5 Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them

Your furnace is the foundation of wintertime comfort that should work tirelessly behind the scenes without trouble. Yet it’s easy to forget about your heater altogether when it’s working at its best–until it’s not. When your furnace starts to show signs of wear and tear and needs repair, you need to take immediate action to stay warm. 

The team at Absolute Air is always here for all your heating services in Morgantown, WV, and heating services in Pittsburgh, PA, ranging from repairs, new installations, and upgrades. Fortunately, not all furnace problems mean a costly fix and may come with a simple solution. Here are five furnace problems you might encounter and the steps you can take to fix them.

1. Furnace Won’t Turn On

When the temperatures are rapidly dropping, there’s nothing more frustrating than a furnace that refuses to start. A thermostat in the wrong mode, such as cooling instead of heat, is the most common issue. Double-check the settings; swap out the batteries; and try resetting your thermostat. Ask us about an upgrade that incorporates smart technology to simplify heating your home.

If your thermostat isn’t the problem, you could have a tripped circuit breaker. Double-checking that everything is set properly could resolve the issue quickly. 

2. Insufficient Heat

When your furnace isn’t working the way it should and your home feels cold, you could have clogged air filters that restrict airflow and reduce your furnace’s efficiency. Looking over your air filter to see if it’s clean and replacing it is a straightforward process. As a rule of thumb, the team at Absolute Air recommends replacing your filter every one to three months. 

Beyond your air filter, you could also have an issue with leaking ductwork. When warm air escapes through the leaks in the duct system, it prevents heat from efficiently reaching your rooms. Look at your ducts and use metal tape for small holes; otherwise, you’ll need a professional for a more thorough inspection.

It’s also possible you pushed a bookcase or piece of furniture in front of a vent and blocked the airflow. Move away curtains, furniture, and other obstructions and wipe dust off of your vents to see if it resolves your furnace problems.

3. Short Cycling

Is your furnace intermittently turning on and off with an increase in energy bills? Your furnace is “short cycling,” meaning it cannot stay on long enough to efficiently complete its heating cycle. Some of the most common causes include:

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are often the cause of furnace problems, including short cycling. Try changing your filter and set a schedule to change it every one to three months.

Overheating

Blocked vents can quickly cause the furnace to overheat, triggering safety shutoffs. Take the time to move away curtains and furniture and wipe off dust and debris from your vents.

Thermostat Location

If the thermostat is too close to a heat source, it may create confusion and send a signal for the furnace to shut off prematurely. Try relocating it, or ask Absolute Air about upgrading to a smart thermostat to enjoy even more furnace efficiency.

4. Unusual Noises

Rattling, banging, or squealing noises coming from your furnace are never a good sign. These are all issues that could indicate:

• Loose Components: Over time, vibrations can loosen screws or parts. Turn off the furnace, inspect your system for any loose screws or panels, and tighten anything within your safe reach.
• Blower Motor Issues: Squealing or banging sounds may indicate a worn-out belt or bearings in the blower motor. If you can safely do so, lubricate the motor bearings or replace the belt if needed. Otherwise, you need help from the heating experts at Absolute Air.

5. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems

If your furnace isn’t producing the heat you need to keep your home warm, you could have an issue with the pilot light or ignition system.

The Pilot Light Went Out

If you have an older furnace, a draft or dirty pilot can extinguish the flame. Try relighting the pilot light by following the manufacturer’s instructions and cleaning around the area. If you are unable to relight the pilot light, you may have a gas supply issue, which can be dangerous and require professional intervention.

You Have a Faulty Igniter

Newer furnaces are outfitted with electronic igniters. Over time, they can begin to fail, work sporadically, and no longer glow or click on. You may need an ignitor replacement and leave it to the professionals for HVAC service in Morgantown, WV, and HVAC services in Pittsburgh, PA to ensure everything is fixed safely. 

Call Absolute Air for All of Your Furnace Service Needs

While some furnace problems have simple fixes, others need attention from a trained technician. Give the team at Absolute Air a call to troubleshoot your furnace and get your system back on track. Our goal is to get your house warm and toasty again, as safely as possible.  Don’t wait for a minor problem to turn into a major headache—schedule a furnace inspection or repair with Absolute Air today!