Your furnace is one of your home's most essential pieces of equipment. It keeps you warm during the winter and helps to keep your energy bills low.
Regular servicing and maintenance can help to keep your furnace in top condition and prevent many common problems.
Read more: What Is the Ideal Schedule for Servicing a Furnace?
However, even with the best care, furnaces can still develop issues. In this article, we'll look at the ten most common furnace problems and what you may do to fix them.
1. Furnace Doesn’t Turn on
There may be many reasons why your furnace doesn’t turn on. The first thing to check is the power supply. Ensure the furnace is plugged into an outlet and the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped.
If the power is supplied to the furnace but doesn’t turn on, there may be a problem with the furnace itself. Check the pilot light to see if it’s lit. If not, follow your furnace’s manual instructions on relight it.
Another problem may be the thermostat. Ensure it’s turned on and set to “heat.” If the problem persists, you may need to replace the thermostat.
2. Furnace Runs But Doesn’t Generate Heat
If you find the furnace is running but not generating heat, it could be due to several reasons. You should first check the furnace's filter to see if it needs to be replaced. A clogged or dirty filter will restrict air flow, causing the furnace to work harder without heating your home. If the filter looks clean, the problem may be with the furnace's blower motor. A faulty blower motor can also restrict airflow and prevent the furnace from generating heat.
3. Furnace Makes Strange Noises
Some reasons why your furnace might be making strange noises include the following:
- The blower wheel is unbalanced
- The belt that drives the blower is loose or broken
- The motor mounts are worn out
If you notice your furnace making strange noises, it’s best to contact a professional for help. Trying to fix the problem yourself could further damage your furnace.
4. Poor Air Quality and Excessive Dust
If you notice the indoor air quality in your home declining, or if there seems to be excessive dust in the air, it could be a sign that your furnace needs attention. The problem could be with the furnace filter, the blower motor, or ductwork. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem.
5. High Energy Bills
When there is a sudden rise in utility bills during cold weather, it is often due to an issue with the furnace. If the furnace works harder than usual, it will use more energy and cause your monthly bills to be higher. One way to tell if this is the case is by feeling around the furnace. If it feels hotter than usual, it will likely use more energy than necessary.
For expert repairs of your HVAC in Atlanta, GA, call Moncrief. We're always here to help you with your heating and cooling needs! Our team of certified professionals is available 24/7 to help you, no matter the problem.