When you want to have a warm and comfortable living space during the colder days of the winter months then it is important to make sure that your furnace is working smoothly. This will not only let you regulate your indoor temperatures but will also help you save both money and energy. When a furnace is well-maintained then it plays an important role in maintaining a comfortable environment in your home while avoiding damages that can lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. If you do not have a furnace then you will need to deal with chilly rooms along with spending large amounts of money on electric bills.
However, with regular use of the furnace, you will start to experience problems over time. In this blog, we will discuss some warning signs that you will get when your furnace needs repair along with the common furnace problems and their effective solution like how you can deal with dirty or clogged furnace air filters, the malfunctions that can get in your thermostat, how to identify the issues in your blower motor, solving the problem in your pilot light and ignition issues, and lastly the importance of regular furnace maintenance. You will also learn about the times when it becomes necessary to call a professional to fix the problems of your furnace.
Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention
The furnace is an extremely useful piece of technology. However, with regular use for a long period of time, it starts to give certain alert signals that indicate that your furnace needs attention. Below you will learn about some of the warning signs that your furnace is in need of maintenance and repairments.
1. Irregular Heating In Your Home
The very sign that you get when your furnace is not working properly is that your home will not get proper heating. Your furnace is constantly struggling to maintain the temperatures around your house. When you notice that some rooms are cooler than others then it means that there is poor airflow, blockage on the ducts, or malfunctioning in the blower. In some cases, inaccurate calculations of thermostats or leaks in the ductwork can become the reason for uneven heating in your home.
2. Hearing Unusual Sounds From The Furnace
When your furnace starts to make strange sounds like rattling, squealing, or banging then it is another sign that your furnace needs attention. It becomes important for you to investigate the reason behind the sounds otherwise these noises will eventually lead to bigger mechanical issues. The main cause of these unusual sounds is because of loose parts, malfunctioning in the motor of the blower, or clogged burner. If you choose to ignore these noises then it can lead to more problems which will eventually cost expensive repairs.
3. Getting Higher Energy Bills
If you suddenly start getting higher energy bills without increasing the overall consumption of energy then consider it as another signal that your furnace requires proper maintenance. An increase in energy bills is a clear indication that your furnace is not being able to operate efficiently. The main reason behind this particular problem is when the furnace air filter gets clogged because of dirt and debris then it puts extra pressure on the furnace to maintain the air flow resulting in more energy.
4. Having Trouble In Starting The Furnace
When you notice that your furnace is not being able to start properly or having frequent shutdowns then it is a warning sign that your furnace seriously needs attention. This problem indicates that something in your furnace is not working properly. There could be multiple reasons for these issues like faults in the thermostat, problems in the ignition process, or the malfunctioning of a pilot light. When the furnace does not start then it will leave your home to be cold in the winter which will be quite uncomfortable.
Common Furnace Problems And Solutions
It is extremely important that you take care of your furnace system as it plays an important role in maintaining a warm and comfortable environment in your home. However, like any other electrical appliance, the furnace can have some issues with regular usage. Read on to find out about some of the most common furnace problems and how you can solve them. By addressing these problems you will be able to keep your heating system in top condition.
1. Dealing With Dirty Or Clogged Filters
One of the most common problems is a dirty or clogged furnace filter. This issue causes a restriction in the airflow which eventually results in putting extra workload on the furnace. The added pressure on the furnace reduces its efficiency in providing you with proper heating. It also causes your energy bills to get higher. The solution to this problem is quite simple, you need to make sure that you regularly clean or change your furnace filter. Making a schedule for replacing the furnace air filter will help prevent any damage to your furnace while making sure the furnace is working at its best.
2. Troubleshooting Thermostat Malfunctions
Whenever there are malfunctions in the thermostat of your furnace then it creates multiple problems like showing inaccurate readings or giving you less control over it. The issue with the thermostat causes uneven heating in your house and trouble maintaining the temperature that you have set. To troubleshoot this problem you need to first check if the thermostat is set correctly. It should be set to “heat” mode to make your living space warm and comfortable. Always remember to check and replace the batteries from time to time. If these solutions do not work then you will need to recalibrate the thermostat or get it replaced entirely.
3. Identifying And Fixing Blower Motor Issues
Another common furnace problem that many people face is issues with the blower motor. You can easily identify this problem when you see that there is less air circulation or no airflow from your furnace. The main cause for this problem is because of a faulty blower motor. When the blower motor starts to fail then you will get certain signs like hearing strange sounds while very limited to no air coming out from the vents. To deal with this blower motor problem you need to examine the motor if there is any sign of dirt or debris that is causing obstructions. Clean the area and put oil or grease on the motor to make sure that it will run smoothly.
4. Troubleshooting Pilot Light And Ignition Issues
The pilot light of the furnace is the small flame that helps ignite the gas in the furnace to start the process of heating. It is usually located close to the bottom of the furnace or can be found near the front and behind a small access panel. When there is a fault in the pilot light then it will create issues in the process of ignition which will not allow the furnace to start. The reason for this failure can be because of the collection of dirt or the fault in the thermocouple. To reignite the pilot light you need to first turn off the gas and then light it according to the instructions in the manual provided by the manufacturers.
5. Importance Of Regular Furnace Maintenance
It is extremely essential that you make sure to have regular maintenance of the furnace. This simple yet effective thing will help in increasing the lifespan of your heating system while preserving and improving its efficiency. You should schedule a professional inspection at least once a year to make sure everything is working smoothly. The task of maintenance includes various small jobs such as checking the air filters, cleaning the blower motor, examining the thermostat, and verifying proper ventilation. When you maintain the furnace properly then it helps in operating more efficiently while lowering the cost of energy and decreasing the chances of breakdowns.
When Should You Call A Professional For Furnace Issues?
Many of the furnace problems can be fixed easily by applying simple solutions like cleaning or replacing. However, there are certain major furnace problems that require you to call a professional. Below you see some issues that need expert attention to make sure of safety and efficiency.
- When you hear strange sounds like banging, grinding, or squealing.
- If your furnace is causing trouble starting or getting turned off repeatedly.
- If you start to notice bad odors or the smell of gas leaks.
- When there is a yellow pilot light showing instead of having blue flame.
- When there is weak airflow from the vents.
- You start to get higher energy bills.
To make sure that you find a trustworthy professional to fix your furnace problems you should first start by checking if they have the license or are properly certified. You can also check their online ratings and read the reviews given by their previous customers. To make the search easier you can take recommendations from your friends and family members. Lastly, always remember to ask how much they charge for their work.
Conclusion
Here, you have learned how important it is that you have a furnace to keep your home warm and comfortable during the cold and chilly winter months. It is also quite essential that you properly maintain your furnace system. You have discovered that warning signs like irregular heating, strange sounds, higher energy bills, and not being able to start the furnace system are some of the signals that your furnace needs attention. Apart from these you also learn some common problems and their solutions and lastly, the issues for which you should seek help from a professional. All of this information will help you to properly maintain for furnace to keep your living space warm and comfortable.
To make sure that your furnace is operating efficiently you need to have a high-quality air filter. We at Custom Filters Direct have a wide range of options for you to choose from. Every air filter we have is premium that will help in improving the air quality of your home. Our air filters will help you keep your home comfortable while being quite energy efficient. To shop for the best air filters you can visit our website and if you have any questions then you can send us an email at info@customfiltersdirect.com or give us a call at 877-958-5612. Our experts will be happy to help you.