Waking up cold in the middle of the night — especially during the cold months — can be pretty upsetting.
It is one thing if all you have to do to warm up is to pull the covers up. If your furnace is not working properly, it could be a whole different issue.
While the furnace plays an essential role in a home’s heating system, many homeowners often underestimate how much it actually contributes to overall comfort. When your furnace is in its peak condition, you will hardly notice any difference other than a warm and comfortable home. However, even the smallest problem can impact the performance of your heating equipment.
If the furnace does not produce sufficient heat, you may need to find a reliable residential furnace repair in Winnipeg to keep your home warm and cozy.
What Are the Most Common Problems With Furnaces
A high-performing furnace is essential for preserving a comfortable and healthy home environment. When winter rolls around, be on the lookout for these common furnace issues that require immediate attention.
1.Strange Furnace Noises
Old age causes the furnace to produce some strange noises. If you are hearing loud or unfamiliar sounds coming from your furnace, you should get your heating system checked out by a professional HVAC technician.
A damaged interior fan, loose fan belt, friction between fan belts, or a bad capacitor may have caused the furnace noises.
2.Dirty, Clogged Filters
A dirty or clogged filter can reduce the ability of the furnace to produce and distribute heat throughout your home. It can also potentially damage your limit switch. Be sure to replace dirty filters once every 3 months for peak performance.
3.Furnace Leaking Water
Condensation is the main cause of a furnace leaking. This problem can be the result of a clogged drain, a broken line, or a damaged pump. Leakage in your furnace can cause costly damage to your flooring, walls, and the furnace itself.
4.Malfunctioning Thermostat
When your thermostat is not working properly, you will notice that your fan is constantly running. It causes your thermostat to turn on, which will drain the battery and make your furnace work less effectively. To verify this, set the fan to “auto” and check if it is always running at all heating settings.
5.Cracked Heat Exchanger
Unfortunately, if your heat exchanger is damaged, it needs to be repaired. To ensure that the heating system is running safely, the heat exchanger separates the warming flame from the air. However, overheating the house and not replacing the filters regularly can lead to your heat exchanger cracking. If your furnace does not produce heat, call a professional HVAC serviceman.
6. Cycling Problems
When you set the temperature on your furnace, the thermostat will heat up your home and turn off after a predetermined period of time. The ideal wait time is 15 minutes to allow for proper air circulation. After that timer has expired, the heating process begins again automatically. Furnace short cycling (turning off and on randomly) can damage your heating system over time and cause high energy bills in most homes.
7.Weak, Odd, or Flickering Pilot Light
Your pilot light is an important part of the operation of the furnace. If you notice that your gas furnace is flickering or giving off a yellow light, then it indicates that your furnace may be leaking carbon monoxide into your home.
8.Faulty Limit Switch
The control limit switch activates the fan blower once the thermostat has transmitted the desired amount of heat. This function works with the thermostat to regulate airflow and maintain a comfortable temperature. If this switch is damaged, overheating may occur and eventually damage the furnace.
9.Flayed Blower Belt
Your blower belt is a component of the motor that helps your furnace’s fan work properly. However, this part can start to fray or break. This noise will often be noticeable when your furnace is running and it will result in increased efficiency and performance for the fan. Replacing this belt should fix the issue.
10.Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air
There are several potential causes why your furnace fails to blow warm air. Make sure your blower is not obstructed by debris. Otherwise, check if there is a flashing light on the machine. If the furnace flashes a red light, contact a technician for assistance.
11.Damaged Bearing
Ball bearings are designed to help the furnace fan rotate smoothly and easily. The motor and shaft bearing work together to determine the speed of the fan, and if these components are damaged in any way, it will affect the operation of the fan. If you hear a humming or rattling sound while the bearings are rotating or see sparks flying out from under the unit, this might be an indication that your ball bearings need to be replaced.
12.Furnace Stopped Working
If you are experiencing problems with your furnace, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. The problem may be due to a tripped circuit breaker, an issue with the pilot light or ignition, restricted airflow, or a problem with the safety switch that may have shut down the heating equipment. If you fail to identify the cause of the problem, it is best to call in a professional technician for assistance.
13.Popping or Pinging Ducts
The popping and pinging sound you hear most often come from ducts as they heat up and expand. Additionally, if you notice a loose flap of metal inside a duct, this may be causing the noise.
If you can locate the source of the noise, try making a small dent in that area to stop the sound. By gently tapping on this location with your finger or palm, you may be able to temporarily fix the issue.
14.Poor Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the functionality and lifespan of the furnace. A well-maintained heating system typically lasts from 15 to 18 years.
It is critical to have your furnace checked regularly to prevent minor issues from escalating. In the worst cases, not addressing a furnace defect can lead to dangerous, more costly consequences. Do not delay repair!
If you need help with furnace installation and repair services, please call Abundant Air at (204) 674-4568 for professional assistance.
