For 15-20 years you are able to depend on your furnace to provide your home with heat anytime you are cold. Unfortunately, during those years, you may run into some problems with your furnace. Furnace repairs are inevitable, but it is important to know what caused the issue leading to your repair. Knowing the common furnace problems can help you be aware of when your furnace is going to go out, so you are not stuck with a cold house during the winter. Here are the most common furnace issues we have seen during our 15 years in the HVAC industry.
5 Common Furnace Issues
Thermostat Issues
One of the most common furnace issues is the thermostat. Your thermostat regulates the heat flow in your home once you set your desired temperature. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may be sending the wrong signals to your furnace, causing your home to not heat properly. A broken thermostat may also cause your furnace fan to constantly run, which means the furnace overworks to the point of needing a repair.
Pilot Control Issues
The furnace pilot is the small flame used to maintain the larger furnace burner. Sometimes, that small flame may turn off and cause inconsistencies with the large furnace burner. The pilot will need to be re-lit for your furnace to work properly again. It is best to have a trained HVAC professional re-light the pilot to ensure it is done safely and properly.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
The leading cause of broken furnaces is dirty or clogged filters. Your filters help regulate the airflow of your furnace, so when they are dirty or clogged, it restricts that much-needed airflow. With restricted airflow, your furnace will need to work much harder and it can damage your limit switch. Dirty filters also create poor air quality within your home, leaving you with dirty air circulating through your home. This is why it is important to replace your furnace filters at least once a year so that your furnace can run efficiently and produce clean air. Any potential problems can be solved early on with regular maintenance.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
Your heat exchanger is the system used to transfer heat between different areas of your home. When your heat exchanger is cracked, it leaves your home vulnerable to deadly carbon monoxide. A cracked heat exchanger needs urgent attention to avoid poisoning everyone in your home. The signs that your heat exchanger is cracked are:
- Strong and unpleasant odors
- Excessive water around your furnace
- Soot on the inside of your furnace
- People inside your home are experiencing headaches, nausea, irritated eyes, disorientation, or flu-like symptoms.
If you notice any of the listed signs, then you need to shut down your furnace and schedule a furnace repair as soon as possible.
Limit Switch Malfunction
If your limit switch is malfunctioning, then it can cause your furnace to continually blow, which could burn out your furnace. Limit switch malfunctions are easy to diagnose but it takes a skilled HVAC technician to repair the issue.
Furnace Repair with Top Notch Heating & Air
When your furnace is not working properly, you need a trained professional to find the issue and resolve it. Top Notch Heating & Air has over 15 years of furnace repair experience, so we are more than confident we can get your home warm again! No matter the reason behind your furnace repair, we are sure we can assist you with your furnace needs. When you are in need of furnace repair or furnace installation near Buford GA, you can call on us to get the job done for you!
