Furnace Repair: 19 Common Furnace Problems (And How to Fix Them)

In winter, having a functional furnace is essential to keeping your house cozy and warm. But issues can arise with any furnace, no matter how efficiently it has worked all these years. Understanding common furnace problems can enable you to decide whether to hire a professional or try a do-it-yourself solution.

Common Furnace Problems That You May Face

1. No Heat at All: This is the most common problem; to resolve it, verify that the furnace is on, check the thermostat settings, and replace the air filter if it becomes blocked. Should these prove ineffective, a specialist may be required to identify the issue.
2. Low Heat Output: A filthy burner, a blocked flue, or a broken blower fan could cause it. So, you may need to replace or clean the parts or get professional advice.
3. Overheating: Insufficient airflow or a broken limit switch can cause overheating. To avoid overheating, look for clogged vents and replace any filthy filters.
4. Bizarre Noises: Unusual screeching, rattling, or clanging sounds may indicate filthy burners, loose parts, or a failing blower motor. Depending on the complexity, you may need a professional repair service if DIY does not work.
5. Short Cycling: If the furnace abruptly turns on and off, it may be due to a filthy filter, a clogged flue, a broken limit switch, or a broken thermostat could be the source of this. The solution is to clean the filters and flues, but limit switches and thermostats might need to be serviced by an expert.
6. Problems with Pilot Light: Refer to your furnace's handbook for instructions on relighting the light after ensuring the gas supply valve is open and looking for obstructions. Call the professional plumbers if problems continue. 
7. Yellow Flame: A yellow flame may be a sign of an unclean burner or poor combustion. Although an expert may need to alter the gas-air combination, cleaning the burner might assist.
8. Burning Smell: This could be because of electrical issues, a dirty burner, or dust burning off on a new furnace. After turning off the furnace, get a licensed plumber to assess it.
9. The buildup of Soot: This is a sign of incomplete combustion and can be caused by an unclean burner, a blocked flue, or low gas pressure. You can clean it (as per the manual), but experts should handle any gas pressure problems.
10. Ignition Issues: A malfunctioning ignition system may make it impossible for the furnace to ignite. Examine the area surrounding the igniter or pilot light for any obstructions and clean them if required. Get a professional to do the repairs if the problem continues.
11. Blower Motor Failure: Inadequate or non-existent heat can result from a blower motor that isn't working properly. Examine the motor for evidence of deterioration or wear and replace it as needed.
12. Thermostat Issues: Heating irregularities may result from inaccurate thermostat settings or a broken thermostat. If the thermostat has to be replaced, adjust its calibration.
13. Inadequate Maintenance: Neglected furnaces are more likely to malfunction and operate less efficiently. Make an appointment for routine maintenance with a licensed plumber to maintain the efficiency of your furnace.
14. Electrical Problems: Electrical components or wiring errors might cause a furnace to malfunction. Look for evidence of damage to the electrical connections and repair any broken wires or parts as necessary.
15. Air Duct Leaks: Furnaces with leaky air ducts may lose heat and operate less efficiently. To increase heating efficiency, plug leaks in the duct system with foil tape or mastic sealer.
16. Water Damage: Leaks or condensation in the furnace system might result in water damage. Look for evidence of water damage on the furnace and take quick action to fix any leaks or drainage problems. If there has been a lot of damage, hire a team for water damage restoration services.
17. Gas supply problems: The furnace may not heat up to temperature appropriately due to low gas pressure or supply disruptions. If there are any clogs or leaks, check the gas valve and supply line; if needed, call a licensed plumber.
18. Damaged Heat Exchanger: When a heat exchanger cracks, dangerous gases may seep into your house. Put the furnace off and contact a professional for an inspection and repairs if the heat exchanger is cracked. 
19. Old Furnace Needs Replacement: With proper care, a furnace might last up to twenty years or even longer. If your furnace is outdated, it's time for a new, more energy-efficient option; a newer furnace will save you money on energy bills. 

Don't Take Your Furnace and Comfort for Granted

If your furnace is acting up and not providing the optimum comfort, contact the best plumbers to inspect the furnace to figure out the cause. Fortunately for the residents of Herriman, the 1st American Plumbing, Heating, and Air team is available for Furnace Repair in Herriman. They are just a call away to address any issues and provide plumbing service or water damage restoration.

Visit our website to book your appointment and get your furnace working efficiently again.