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Action Plumbing, HVAC, & Electric

Tag: furnace maintenance tips

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!

Furnace maintenance signs

Your furnace works hard to keep your home warm and cozy, especially during the chilly winter months. But like any hardworking machine, it needs regular care to keep running smoothly. If you ignore the signs that your furnace needs maintenance, you could end up with a cold house and a big repair bill! Let’s go over some furnace maintenance signs you should never ignore.

1. Strange Noises Coming from Your Furnace

One of the first signs of furnace problems is strange noises. If you hear banging, clanking, or rattling sounds, it’s time to pay attention. These noises could mean that something is loose or broken inside your furnace, like cracked heat exchangers or dirty filters. Don’t wait—address these furnace repair indicators quickly before the problem gets worse.

2. Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Evenly

Are some rooms in your house too hot while others are too cold? Uneven heating is another of the common furnace issues. It could mean there’s a problem with your heating system, such as clogged filters or air ducts. Maybe the furnace is struggling to distribute heated air evenly, which is a sure sign you need to look into furnace maintenance tips or get a professional furnace inspection from HVAC professionals.

3. The Thermostat Isn’t Working Right

If your thermostat is giving you trouble, like not responding when you try to change the temperature, it could be a red flag furnace needs repair. Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the thermostat itself but with the furnace, possibly due to wear and tear on the system. This is one of those heating system issues that can sneak up on you, so don’t ignore it! Also, check the circuit breakers to make sure they’re functioning properly.

4. Your Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing

Have you noticed your energy bills going up for no reason? This could be a big sign of furnace problems. When a furnace isn’t working efficiently due to dirty air filters or other issues, it uses more energy to heat your home, which means higher bills. If you see this happening, it’s time to review your furnace maintenance checklist and consider making your home more energy efficient.

5. The Pilot Light Is Yellow

The pilot light in your furnace should always burn blue. If it’s yellow, it’s a serious furnace repair indicator that something isn’t right. A yellow flame could mean that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas that can harm your family. Don’t wait—call for a professional furnace inspection right away and check your carbon monoxide detectors. Also, be aware of any gas leaks or natural gas smells in your home.

6. Your Furnace Is Short Cycling

Short cycling means your furnace is turning on and off too quickly. This is a clear sign of furnace problems. It can be caused by something as simple as a dirty filter or as serious as a malfunctioning thermostat. Either way, it’s a red flag furnace needs repair. Make sure you follow furnace maintenance tips and practice preventative maintenance to prevent this from happening.

7. It’s Been a Long Time Since Your Last Maintenance Check

One of the easiest furnace maintenance signs to spot is simply how long it’s been since your last professional furnace inspection. If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to schedule a check-up. Regular maintenance helps catch common furnace issues before they turn into expensive repairs and ensures good indoor air quality.

8. Your Furnace Is Old

Most furnaces last around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is getting up there in age, it’s more likely to show signs of furnace problems. Older furnaces are also less efficient, which means higher energy bills and more frequent breakdowns. Keep an eye on furnace repair indicators as your furnace ages, and consider whether it’s time for a replacement. If you’re considering alternatives, a heat pump might be a good option for more energy efficient heating.

9. You Notice Weird Smells

Strange smells coming from your furnace are never a good sign. If you smell something burning, it could mean there’s dust inside the furnace, which isn’t too serious. But if the smell is more like natural gas or something rotten, it’s a major red flag furnace needs repair. This could also indicate carbon monoxide leaks, so turn off your furnace and call a professional right away.

10. The Air Quality in Your Home Is Poor

Your furnace does more than just heat your home—it also helps circulate air. If you notice that the indoor air qualityin your home is poor, like it’s dustier than usual or people are sneezing more, it might be a sign of furnace problems. This could be because your furnace isn’t filtering the air properly due to dirty filters or clogged filters. Regularly changing the filter and following your furnace maintenance checklist can help keep the air clean and improve indoor air quality.

Key Takeaways

  • Strange noises, uneven heating, and high energy bills are all furnace maintenance signs you shouldn’t ignore.
  • A yellow pilot light, short cycling, and weird smells are serious furnace repair indicators that need immediate attention.
  • Regular check-ups, preventative maintenance, and following furnace maintenance tips can help you avoid common furnace issues and keep your home warm and safe.

Conclusion

Your furnace is a crucial part of your home, especially when the temperatures drop. Don’t wait until something goes wrong—pay attention to these signs of furnace problems and follow a regular furnace maintenance checklist. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to call in the experts. Action Plumbing Heating Air & Electric is here to help you keep your furnace in top shape. Remember, knowing when to service your furnace can save you a lot of trouble down the line!

Reach out to us today to schedule your professional furnace inspection. Let’s keep your home warm and cozy all winter long!