A well functioning furnace is a huge comfort during cold winter weather, but an unexpected malfunction can rob you of your cozy home. Luckily, understanding some of the most common furnace problems can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem on your own before calling an HVAC professional.
Rumbling or squealing sounds are not normal and may indicate a mechanical issue. A clogged filter can also restrict airflow. Discover more at Coquitlam furnace repair.
1. Thermostat Issues
When your furnace is working well, it operates quietly in the background to keep your home comfortable. But sometimes, problems arise and you may need a professional to resolve them. Before you call for repairs, it’s good to know what the common furnace issues are and what troubleshooting steps you can take to solve them.
Furnace cycling on and off: If your furnace cycles on and off before reaching the temperature you set on the thermostat, it could be because the thermostat is receiving false readings from sunlight, lamps, space heaters or other heat sources. If this is the case, you’ll need to recheck all the thermostat settings and replace any faulty ones.
Other signs of a thermostat issue include humming, rattling or tapping sounds. These can indicate mechanical issues, airflow restrictions or a failing thermocouple. You should also check that the vents and registers are not closed. Dirty or leaky ductwork will also limit the amount of warm air distributed.
2. Pilot Light Issues
If you’re experiencing furnace issues with the pilot light, it may be due to a problem with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a small copper rod that ensures the pilot light is always lit and serves as a safety feature. If the pilot light keeps going out, it can cause a number of problems with your furnace, from tripping the circuit breaker to restricting airflow or triggering a safety switch that shuts down the entire system.
A dirty pilot opening can also obstruct gas flow to the flame. This will starve the flame of oxygen, which can result in it flickering and weakening over time. Regular maintenance and cleaning will eliminate these issues.
Be sure to carefully follow manufacturer instructions and use a long lighter or matches when relighting the pilot light. This will help reduce your risk of burns and damage. If the pilot light continues to go out, contact a professional. They can examine the pilot light and determine if there is an issue with the thermocouple or another component.
3. Clogged Filter
If you’re experiencing rumbling or squealing sounds from your furnace, it may indicate that the system isn’t working as it should. This can be caused by a number of issues, such as a dirty air filter, thermostat malfunctioning or improper furnace sizing. If you haven’t replaced your filter in awhile, try doing so before contacting a professional.
Dirty filters restrict the flow of air to the mechanical components inside your heating ducts, which can cause them to overwork. This leads to energy waste and overheating. In an attempt to cool down the system, your furnace will eventually shut off to prevent further damage to its components. This is a common furnace problem that’s easily solved by changing your air filter regularly.
4. Overheating
Over time, a furnace experiences normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, overheating issues are a common result of this. The first sign of overheating is when the system shuts off or restarts repeatedly. This is a sure sign that something is wrong and the unit needs a professional to inspect.
Another sign of overheating is a burning smell. While a short burst of burning dust after a long period of inactivity is expected, if it happens over and over again it could indicate that a wire is overheating and potentially releasing dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Other signs include a rumbling or squeaking sound, which may indicate a mechanical issue, poor airflow or a clogged blower motor. Additionally, it’s important to check the vents and registers to make sure they aren’t closed by accident. Keeping them open will help prevent heat from getting trapped in the system and overheating. For these and other problems, it’s best to call a professional right away.