Is Your Furnace Acting Up? Check out some reasons on What Might Be Going On to cause the issues in your furnace and help you get the help you need to fix it.

 

Is Your Furnace Acting Up? Here’s What Might Be Going On

If you’re like most people, you probably take your furnace for granted. You turn it on in the fall and expect it to keep you warm all winter long – without any problems. But sometimes, your furnace doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. It may start making strange noises, or it may not produce any heat at all. What do you do when that happens?

If your furnace is acting up, there’s a good chance that there’s something wrong with it. This article will discuss some of the most common problems that can cause a furnace to malfunction.

Strange Noises

One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your furnace is strange noises. If you hear banging, popping, or humming coming from your furnace, it’s time to take a closer look. These noises can be caused by a variety of issues, including loose parts, built-up debris, or failing components. However, if you have a squeaky furnace fan, it’s probably blower motor bearings that are wearing out or need to be lubricated. These sounds are usually not indicative of a serious problem, but they should be addressed nonetheless (not to mention they’re very annoying).

On the other hand, if you hear roaring, thumping, or hissing, these could be signs of a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company.

No Heat (Or Not Enough Heat)

If your furnace isn’t producing any heat, or if it’s not producing enough heat to keep your home comfortable, there are several possible causes. First, check to see if the pilot light is lit. If it’s not, that’s probably the issue. Relight it and see if that solves the problem. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, you may have a bigger problem on your hands.

Another possibility is that the furnace’s blower motor is not working. This can be caused by a variety of issues, including a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. If the motor is working but the furnace still isn’t producing any heat, the problem could be with the furnace’s igniter. This part can also malfunction if there’s a build-up of dirt and debris.

Finally, it’s possible that the furnace itself is too old and needs to be replaced. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade.

Thermostat Issues

If your furnace seems to be working fine but the temperature in your home is inconsistent, the problem could be with your thermostat. First, check to make sure that the batteries are still good. If they are, you may need to have the thermostat recalibrated. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the thermostat altogether.

The thermostat is also a common issue in households with multiple heating zones. If one zone is too hot while the others are too cold, the problem may lie with the zone valves. These valves are open and closed to allow or restrict the flow of heated water to each zone. If a zone valve is stuck open, for example, that could explain why that particular zone is too hot.

Dirty Air Filters

If your furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it should be, the problem could be dirty air filters. These filters capture dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they can enter the furnace.

However, over time, they can become clogged with debris. When that happens, airflow is restricted, and the furnace has to work harder to do its job. As a result, your energy bills may go up and your furnace may not last as long as it should.

To avoid this problem, be sure to check and clean your air filters regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, they should be replaced every one to three months.

Leaking Water

Finally, if you notice water leaking around your furnace, it’s a good sign that something is wrong. This problem can be caused by a variety of issues, including a clogged condensate line or a cracked heat exchanger. If the problem is with the condensate line, it’s usually an easy fix. However, if the heat exchanger is cracked, it’s a more serious issue that will require professional help.

There are a few common problems that can cause your furnace to not work properly, and this article has written about the five most common ones. If you’re having any of these issues, be sure to call a professional to help diagnose and fix the problem. And remember, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade.