6 Furnace Problems Bismarck Homeowners Encounter

Winter is almost over, which means residential furnaces will get a break in the near future. Throughout the cold months, these machines work overtime to keep homes warm.

It’s common to experience problems with a home furnace at some point in the winter. Furnace problems are not just inconvenient, they can also be costly. Energy prices around the world are rising out of control.

To learn about some of the most common furnace issues, keep reading below.

Ignition Problems

Furnaces that fail to ignite can be caused by a faulty pilot light, a malfunctioning igniter, or a faulty thermocouple.

Many older furnaces use a standing pilot light to ignite the burners. If the pilot light goes out or fails to light, the furnace will not produce heat. This can be caused by a faulty thermocouple, a dirty pilot light, or a gas supply issue.

Many newer furnaces use a hot surface ignitor (HSI) to light the burners. If the HSI fails, the furnace will not ignite. This can be caused by a faulty ignitor, a dirty or damaged flame sensor, or a faulty control board.

Some furnaces use an intermittent ignition system, which uses an electronic control module to ignite the burners. If the control module fails, the furnace will not ignite.

Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on furnace burners, which can cause ignition problems. This is because the burners need a clean and unobstructed flow of gas to ignite properly.

If the furnace is not receiving enough gas due to a problem with the gas supply line or gas valve, it may not ignite or may not produce enough heat.

If you are experiencing ignition problems with your furnace, it is important to have it serviced by a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Attempting to fix ignition problems yourself can be dangerous and should not be attempted unless you are trained and qualified to do so.

Dirty Filters

Clogged filters can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to work harder, which can lead to increased energy bills, reduced heating capacity, and potentially even overheating and shutdown.

Before attempting to replace or clean the filter, turn off the furnace to ensure your safety. The filter is typically located inside the furnace, either behind a filter grille or in a slot on the furnace itself.

Carefully remove the old filter from the furnace. If the filter is disposable, simply throw it away. If the filter is reusable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning it. You can use a vacuum or damp cloth to clean the filter grille or slot where the filter is installed.

If you are using a disposable filter, install a new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are using a reusable filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then reinstall it. After replacing or cleaning the filter, turn on the furnace and make sure it is operating normally.

It is recommended that you check and replace your furnace filter at least once every three months, or more frequently if you have pets or allergies. A dirty filter can cause the furnace to work harder and use more energy, so keeping it clean can help improve its efficiency and reduce your energy bills.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the furnace to not turn on or off at the correct temperature setting. To fix a malfunctioning furnace thermostat, you should follow the following steps.

First, make sure the thermostat is receiving power. If it is battery-operated, check the batteries and replace them if necessary. If it is hard-wired, check the circuit breaker to ensure it is not tripped.

Next, check the thermostat wiring to make sure it is properly connected and not damaged. If the wiring is loose or damaged, tighten or replace it as necessary.

You can also check the thermostat calibration to ensure it is set correctly. If it is not calibrated properly, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the thermostat contacts are free of dirt and debris by using a soft brush or cloth.

The thermostat should be located in an appropriate location away from sources of heat or cold, such as windows or vents. This can cause the thermostat to read the temperature inaccurately.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the thermostat. Make sure to choose a compatible thermostat and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Faulty Blower Motor

A faulty blower motor can cause insufficient airflow, leading to decreased heating performance or even overheating and shutdown. It is not possible for a faulty blower motor to be fixed through the thermostat. The blower motor is a component of the furnace and requires a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue.

If you suspect that your blower motor is faulty, you may notice symptoms such as poor air flow, unusual noises coming from the furnace, or the furnace not producing enough heat. In this case, you should first turn off the furnace to ensure your safety.

Next, check the furnace filter to see if it is dirty or clogged. A dirty filter can cause the blower motor to work harder and overheat. If your furnace has a belt-driven blower, check the belt to make sure it is properly aligned and not damaged.

Check the blower motor for signs of damage, such as worn bearings or a burned-out motor. If the motor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Electrical Issues

Problems with the electrical supply, such as loose or damaged wiring, can cause the furnace to fail to turn on … or to turn on and off randomly.

It is imperative to hire a professional to handle electrical issues. Attempting a DIY fix in these cases is dangerous.

Dirty Burners

Burners are responsible for heating the air that is then circulated throughout your home. When the burners become dirty or clogged, their ability to produce heat is reduced.

Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on furnace burners and cause the furnace to produce less heat or even shut down completely.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion process to the air that is circulated throughout your home. A cracked heat exchanger can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which can be a serious safety hazard and require immediate attention.

Like a dirty burner, it can reduce the efficiency of the furnace, produce inconsistent heating, emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, cause the furnace to shut down, and increase the wear and tear of the furnace.

Fixing Furnace Problems

It is important to maintain your furnace regularly and have it serviced by a qualified technician to avoid these issues and ensure it is running safely and efficiently.

To arrange professional furnace repair, contact us today.