Common Problems With Home Furnaces
Regardless of your furnace’s brand or age, you are risking a complete breakdown if you do not schedule regular maintenance and repairs. Also, without the proper maintenance, the unit is apt to fail to reach its maximum lifespan, meaning it will require replacement sooner than it should. Fortunately, a furnace that receives appropriate maintenance operates more efficiently. Thus, it reduces your home heating costs.
In between regular maintenance appointments, you should keep an eye on your furnace. Below are some common signs of furnace failure of which you should be aware:
- Discolored pilot light
- Poor air quality in the home
- Inadequate heat throughout the house
- Persistent noises
- A tripped carbon monoxide detector
You are risking severe safety and health hazards if you cannot detect the signs that your furnace is having problems. If you continue to run a malfunctioning furnace, it can result in carbon monoxide poisoning or home fire.
Furnace Repair Windsor Locks CT: Common Issues Furnaces Experience
Contents
Below are some of the most common issues resulting from a malfunctioning furnace:
Dealing With Obstructed Or Dirty HVAC Air Filters
If the air filters in your furnace or dirty or clogged, it reduces the airflow in your home. Clogged filters also lead to irregular wear and tear on your unit. These problems make your furnace labor harder than it should have to, which ultimately makes it less efficient. Such problems decrease the heater’s lifespan as well. To avoid such issues, regularly change all filters, and schedule essential maintenance for your furnace.
Associated Thermostat Problems
There are specific problems that can lead to a malfunctioning thermostat. These include incorrect calibration, mismatched components, the buildup of debris and dust, and wiring problems.
If your furnace has faulty wiring, it could break the connection between the unit and its thermostat. If this occurs, the heater will fail to turn on and off. Also, the heater may short cycle if there is a break in the heat anticipator.
Because a thermostat is a complicated piece of equipment, attempting a DIY project instead of calling a professional for the repair is typically a bad idea. Only a qualified HVAC tech can successfully troubleshoot and repair the problem.
Cracked Heat Exchanger: Dangers & What To Do
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is a passageway and a metal chamber. The exchanger is the part that separates the combustion process within the unit from the air within the dwelling. It also keeps your home free from carbon monoxide and other toxic flue byproducts. A thin sheet of metal covers the exchanger, which can crack.
Numerous things may crack this component, such as repeated exposure to moisture, a buildup of debris, or rust buildup. All of these problems can lead to severe issues with your furnace.
A crack can stop the air from blowing altogether or cause the furnace to blow cold air instead of warm. An even more severe problem is toxic flue byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, being released into your home. If the exchanger is cracked or you even suspect it may be, contact a qualified HVAC tech without delay.
Furnace Blower Motor Problems: Causes & Solutions
When working correctly, forced hot air HVAC units circulate conditioned air throughout your dwelling. A variety of malfunctions can occur if the blower does not receive proper maintenance. There are several scenarios in which failure of the blower motor may happen, including the following:
- Accumulation Of Dirt: The motor may shut down if debris and dirt have created a clog in the blower.
- Mechanical Failure: The blower motor can also fail if there are mechanical issues. For example, a malfunction can occur if the bearings wear out. This is also true if the underlying problem is a worn-out switch. If the switch wears out, the blower motor may run continuously, and when this occurs, cold air will circulate through your home, rather than conditioned air. The blower motor will not start at all if the belt drive wears out. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent any mechanical failure.
- Electric Failure: The blower motor can also malfunction due to electrical issues. For example, an insufficient voltage to the capacitor is a common reason for electrical failure. Because electrical problems are complex, they can also be dangerous. Therefore, they do not make good DIY projects. Instead, you should contact a company that employs licensed HVAC contractors to troubleshoot and repair any of these issues.
Conclusion
Various furnace issues can cause your unit to shut down completely. Other problems are severe and can place you and your family at risk for health problems. Because such issues are challenging to diagnose, the necessary evaluation and repairs should be completed by a professional.
Additionally, to maintain a properly functioning furnace and ensure that it lasts for the expected lifespan, you should schedule regular maintenance.
When a reputable HVAC contractor is needed, get in touch with Miller Oil Company. We offer exemplary service for heating and cooling systems and specialize in tune-ups, repairs, and HVAC installations.
All of our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified, and therefore have extensive experience about all makes and models of HVAC systems. Our technicians have the skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose any problem and offer the most practical and cost-effective solution. We also try to provide several options to find one that fits your budget.
Not only are our technicians highly skilled, but they are also professional and friendly. Finally, we guarantee all our work and offer free estimates. To schedule an appointment, call Miller Oil Company today.
Some of the areas that we service include East Granby, East Windsor, Poquonock, Windsor Locks and these zip codes 06026, 06088, 06064, 06096 as well as all surrounding areas in Hartford County, Connecticut.
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.