gas is extremely flammable, there may have been a dangerous buildup of gas around the unit if the pilot light has been out for a while. Always adhere to the guidelines provided in your owner's manual.

In furnaces equipped with an electric igniter, it is advisable to examine the state of your flame sensor. This vital safety component of your furnace detects gas but not flames, and when it detects gas, it turns the entire unit off. These sensors automatically shut things down when they become dirty because they are unable to "see" the flames. To tidy up yours:

• Flip the circuit breaker (not just at the thermostat) to cut off the power to your furnace, or turn off the unit itself.
• Shut off the gas supply valve.
• Carefully remove the flame sensor, which is a thin metal rod at the burner assembly, with a ¼" hex-head screwdriver.
• Use an emery board or fine-grit sandpaper to gently rub the sensor. (Actually, a dollar bill also functions rather well!)
• After using a paper towel to remove any last bits of dust, reinstall the sensor.

Furnace Repair Problem #6: Unclean Filters

It is imperative that you change your furnace filters on a regular basis. Filters that are clogged limit airflow, which increases furnace workload and increases the risk of the heat exchanger overheating and shutting down your unit.

At most, you'll pay more for less heat produced by an inefficient furnace. At worst, your house will get cold and your furnace's lifespan will be shortened. Your furnace is probably out of air if it isn't heating your home sufficiently or if it is turning on and off all the time. Change those filters!

Furnace Repair Problem #7: Access panel left open

It goes without saying that opening a panel on your furnace is necessary to gain access to its internal components. The furnace will not turn on at all if the panel isn't closed all the way. An additional safety measure to avoid injuries!

Furnace Repair Problem #8: Unclean Burners

You won't get heat if your burners clog up since they won't be able to discharge enough natural gas for combustion. Blue flames are produced by healthy burners; any other color, like yellow or orange, denotes the presence of debris in the mixture. When they attempt to ignite, dirty burners can also make an amazing boom-rumble. While there are a lot of results when you Google "how to clean dirty burners," we strongly advise against doing this yourself. There are too many easy fixes that can go awry.​

Furnace Repair Problem #9: Broken Heat Exchanger

The performance of your furnace is hampered by a fractured heat exchanger, which also increases the risk of lethal carbon monoxide leakage into your house. It can be difficult to identify the symptoms of a fractured heat exchanger, however they could include:

• The inside of your furnace has soot.
• a powerful, disagreeable smell that could bring back memories of the biology 10th grade lesson on frog dissection
• There is water on the floor near the furnace.
• Individuals in your home who exhibit flu-like symptoms, headaches, inflamed eyes, nausea, or disorientation are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Shut down your furnace and contact a Greater AC Repair Burke professional right away if you even believe that the heat exchanger is cracked.

​Furnace Repair Problem#10: Malfunctioning Limit Control Switch

Your limit control switch might be the problem if your blower fan runs nonstop and you are positive that your thermostat is set to AUTO rather than ON. When the air temperature rises too high, this switch—which is situated just beneath the box that transfers heat from the furnace to the ducts—switches off the system. If the unit never turns off, your limit switch needs to be changed or altered, which is a task best left to an HVAC professional.

​Furnace Repair Problem #11: It isn't Blowing Air

Your blower fan belt is most likely broken if your furnace is turning on but doesn't appear to be producing any air flow. As we suggested in Issue #4, change the belt according to the directions in your owner's handbook (or have it done by us).

​Furnace Repair Problem #12: Pinging or Popping Ducts

The majority of the popping and pinging noises you hear can be explained by the expansion and contraction of ducts caused by heat. Another possibility is that a duct has a loose metal flap that jiggles when air passes by it. Try creating a tiny dent in the exact spot where the sound is coming from to see if that stops it. (Phi thanks to physics!)

​Is It Time for a Furnace Tune-Up?

Have us come out and perform a comprehensive inspection to make sure your furnace will keep your house cozy throughout the season and for many years to come. You may feel secure knowing that AC Repair Burke Solutions, the most reputable HVAC specialists in Virginia, will take good care of you and your house. However, you may check out our reviews instead of taking our word for it!