Furnaces require regular maintenance and occasional repairs to function properly. Thankfully, many issues can be prevented by following seasonal maintenance tips and addressing small problems as they arise.
If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak, turn off your furnace immediately and ventilate your home. A qualified technician can repair the problem to avoid a dangerous situation. Contact Cincinnati Furnace Repair for professional help.
1. Thermostat Issues
Just like any other piece of equipment, the furnace is subject to mechanical wear and tear. This leads to problems that can range from simple to complex, like a lack of heat or fan failure. Often, these problems are easy to fix if you catch them early and get a professional in for furnace repair.
A faulty thermostat is often the cause of these issues. One way to tell is to check the temperature on the thermostat, compared to the room temperature. If it is too low, the thermostat is not sending the right signal to the furnace. Other reasons your thermostat may not be working include a broken high-voltage wire blocking transmission, incorrect programming or the thermostat itself simply becoming old.
It is also a good idea to look for dust and debris in the thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, it is important to make sure the screen displays the correct day and time, along with the a.m. and p.m. settings. You should also make sure that the thermostat switch (looks like a light switch) is flipped up in the “On” position, and not flipped to the “Off” position.
Many healthy furnaces will maintain a steady whirring sound, but if you start hearing banging, rattling or groans, these are signs that something is wrong with your furnace. These sounds can indicate an issue ranging from a dirty air filter to carbon monoxide leaks, so it is important to shut off the power and ventilate your home. If a carbon monoxide leak is suspected, you should call emergency services and your local fire department immediately, as this can be a dangerous and deadly situation.
2. Water Leaks
Seeing water pool around your furnace is a sure sign that something is not right. If you don’t act quickly, the water could damage the unit and cause bio-growth, which can be a health hazard. Typically, this issue is caused by a condensation leak or a clogged drain line.
The evaporator coil in your furnace sits above a series of piping that leads to a drain. When the evaporator coil becomes clogged or damaged, the excess water flows down into the piping and ends up on the floor. If the floor drain becomes clogged, it can overflow back to the burners, blower fan motor, and evaporator coil.
If you see puddles or pools of water around your furnace, the first thing to do is turn off the system. You can usually do this from the thermostat or switch on the side of the unit. Once the system is turned off, you should clean up any water that has pooled around the base of the unit as much as possible. You can use towels and napkins, or even a wet-dry vacuum if necessary.
A clogged or dirty air filter is another common cause for water leaking from a furnace. This is because the filter will trap a lot of dust and dirt that can prevent proper airflow through the furnace. A professional technician can inspect the air filter and replace it if needed. They can also check the condensate pump if the furnace is high-efficiency and has one. If the pump is clogged, it can lead to a condensation leak and a flooded basement. The pump can be replaced by a professional, but it is best to have the problem diagnosed and repaired sooner rather than later.
3. Blower Motor Issues
Sometimes a blower motor can experience a temporary malfunction. Loose wires, tripped circuit breakers and other inhibited components can temporarily shut down the blower fan function, but may not require any complex repair services or diagnostics.
First, make sure your furnace is receiving power by checking the breaker switch and fuses to ensure that they have not been tripped. Then, check the air filter, as a dirty one can restrict blower air flow. Replacing it can often fix the problem.
Another possibility is that your blower belt is out of alignment or tension. If you hear a squeaking sound while the furnace is running, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Some older furnaces use belt-driven blowers, and it is common for the belt to get loose or worn out over time. When this happens, the blower fan will not operate and your home will not be heated properly.
Over time, the blower motor itself can also wear out. When this occurs, it may start to overheat, which can trigger safety features that shut down the system. A professional can inspect the blower motor and determine if any repair or replacement is necessary.
If you hear strange noises, such as banging or whining, it is a good idea to call in a professional for an inspection of the furnace. Unusual sounds can indicate a problem with the blower or other internal components, such as the gas valve or the drain line. A skilled technician can identify the problem and perform the needed repairs. A professional can also calibrate the thermostat, test the ducts for leaks and perform other important tasks to restore heat to your home.
4. Clogged Drain Line
A clogged furnace drain line is a common problem that can cause your system to fail. If the drain line becomes clogged with dirt, it can be impossible for your system to properly function. A professional HVAC technician can clean the drain line to remove a blockage. They can also perform a routine maintenance service that includes cleaning the drain line to reduce future clogs.
Moisture from the drain line can create the perfect breeding ground for mold and algae, which can then spread into your home. This can lead to a range of health issues, including allergies and respiratory problems. If you notice any musty or mildew smells, it’s likely a sign that the drain line has been blocked.
Clogged drain lines can be a costly problem, and you should always contact a professional HVAC technician for help. They can remove the clog by hand or with a wet/dry vacuum. If the clog is more severe, they may have to disassemble your system and clear the line from inside. Ideally, a clog should be prevented with regular inspections and maintenance services.
Moving parts within your furnace require lubrication to work correctly, but these lubricants can break down over time. This causes friction between the moving parts, which leads to excessive wear and tear. This can cause your system to stop functioning altogether, or it might start malfunctioning in other ways. A professional heating and cooling company can replace a faulty ignitor for you, allowing the system to function as it should.
Taking care of these minor repairs can help you save money on your energy bills and prevent expensive replacement costs in the future. It’s important to remember that DIY furnace repair can be dangerous, and it could void your warranty if it’s not performed correctly.
5. Flue Pipe Issues
While it isn’t a furnace issue that is likely to occur infrequently, it is still something you should be aware of so you can call a professional when needed.
Vent pipe issues often stem from environmental factors and improper installation. For example, snow, ice, and harsh weather can cause damage to vent pipes and lead to blockages. Fortunately, there are warning signs that can help you catch these problems before they become serious. Visible signs include rusting, cracks, or physical damage to the pipes. Also, if you notice unusual smells in your home or a sudden increase in humidity around the vent areas, this could be an indicator that there is a problem with the pipe.
Additionally, if you hear banging or rattling noises from your vents, this may indicate that the pipes are loose and need to be tightened. Other signs of vent problems include insufficient heating, increased energy bills, and moisture around the vent area. If left untreated, these problems can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a very dangerous situation.
If you have a home warranty, your service provider will cover most of the cost of repairing these common furnace issues. They’ll even send an experienced contractor to your home to diagnose the problem and make repairs. If you don’t have a home warranty, it is a good idea to sign up before winter arrives. By doing so, you can rest assured knowing that your furnace will be ready to keep your family warm all season long. To learn more about the benefits of a home warranty, click the button below.