We rely on our furnaces to heat our homes efficiently and if there are problems, it can lead to an interruption in service and an unexpected repair bill. When a furnace stops working, it is possible to troubleshoot the problem to determine if you need to contact an HVAC technician. In some cases, it may be possible to fix the problem with no special skills or tools. Let’s take a closer look at seven furnace problems in more detail.
1. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat is the central brain of the entire HVAC system and any problems with this key system will have wide reaching effects. If your thermostat takes batteries, it’s important to check them regularly and keep them fresh. Check that the thermostat is set to “Heat” and “Auto” for the best performance and energy efficiency. If the thermostat is set to “On,” it will run constantly and blow treated air even if you don’t need heating. This can waste a lot of energy and in most cases, it is simply not required. Inside the thermostat, there is a sensor that needs to be kept clean to provide accurate ambient temperature data. Remove the cover and blow on the sensor or use a vacuum to remove any dust from the surfaces.
2. The Power Supply
Even if you have a gas furnace you need electrical power to run certain sub-systems. If a fuse has blown or a breaker has been tripped on the furnace circuit, the heating system may not run. Check these systems, change the fuses, and reset the breaker as required. If these issues persist, there may be an underlying cause and you need to contact your local HVAC specialist to investigate.
3. Check the Temperature Setting
In some cases, it’s not the heating system that’s at fault if there is a change in the temperature. Someone else living in the home may have made an adjustment and the heat will not start until the ambient home temperature has dipped below the new setting. If you tend to have thermostat wars in your home, there are some options to consider. Installing an HVAC zoning system will give people more control over the temperature in the rooms they use most. If there are constant disagreements on the internal temperature, try to find an average setting that works for everyone.
4. Check the Air Filter
The air filter is an overlooked, inexpensive and important component in the HVAC system. Every day, the air is passed through the air filter multiple times and airborne contaminants are captured on the surface. Although a standard air filter will make a small improvement to the indoor air quality (IAQ) this is not its primary purpose. Removing the contaminants prevents particulates from entering the heating system where they can cause damage. If the air filter is removed or clogged, there will be more contaminants in the air and heating system which can cause a host of problems. The heating system relies on a consistent flow of air and if the airflow is compromised there are two main consequences.
First, the HVAC system will work hard to force the air through the filter and overworked equipment is prone to failure leading to an unexpected repair bill. Second, the heavier workload will consume more energy leading to higher utility bills. Checking, cleaning, and replacing air filters takes next to no time, and regular air filter changes can prevent a lot of HVAC system problems.
5. Clean the Furnace
The furnace can get dusty and dirty during regular operations. After a period of inactivity, there is often a burning odor when the furnace is turned on for the first time. This is the dust and dirty burning on the surfaces and it tends to dissipate within an hour. But, regularly cleaning inside the furnace is also a great way to prevent problems. Turn off the power to the furnace, open the cover, and use canned air or a soft cloth to remove dust from the components.
6. Foul Odors
If you can smell strange odors when the furnace is running, this is a sure sign that something is wrong. A burning smell usually means that there is an electrical issue and you should stop using the furnace until it’s fixed. If the air smells foul or moldy, there may be a problem in the ductwork caused by a buildup of moisture or a leak. There may be mold growth releasing mold spores into the air which will lower the IAQ and this may trigger allergic reactions. There may be rodents or insects in the ductwork and their droppings may be polluting the indoor air. Contact your local HVAC specialist to get the ductwork inspected and cleaned to improve the IAQ and you may be surprised at the difference it makes.
7. Short Cycling
Short cycling is when the HVAC system turns on and off again repeatedly. This can damage the components and it wastes a lot of energy for no reward. There are a few possible causes from a dirty air filter to an HVAC system that’s improperly sized for the home. If you’ve replaced the air filter and this problem persists it’s time to contact an HVAC specialist to identify the cause and fix it.
DIY or Professional Repair?
As you can see, there are some furnace problems that can be identified and fixed with no special skills or tools. Cleaning the thermostat sensor, replacing an air filter, and cleaning the furnace are all great ways to keep the system working as intended. But, there are times when you need to contact a local HVAC specialist to fix a problem.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to make a mistake and damage a component that’s expensive to replace. The best way to protect your HVAC system is to invest in regular preventative maintenance before the start of each heating season.
An HVAC technician can prepare the equipment for the colder months ahead and identify any issues that need attention. Fixing problems at an earlier stage tends to cost less and it limits the chance of downtime when you need your heating system up and running.
If you want to schedule some essential maintenance or you have an HVAC system problem, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.