Furnaces involve complex systems that can pose safety risks. Professional technicians follow proper protocols and understand building codes, minimizing risks for homeowners. Contact Cincinnati Furnace Repair for professional assistance.
Insufficient airflow can be caused by clogged and dirty filters, as well as blocked vents. Inspect the air filter regularly and change it as needed.
Make sure the electrical power furnace switch is flipped to Off, then lift up the combustion chamber door and remove the burner cover (if you have one). Inspect for signs of corrosion.
1. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is the brains of your heating system, directing the blower fan and turning the furnace on and off. It’s not surprising that it has some issues from time to time, but when they aren’t handled quickly enough, the problem can escalate into a complete breakdown.
When your thermostat isn’t properly working, it may be because the heat exchanger has been damaged. This can be one of the more costly problems to fix, but it can also be avoided with regular maintenance services. Our heating repair technicians will check to see if the blower fan is continuously running and if the heat exchanger is overheating. The latter will likely require a professional replacement.
Thermostat problems could also stem from a lack of power to the thermostat or electrical issues such as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. In many cases, this can be resolved by ensuring that the breaker switch is in the on position and if not, resetting it.
An ignition problem may be caused by wear and tear, a dirty flame sensor or a gas supply issue. The igniter is crucial to the functioning of your furnace and a malfunctioning igniter can cause the burners to shut off frequently. A dirty flame sensor can prevent the igniter from staying lit and should be cleaned by a technician to avoid dangerous consequences.
Another common reason for a non-working furnace is because the blower motor isn’t working properly. This can often be fixed by ensuring that the blower fan is not blocked and that it is free of debris. It is also a good idea to periodically clean your vents and ductwork to make sure that airflow isn’t restricted.
Finally, if you have an electronic thermostat, it may be having battery issues. Replace the batteries and the thermostat should work again. If it doesn’t, it could have a faulty fan limit switch and will require professional heating repair services to diagnose and fix the problem. Alternatively, it could just be that the setting isn’t right. Try changing the temperature a few degrees up or down and see if it works.
2. Fan Issues
Furnaces work hard to keep you warm, but the intense work they do can lead to a number of fan issues. These may include a blower that isn’t turning on, clunking or squealing sounds, or the fan might be causing airflow problems. If you hear these sounds, it’s time to call for professional heating repair services.
If you are experiencing a blower that won’t turn on, first make sure your thermostat is set correctly. Often, these can become misaligned or outdated and need to be manually reset to the correct temperature. It’s also a good idea to replace the furnace filter. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause the blower to overheat.
You should also check your breaker box to see if the switch for your furnace is flipped on. Sometimes, this can get flipped off by a surge of electricity and needs to be switched back on. If you find that your breaker box has been tripped, this can cause the system to stop functioning and should be checked by a professional.
One of the most common reasons that your furnace won’t start is because of a flame sensor problem. These sensors can become coated in dust and insulation over time, which can prevent them from sensing the pilot light. This could also be due to a faulty thermocouple, which will need to be replaced.
Finally, you should check your vents to make sure nothing is blocking the airflow or clogging it. This can be a very frustrating problem because it prevents your house from getting warm and can even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are hearing clunking, thumping or squealing sounds from your furnace it’s important to note the exact nature of these sounds so that an experienced technician can identify and fix the problem. For example, a squeaking sound can mean the fan belt is out of alignment or tension, while a scraping noise might be caused by a worn blower bearing. It’s always best to have these kinds of mechanical issues looked at by an expert.
3. Burner Issues
When you set your thermostat to turn on, you expect it to light the burners and keep them burning for long enough to distribute heat throughout your home. However, there may be a number of reasons why your gas furnace’s burners won’t stay on.
One reason could be that the burners are not getting airflow. For the burners to work, they need airflow from the return air ducts. This airflow passes through the filter, which can get clogged if you don’t replace it regularly. Another possibility is that the flame sensor is malfunctioning. This is a safety device that makes sure the burners are lit before it turns on your gas furnace, and it shuts off gas flow when it detects no flames to avoid a dangerous build-up of unburned gas. If the flame sensor is defective, it may continue to shut off gas flow even though the burners are not lit. This is an issue that requires professional attention to fix.
The flame sensor is also responsible for turning on the blower fan to distribute air across the burners. When the blower fan is not working, it can cause a variety of problems, including carbon or grime build-up that prevents the burners from lighting. This is an issue that your heating technician can resolve by examining the flame sensor and cleaning it.
If the airflow is fine and the flame sensor is not to blame, your problem may be that the burners are shutting off too soon. This could be because of a faulty limit switch, which is another safety mechanism that shuts off the gas flow when it senses that the heat exchanger has become too hot. The limit switch is a simple part to replace, but it needs professional expertise to do so safely and properly.
If you hear grinding, whirring, or clinking sounds while the burners are operating, this is a sign that they’re overheating. This can cause the metal parts inside your gas furnace to become warped or damaged. A professional will need to remove the burner assembly and clean it thoroughly.
4. Electrical Issues
Your furnace relies on electricity to power its components, so if the system isn’t receiving the proper amount of electric current, it will likely begin to experience electrical problems. While some electrical issues can be fixed with do-it-yourself tips, others require the services of a professional.
If your furnace seems to be switching on and off at will, check the air filter for any signs of dirt or clogging. A dirty or worn-out air filter is a common cause of this problem and an easy fix. If a new air filter doesn’t help, it may be a sign of an electrical problem with the blower motor or belts.
Another common problem with the electrical components of your furnace is a faulty flame sensor. If this safety device is coated in residue, it can prevent the system from starting because it will assume that the pilot flame isn’t lit. This is a fire hazard and should be addressed by a technician as soon as possible.
It’s also important to check the condition of your furnace’s door panel. A loose or unhinged door can allow heat to escape from the furnace, causing it to overheat. This can lead to dangerous and costly repairs, so it’s a good idea to check the condition of your furnace regularly to catch any problems early on.
During normal operation, your furnace should emit a slight burning smell. However, if you notice a stronger or more persistent smell, it’s time to call a technician for a service appointment. This type of problem is a sign that the system is struggling to keep cool and could result in serious damage.
Performing certain DIY furnace repair tasks can be satisfying and cost effective, but it’s vital to assess your technical skills before attempting any work on complex or hazardous systems. In addition, some DIY repairs can void your warranty. So, if you’re not comfortable working on your furnace, contact a professional for an inspection and possible repair service. This will ensure that your home is properly heated without risking the health and safety of your family.