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When your home’s furnace functions well, it maintains a comfortable indoor temperature, often unnoticed in the background. While furnaces are built for longevity, issues can still arise. Many furnace problems are quite simple to resolve. A skilled technician can swiftly address them, or homeowners may attempt troubleshooting themselves. Knowing the common furnace issues during cold weather can help you identify problems and take steps to fix your furnace.
Dirty Flame Sensor
The high limit switch includes a flame sensor rod on its surface. When the furnace begins operating, the flame sensor’s role is to verify the presence of a flame. If no pilot flame is detected, it activates safety mechanisms to shut down the system.
A malfunctioning flame sensor will stop the furnace’s cycle. This issue often stems from inadequate maintenance, as soot, debris, and other residues can build up on the sensor rod, hindering its function and causing unexpected shutdowns.
If the sensor is not severely damaged, you can clean it by removing it from the access panel. If this seems too complex, HVAC professionals can assist. They can also assess if a replacement is necessary.
Furnace Failing to Emit Warm Air
Your furnace’s main role is to keep your home warm. Check your thermostat settings if it’s not doing this and you’ve already changed the filter. Pay attention to the temperature, fan setting, operating mode, and any programming or schedules you might not know.
A frequent reason for no hot air could be the pilot light, which ignites the fuel in your system. Even a dirty igniter can prevent it from lighting. Regardless of how simple the fix might be, have an Ohio heating professional inspect the entire system to ensure everything functions properly.
Furnace Operates Without Producing Heat
Several issues might be responsible if your furnace operates but doesn’t produce heat. Start by inspecting the furnace’s filter to determine if it requires replacement. A blocked or dirty filter can hinder airflow, making the furnace exert more effort without effectively heating your home. The issue might lie with the blower motor if the filter is clean. A malfunctioning blower motor can also limit airflow and stop the furnace from producing heat.
Producing Unusual Sounds
Even a new furnace will produce some noise. Clicking and whooshing sounds are typical, but other noises could signal minor to major furnace problems requiring professional attention For instance, knocking or rattling might suggest loose components in your heating system. If you hear rumbling when the furnace is off, it could be due to fuel in the combustion chamber. Seek advice from a licensed technician to identify the noise source.
Circuit Breaker Tripped
A furnace might cause the circuit breaker to trip because of a temporary power surge. If resetting the breaker resolves the issue, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if the breaker trips repeatedly, it becomes a concern.
You might use a shared circuit for your furnace and another heavy electrical appliance. Alternatively, ground faults in the circuitry could lead to an energy surge. In any case, electrical maintenance and repair are necessary. Consider running the furnace on a separate circuit or isolating its circuit board.
Gas Leaks
You might notice a slight burning odor when you first turn on the furnace for the season. This happens because dust accumulates in the system over time and burns off as it heats. This smell should only occur once or twice and clear within an hour.
Any other odors from the furnace could be a cause for concern. A musty smell may indicate the presence of allergens and debris. If you detect a gas or metallic scent, act immediately. Shut off the gas valve, open all windows and doors, and contact furnace repair services at once. If possible, evacuate the house until it’s safe.
Ignition Control Problems
A crucial component of your furnace is the pilot light. This is also known as the ignition control or ignitor. When the furnace starts, the pilot light ignites a small flame that burns natural gas to produce power and heat. The furnace can’t generate heat without it, and you might notice it repeatedly trying to start without completing a heating cycle.
While this problem is easy to identify, it’s not simple to resolve. A qualified heating and cooling technician should perform any repairs involving the pilot light or ignition switch. Attempting to fix or replace the pilot light without the right training and tools can result in burns and other injuries.
Endnote
Remember, a properly maintained furnace keeps your home warm, extends the system’s lifespan, and boosts efficiency. Consistent maintenance and timely troubleshooting can prevent most of these problems.
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