Easy Furnace Fixes: Expert Tips for Common Issues
Winter is around the corner, leading to an increase in heating costs to keep your home warm and cozy. Your furnace is an essential part of a comfortable home throughout the winter. If you have major repairs or breakdowns, you could end up with a cold – or possibly dangerous – situation.
A furnace issue in the middle of winter is not just uncomfortable. It could be expensive and inconvenient to get an emergency appointment and get your system up and running again.
Fortunately, you can prevent these problems with some simple repair tips. Check out furnace solutions made easy with expert furnace repair tips to solve common issues from the water heater replacement and furnace repair professionals at Bell Brothers.
The Value of Furnace Maintenance
Though it may seem like an extra task and expense,furnace maintenance is a key part of keeping your furnace up and running all winter. This is a complex appliance with a lot of different components, all of which can degrade or break. When this happens, you could end up with an inefficient system, high energy bills, or a breakdown.
Here are some reasons you should consider furnace maintenance:
Lower Energy Bills
A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently. It uses less energy to heat your home, which can dramatically reduce your energy consumption – and your energy bills. As utility costs rise, this is a big benefit of routine maintenance.
A furnace issue in the middle of winter is not just uncomfortable. It could be expensive and inconvenient to get an emergency appointment and get your system up and running again.
Fortunately, you can prevent these problems with some simple repair tips. Check out furnace solutions made easy with expert furnace repair tips to solve common issues from the water heater replacement and furnace repair professionals at Bell Brothers.
The Value of Furnace Maintenance
Though it may seem like an extra task and expense,furnace maintenance is a key part of keeping your furnace up and running all winter. This is a complex appliance with a lot of different components, all of which can degrade or break. When this happens, you could end up with an inefficient system, high energy bills, or a breakdown.
Here are some reasons you should consider furnace maintenance:
Lower Energy Bills
A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently. It uses less energy to heat your home, which can dramatically reduce your energy consumption – and your energy bills. As utility costs rise, this is a big benefit of routine maintenance.
While there’s a lot you can do on your own, it’s important to know your limits. A lot of furnace repairs require the knowledge, equipment, and expertise of a professional technician. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe performing a repair or maintenance task, be sure to consult with a professional.
No Heat or Low Heat
If your furnace isn’t pumping out heat, or the heat isn’t as strong as the thermostat would indicate, it could have several possible causes:
- Check the thermostat settings to ensure that your furnace is set to your preferred temperature. Also check that it’s in heating mode.
- Inspect the air filters. If they’re dirty or clogged, it can restrict airflow and make your furnace less efficient. Replacing and cleaning your air filters is a simple task you can easily do on your own every few months, but it can make a huge difference in your furnace’s operation.
- If you have an older gas furnace, the pilot light may have gone out. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it relights safely.
- Newer gas furnaces have electronic ignition systems. If your gas furnace isn’t working properly, it may be time to call a professional for an inspection or repair.
Short Cycling
If your furnace is cycling on and off frequently – known as short cycling – it causes excess wear and tear on your system. Here are some possible causes:
- Dirty filters are a common cause of short cycling. Try cleaning your air filters or replacing them with the right air filter to see if it fixes the problem.
- Make sure your thermostat isn’t near other heat sources, direct sunlight, or drafts. These situations can cause misreading that can cause the furnace to cycle on and off.
- If your furnace overheats, it’s likely to cycle on and off as a safety precaution. Overheating could be caused by a malfunctioning blower motor or a clogged air filter, so it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for a repair.
Odd Sounds
It’s important to know what sounds are normal for your furnace. If you start to notice unusual sounds, it could indicate a problem. Here are some of the common sounds associated with furnace issues:
- Ratting or vibrating from loose screws, nuts, or bolts can cause rattling or vibrating sounds. You may be able to locate these and tighten them on your own.
- Squealing noises can be caused by anything from a problem with the blower motor or a worn-out belt. This should be addressed by a professional HVAC technician.
- Banging or popping sounds can be caused by the expansion and contraction of the air ducts as they heat and cool down. These sounds are common during operation, but if they’re loud, you should call a professional.
Inconsistent Heating
Inconsistent heating compromises your home’s comfort and leads to higher energy bills. Here are some possible causes of uneven heating:
- Blocked vents or registers can cause uneven heating. Make sure that all of the vents and registers are unobstructed.
- With zoned heating systems, your damper settings can affect consistent heating. Make sure the dampers are correctly adjusted for more even distribution.
- Leaking ductwork can cause you to lose heat as it travels from your furnace to your home, causing uneven heating. If you can see cracks or gaps, seal them, but be sure to call a professional to check all your ductwork and repair it.
Constant Running
If your furnace is constantly running, it could be caused by the thermostat fan setting. If you have it set to “on” instead of “auto,” it will run continuously. “Auto” ensures that it runs only when the heat is needed.
Another possible cause is the limit switch, which could be faulty. When this happens, it’s best to call a professional for a repair.
Foul Odors
Foul odors are a concern with your furnace. If you smell burning, turn off the furnace immediately and contact an HVAC professional immediately. This could be a sign of overheating components or an electrical problem that’s extremely dangerous.
Odd Burner Flames
Your burner flames can give you a lot of insight into your furnace’s health. Yellow or flickering flames could indicate an issue with the gas supply or combustion, which could be dangerous. Turn off the furnace and contact a professional HVAC technician.
If you see blue flames with yellow tips, this is normal on occasion. If you see this type of flame all the time, call a technician to inspect your furnace and make sure it’s combusting properly.
Tips for DIY Furnace Maintenance
You should schedule routine maintenance for your furnace each year, but there’s plenty you can do on your own to keep your furnace in optimal condition. Here are some tips:
- Replace or clean air filters:Air filters are important for keeping dust and debris out of your furnace. Make sure to clean or replace your air filters every one to three months.
- Clean the blower and blower motor:Cleaning the blower and blower motor can help you keep your furnace running its best between servicing. Make sure to power the furnace off, then remove the blower cover and vacuum and dust and debris from the blower wheel and motor.
- Check the blower belt:If your furnace has a belt-driven blower, regularly check the condition of the belt and ensure that it’s not worn, not cracked, and properly tensioned.
- Lubricate moving parts:Some furnaces have moving parts that require lubrication, which you can learn to do on your own with the user manual.
- Inspect and clean the flame sensor:The flame sensor ensures that burners ignite correctly. They can get dirty, however, causing ignition problems. Remove the sensor and clean it with a fine abrasive pad.
- Clear obstructions:Make sure the area around your furnace is free of obstructions, clutter, and flammable materials.
- Clean air ducts:You should inspect your air ducts regularly for any signs of leaks or obstructions.
- Test the thermostat:You can check your thermostat by setting it to different temperatures to see if the furnace responds and that the readings are accurate.
- Check for gas leaks:If you have a gas furnace, it’s important to ensure that there are no gas leaks. Call a professional immediately if you suspect a gas leak.
Water Heater Replacement and Furnace Repair at Bell Brothers
Your furnace is one of the most important appliances during the cold winter months. Taking care of your furnace with regular maintenance and repairs keeps your system running its best all winter long.
