The Most Common Furnace Issues to Watch Out For

Your home’s heating and air conditioning system is responsible for maintaining a decent level of comfort in your home, no matter what the season is. Experiencing a malfunctioning furnace in the middle of the cold winter is extremely inconvenient, but learning how to spot issues early on with an HVAC comfort specialist’s help may save you from a more expensive repair or replacement down the line. 

Here are some common problems you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your furnace:

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Malfunctioning thermostats are one of the most common issues people encounter with their furnaces. Checking whether the issue is your thermostat can be done by setting the fan on auto. If it’s constantly running no matter what heating setting you select, then it’s a sure sign that you need to get your furnace thermostat repaired.

Rattling or Pinging Noises

Hearing popping or rattling noises coming from your furnace is not normal and should be examined by an expert. These noises are indicators that something is wrong with the structure of your furnace. 

Popping or pinging noises are most likely coming from expanding and contracting ductwork, while rattling noises are loose panels that need to be tightened further. 

Clogged Filters

Dirty filters can cause all sorts of damage to your furnace, such as reducing how efficiently it distributes heat. It can also damage your limit switch, which is responsible for shutting down your furnace to ensure it doesn’t overheat. Replacing your filters every quarter is the best way to ensure your furnace operates at peak performance. 

Over-Cycling

Furnaces that kick on frequently after finishing a cycle may be indicative of improper airflow, clogged filters, or running the furnace at extreme temperatures. Though this may not seem like an urgent concern, it will rack up the digits on your electric bill, so getting it fixed by reputable HVAC specialists in Hunterdon County, NJ, is your best option to maintain your heating system.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

The exchanger is the thin metal shield in a furnace that separates the combustion chamber and the blower, which distributes heated air through your home. It’s responsible for keeping your furnace running safely. Unfortunately, cracks can form in your heat exchanger due to overheating the house or not replacing the air filter. If your heating suddenly gives out, then call an HVAC or comfort specialist to have a look. They may identify the need for a heat exchanger replacement, which can be costly. 

Make sure to keep up with your filter replacements and take care not to maximize the heating capacity of your furnace too often to prevent this issue.

Different Colored Pilot Light

A properly working furnace will have a pilot light that is steady and normal in color. This small flame is responsible for igniting the burner in your furnace. If it looks too yellow or flickers too much, then don’t ignore it, as it could be a sign of excessive carbon monoxide. Call your local HVAC technician right away if your pilot light changes color or goes out completely. 

Furnace Not Blowing Air

If your furnace isn’t blowing air, then it could mean that the blower is clogged by some kind of debris and needs clearing. You should also check for a flashing red light in your furnace, which is the diagnostic feature meant to alert the HVAC comfort specialist to examine the problem.

Broken Blower Belt

Your furnace has a fan that runs, and the blower belt is part of a motor that enables this. With enough usage, the blower belt can fray or break. You will usually notice this as a squealing sound coming from your furnace when it’s running. The solution is simply to replace the blower belt to ensure the smooth performance of your fan and furnace as a whole. 

Conclusion

Regular furnace maintenance is the key to having a home with a well-controlled heating and cooling system. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it covers common issues you may encounter with the furnace in your home. Identifying whether it has a problem can prompt you to take action and call the right specialists to repair it before it gets worse.

Here at Comfort Specialist Home Services, we have a decade of experience in repairing broken heating or air conditioning that might prevent you from living comfortably. Contact our comfort specialists in heating and air conditioning today to get deals on your furnace replacement and more!