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Art depicting furnace troubleshooting

Furnace Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Quick Fixes

When the weather gets cold, your furnace becomes one of the most important things in your home, and furnace troubleshooting is something you’ll have to deal with. But what happens when it stops working? Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through some furnace troubleshooting tips, common furnace issues, and quick furnace fixes that you can try on your own. With these simple furnace maintenance tips, you can keep your home warm and cozy all winter long.

Art depicting cold home due to furnace not working

1. Furnace Not Turning On

One of the most frustrating heating system problems is when your furnace doesn’t turn on at all. Before you panic, there are a few things you can check.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Check the Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a thermostat that’s set to the wrong mode.
  • Check the Power: If your furnace isn’t turning on, it might not be getting power. Check the circuit breaker to see if it’s tripped. If it has, reset it and see if the furnace starts working again.
  • Inspect the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can block airflow and prevent your furnace from turning on. Replace the filter if it’s clogged, and see if that fixes the issue.

If your furnace still isn’t turning on after trying these furnace troubleshooting steps, it might be time to call a professional for home heating repair.

2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air

If your furnace is blowing cold air instead of warm, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. There are a few furnace problem solutions you can try before calling for help.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Check the Thermostat Again: Make sure the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “auto” instead of “on.” When it’s set to “on,” the fan will blow air even when the furnace isn’t heating, which can make it feel like cold air is coming out.
  • Check the Pilot Light: If you have a gas furnace, check to see if the pilot light is out. If it is, you’ll need to relight it according to your furnace’s manual. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, there could be a bigger issue that needs professional attention.
  • Check the Air Filter: Just like with a furnace that won’t turn on, a dirty air filter can cause your furnace to blow cold air. Make sure the filter is clean and replace it if needed.

If these quick furnace fixes don’t solve the problem, you might need to look into more serious furnace troubleshooting or call a professional for help.

3. Furnace Turning On and Off Frequently

If your furnace keeps turning on and off quickly, it’s called short cycling. This is one of the common furnace issues that can be both annoying and harmful to your furnace.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter can cause your furnace to overheat, which might make it shut off to protect itself. Replacing the filter can help prevent short cycling.
  • Check the Thermostat Placement: If your thermostat is located in a spot that gets a lot of direct sunlight or near another heat source, it might think your home is warmer than it actually is. This can cause the furnace to turn off too soon. Consider moving the thermostat to a more central location.
  • Inspect the Venting: Blocked vents can cause your furnace to short cycle. Make sure all the vents in your home are open and unblocked.

If your furnace is still short cycling after these furnace problem solutions, it’s a good idea to call a professional to check for more serious heating system problems.

4. Furnace Making Strange Noises

If your furnace is making banging, rattling, or squeaking noises, it’s definitely a sign that something is wrong. These noises are often a clue that you need to perform some DIY furnace repair or call in a professional.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Check for Loose Parts: Sometimes, parts inside the furnace can become loose and start making noise. Turn off the furnace and carefully inspect it for any loose panels or screws that you can tighten.
  • Inspect the Blower Motor: A noisy blower motor might need lubrication. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can try adding oil to the motor according to the furnace’s manual. If the noise continues, you might need to replace the motor.
  • Check the Ductwork: If the noise seems to be coming from the ducts, it could be a sign that they’re expanding and contracting as they heat up and cool down. Adding insulation around the ducts might help reduce the noise.

Strange noises can be a sign of serious furnace not working issues, so if these quick furnace fixes don’t help, it’s time to call in a professional for home heating repair.

cold woman adjusting thermostat because of heating system problems

5. Furnace Not Producing Enough Heat

If your furnace is on but your home still feels cold, there could be a few reasons why it’s not producing enough heat.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Check the Thermostat Settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to a high enough temperature to keep your home warm. If the thermostat is old or malfunctioning, it might not be reading the temperature correctly, which can cause the furnace to not produce enough heat.
  • Inspect the Air Filter: Once again, a dirty air filter can cause a lot of heating system problems. A clogged filter can reduce airflow and make it harder for your furnace to heat your home properly. Replace the filter and see if that helps.
  • Check for Blocked Vents: Make sure that all the vents in your home are open and unblocked. Furniture, curtains, or other objects can sometimes block vents and prevent warm air from circulating properly.

If these furnace troubleshooting tips don’t solve the problem, your furnace might need a more thorough inspection to figure out what’s wrong.

6. Furnace Troubleshooting – Smells Funny

If your furnace is producing a strange smell, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it right away. Some smells are harmless, but others can be a sign of serious heating system problems.

Quick Furnace Troubleshooting Fixes:

  • Burning Dust Smell: If you smell burning dust when you first turn on your furnace for the season, don’t worry. This is usually just dust that has settled on the furnace during the warmer months burning off. The smell should go away after a few minutes.
  • Musty Smell: A musty smell might mean that there’s mold growing in your furnace or ducts. Changing the air filter and cleaning the ducts can help get rid of the smell.
  • Rotten Egg Smell: If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Turn off the furnace immediately, leave the house, and call your gas company or a professional for help.

If you’re not sure what’s causing the smell or how to fix it, it’s always better to be safe and call a professional for furnace maintenance tips and help.

Key Furnace Troubleshooting Takeaways

  • Furnace troubleshooting can help you solve common furnace issues quickly and easily.
  • Simple DIY furnace repair steps like checking the thermostat, air filter, and power supply can fix many heating system problems.
  • If quick furnace fixes don’t solve the problem, it’s important to call a professional for home heating repair to avoid further damage.

Conclusion

Your furnace is a vital part of your home, especially during the colder months. Knowing how to perform basic furnace troubleshooting and fix furnace issues can save you time and money, and keep your home warm and comfortable. But remember, if you ever feel unsure about how to handle a furnace problem, it’s always best to call a professional. Action Plumbing Heating Air & Electric is here to help with all your furnace problem solutions and home heating repair needs. Contact us today to keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long!