Did you know that 47% of American households rely on a gas furnace as their primary source of heat?
Getting left in the cold this winter is something we all want to avoid. Getting stuck with a broken furnace at the height of the cold season is sure to put a dampener on festive celebrations and cozy nights in.
That’s why it’s so important to know what furnace problems to look out for this time of year. By familiarizing yourself with these common issues, you’ll be able to get your furnace up and running in the shortest time possible.
Read on for 5 common furnace problems you may encounter.
Table of Contents
1. Your Furnace Is Not Producing Heat
It’s natural to be concerned when a furnace stops providing heat, but it’s not a major problem in many cases.
If your thermostat has a fan setting, this might be the reason your furnace is pumping air but not creating heat. You should check your thermostat to make sure it is on heat mode.
The air filter in your furnace keeps dust and debris from going down the ducts and blowing into your house. However, an overly dirty filter can also prevent heat from getting through.
2. Your Furnace Keeps Turning Off and On
A furnace heats your house by cycling on and off to maintain the desired temperature.
When a furnace starts turning on and off without ever reaching the thermostat setting, this is a sign your system may be faulty.
Poor airflow in the furnace can cause it to overheat. This is a common reason for a short furnace cycle.
3. Your Furnace Won’t Turn on Automatically
If everything is in working order, your furnace will turn on and provide heat when it receives a signal from your thermostat.
You should check your circuit breaker to ensure the thermostat and furnace are both switched on.
The furnace will not turn on if your thermostat is set to “off” or “cool.” Examine the thermostat and make any necessary adjustments, ensuring it is set high enough for the furnace to register.
4. Your Furnace Is Noisy
A noisy furnace can signify that something has gone wrong with the system.
If your furnace is banging, ticking, or rattling, it might be an indication that something has come loose and needs to be tightened or replaced. A loud rumbling or whooshing sound could indicate that there is excess fuel left in the combustion chamber.
Either way, you should turn the furnace off at the mains and call a furnace repair technician right away.
5. Your Furnace Is Leaking
Condensation can cause water to pool in the bottom of your furnace’s body.
Furnaces produce steam while in operation. Usually, this steam is removed via a condensation pipe. However, if this pipe becomes blocked, it can cause leakage.
While this isn’t an immediate cause for concern, it could indicate a more serious problem. Plus, water can cause corrosion over time and damage your furnace.
Furnace Problems: Know What to Look Out For
So, those are a few common furnace problems you might encounter.
If you’re having trouble with your furnace, it is usually best to call in the experts. They will be able to identify and fix any problems quickly and efficiently.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our other posts for more useful information.
