In this day and age, 96% of homes nationwide have some sort of heating device in their home. Of these homes, 47% of homes use natural gas and 36% use electricity.
No matter what kind of system you use, they are not immune to problems. With regular maintenance, your HVAC unit can last 15 years.
Without annual maintenance checks, however, you are prone to central heating problems.
Keep reading to learn more about common furnace issues and when it’s time to call the experts.
Poor Airflow
If you are having issues with uneven heating, or if some vents are not blowing properly, you may need to check your filter.
Clogged filters prevent the air from passing through, making the appliance work harder than it needs to. Unchecked, this problem can damage the limit switch.
Replace filters every 1-3 months. If you live in a home with excess pet hair, smoke, or allergens, consider replacing your filters more frequently.
If you’re having central heating problems throughout the house, it may be due to aging or broken fan motors, belts, bearings, or ducts. Faulty hardware can cause the system to overheat.
Always allow an expert to address these furnace issues for you. Improper self-repair will cost you time and money down the line.
Heat Constantly Running
Your HVAC system may be too small to accommodate your house’s size. A small system must work overtime to properly heat your house, which will cause it undue stress.
There may also be leaks in the ducts. To check, walk along the ducts in the attic to find the leak and seal it. If it is old or in disrepair, call a professional.
Finally, make sure that your thermostat is set to “auto,” not “on” or “low/medium/high.” “Auto” will automatically turn the system on and off, while the other settings will make the fan blow constantly.
Blowing Cold Air
If your HVAC is blowing cold air, check the pilot light. It is possible that a draft extinguished the flame. If the pilot light keeps blowing out, you may be out of fuel.
Newer systems use electric ignition instead of a pilot light. If you’re having a heating issue with a newer system, check the sensors to ensure they are clean and undamaged.
Won’t Turn On/Off
If your unit won’t turn on or off, you may have a faulty thermostat. Replace the batteries to see if it fixes the problem.
If it is misreading the temperature or can’t connect to the HVAC, it is time to replace your thermostat. If your thermostat is new, it’s possible that it was installed incorrectly. Have an expert give their opinion before you buy a new one.
Unusual Noises
Unusual noises are a telltale sign that it’s time to find help. A high-pitched squeal means that a blower belt has slipped or is frayed.
A scraping noise means that the bearings have been worn down. If that is the case, turn off the furnace to prevent further damage and call an expert immediately.
Combat Common Furnace Issues
Through regular maintenance, you can avoid most furnace issues. Even if you don’t use your furnace often, it is still crucial to get an annual service.
Are you having heating issues? Do you want an expert opinion before the cold weather rolls in? Contact us today!
