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As temperatures steadily decline with winter approaching, homeowners rely on their heating systems to keep their residences comfortable. However, this is also the time of year when many realize they need furnace repairs to address overlooked or difficult-to-notice issues. Here are some common problems you could encounter, along with helpful information on how to resolve them.
What Furnace Problems Hinder Home Comfort?
1. No Heat
A furnace that doesn’t blow warm air through the vents and registers could be due to several problems. Sometimes, it’s a simple issue, such as the power switch getting turned off or the thermostat not being set to heating mode. Alternatively, a dirty or clogged air filter could cause heat to build up in the furnace, forcing it to shut down.
If the unit doesn’t provide heat, check the thermostat, breakers, switches, and air filter for any issues or abnormalities. If they are in working order, contact Niceley's for an HVAC technician to inspect the system for any difficult-to-detect problems that can prevent the furnace from working correctly.
2. Frequent Turning On and Off
Ordinarily, a furnace will run for the duration of a heating cycle before switching off again to maintain the temperature programmed into the thermostat. In some cases, the system switches on and off repeatedly before reaching the desired setting. This issue is known as short cycling, which causes the furnace to consume excessive energy without keeping your home warm.
The most common and easily-resolved cause of short cycling is restricted airflow, typically due to a dirty or clogged air filter. The system could also be running at excessively high temperatures. In either case, continuous heat can cause severe mechanical damage, requiring emergency furnace repairs.
3. Noisy Operation
All furnaces make noise while operating, but after several winters, you should be accustomed to the sounds they usually make. However, if you notice anything odd, such as rattling, squealing, or grinding, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue.
Rattling and pinging sounds, for example, are often caused by loose panels or components in the furnace or ducting. On the other hand, rumbling or banging can indicate that the fuel left in the combustion chamber is exploding outside the normal heating cycle. After detecting unexpected noises, contact a repair technician to identify and solve the problem causing them.
