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When the temperatures hit a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit, the last thing you need is a malfunctioning furnace. Just as with other sophisticated systems, your heating equipment can develop faults unexpectedly. Here are some common furnace problems and how to address them.
1. The Furnace Is Not Heating
One of the most common furnace issues is if the heating system fails to produce warm air. The reasons behind it may vary considerably. It could be an issue with configurations or component failure.
Your furnace may fail to heat due to an issue with the fan setting on your equipment. You might want to start by checking the thermostat’s configuration. Ensure the settings are set to heat and the temperatures are high enough to produce adequate heat.
Another factor could be problems with the pilot light or ignition system. Faults within the pilot light might prevent the system from igniting the fuel. Ignition problems can be dangerous, as there is often room for gas to leak. It is always advisable to switch off the system and seek professional assistance.
Your furnace may also fail to produce heat due to airflow obstructions. Blockages in the system may limit the distribution of air within the house. A certified technician can check your ductwork for leaks and clogging to restore your home’s comfort.
2. The Blower Runs Continuously
If your blower runs insistently, it can waste energy and cause components to break down faster. You can fix the problem by changing the thermostat settings from ON to AUTO. Reduce the temperature on the device and wait for a few minutes.
If the blower is still running, the problem might be with the fan’s limit switch. You can find the limit switch in the upper right corner of the panel’s cover. If the button is pressed in, it is in Manual Overdrive Mode. Switching to automatic might solve the problem.
If it still doesn’t work, the problem might be a faulty limit switch. It may also be faulty thermostat connections or calibrations. The next best course of action is to call a professional.
3. Burner Produces Yellow Rather Than Blue Flame
Your gas furnace should burn with a blue flame rather than yellow. The blue color indicates that the ratio of fuel to air is correct. On the other hand, yellow shows that there is something wrong with the burner.
A yellow flame could be the result of unburnt fuel. An adjustment of the burner’s shutter may solve the problem. Unfortunately, the issue can cause gas leaks and pose a fire hazard in your home.
If you notice the odor of burning gas or unusual sounds, it is best to contact an HVAC system professional. You can consult Black-Haak’s staff in Greenville for prompt repairs. Open the windows and ensure there is adequate ventilation as you wait for help to arrive.
4. A Cracked Heat Exchanger
Your furnace has a component known as a heat exchanger that produces warm air for your interior. It consists of a series of metal tubes or shells that come in different shapes depending on the model of the equipment.
A cracked heat exchanger is one of the critical issues that your furnace may develop. A hole in the tubes will allow fumes into your home. The gas it releases is a mix of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide.
A technician must inspect the furnace to verify that the heat exchanger is faulty. Because it is likely to occur at the end of the furnace’s lifespan, a system replacement is often necessary. Black-Haak is available 24 hours a day for heating repairs in Greenville.
5. Strange Noises from the Furnace or Ductwork
Your heating unit will naturally produce some low humming sound. But if the noises are loud and persistent, it could indicate a fault within your system. Fortunately, the different sounds can give you an indication of the type of malfunction in your equipment.
A high-pitched noise that sounds like squealing is often an indication that the blower motor needs lubrication. The fan belt may also be defective. In such cases, a furnace technician can replace it if necessary.
Rattling is another common sound that usually indicates loose parts inside your heating unit. The fan blade or motor could have objects lodged inside them, causing the sound. The components inside your equipment can damage other parts of the system.
A popping sound could be a sign of burner problems. When the furnace fails to burn some of the fuel, the fuel accumulates due to lower than usual temperatures. When temperatures rise, the fuel burns with a pop sound.
You may also hear a popping sound when the ductwork expands and contracts. Sometimes it happens due to inadequate sizing of the ductwork. Excess heat forces it to expand and contract rapidly. An energy audit of your home can help to pinpoint the exact source of the issue.
6. The Furnace Is Frequently Cycling
Your furnace may also turn on and off intermittently. It may heat the room for a few minutes before switching off again. Your equipment may repeat the process several times in an hour without reaching the desired temperature.
One reason your heating system may cycle is due to poor airflow that causes overheating. An in-built safety switch may turn off your equipment when it starts to become too hot. The flue that dispels toxic fumes may be clogged.
Another culprit could be inadequate insulation or air leaks. Such problems allow warm air to escape so that your furnace never heats the interior sufficiently. You may address the problem by fixing openings around windows and doors.
The problem could also be due to improper sizing of the system during installation. An oversize system will struggle to maintain interior temperatures. As a result, it will keep switching on and off to avoid overheating.
Oversized systems can waste energy and raise your utility bills. Because your equipment is always running, it is likely to break down faster. At Black-Haak, we recommend consulting certified technicians for furnace installations in Greenville.
Benefits of Furnace Maintenance
If you notice your furnace is malfunctioning, it is always advisable to call a professional as soon as possible. Some faults can pose a considerable risk in your home. Inefficient burners and flue systems can introduce toxic fumes or cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
You can also prevent such problems by adhering to your annual maintenance routine. Ideally, the furnace tune-up service should be before the onset of the cold season. That way, the system is ready for the winter ahead.
Maintenance allows you to address issues before they become expensive to fix. An experienced technician can troubleshoot issues with airflow problems or cracked heat exchangers. Such malfunctions can damage your equipment and pose a hazard in your home.
Additionally, a tune-up of your heating equipment upholds your warranty. If you skip annual maintenance, you risk voiding the manufacturer’s contract. You may end up spending more on replacement components.
If you need dependable heating services, you can rely on Black-Haak in Greenville. As a family-owned company, we have been committed to the highest standards of service since 1956. Our technicians undergo continuous training to keep their skills up to date with industry standards. We are a BBB accredited company with A+ ratings. We also offer a wide range of cooling, plumbing and electrical services. Call our team today to learn more.
