Common Furnace Repair Issues
Furnaces are complex pieces of machinery. Since they have so many moving parts, they can get worn over time and break.
Furnaces in need of repairs can cause many problems:
- Reduced efficiency
- Increased energy bills
- Uncomfortable temperatures
- Unsafe environment
Your furnace uses the ductwork in your home to distribute heat. Dust and other debris can clog ducts, reducing the amount of heat that can pass through your vents.
Air filters can get clogged with dust and other debris as well. This can cause your furnace to work extra hard and may lead to damage if not fixed. Furnaces utilize a starting mechanism to begin the heating cycle. Gas and oil furnaces use a pilot light, and electric furnaces use an electrical ignition. If this fails, then your furnace can’t turn on.
Your furnace will make various sounds that let you know something is wrong. If you hear a scraping noise, it means worn ball bearings in the blower. A high-pitched squeal indicates a problem with the blower belt. Clunking or thumping could mean loose parts or a variety of other issues.
The blower capacitor is what gets the motor running. A damaged capacitor will cause your furnace to pull power straight from your circuit breaker, which can cause it to trip or short circuit.
The heat exchanger is what heats the air. When it develops cracks or other issues, it won’t heat the air sufficiently, and you will notice cooler air coming out of your vents.
A limit switch tells the blower fans when to turn on and off. To prevent fires and other damage, it also shuts your furnace off if it gets overheated. When the limit switch is malfunctioning, it can cause your furnace to stay on all the time, which can lead to dangerous problems.
If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it can confuse your furnace, cause it to turn on when it isn’t needed or not turn on when it is.
If you have a gas or oil furnace and you smell rotten eggs, turn your gas off and call us immediately. This indicates a potentially hazardous gas leak that requires immediate attention.
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