Do you keep hearing odd noises from your furnace? Or perhaps it’s not producing heat? These furnace problems can occur when you least expect them, causing panic and frustration.
A well-maintained furnace lasts for 16 to 20 years, but some models can operate for 30 years or longer. Since these appliances are subject to wear and tear, it’s essential to have them checked every year or so.
Clogged or dirty filters, blocked vents, and improper installation can all affect a furnace’s performance—and that’s why regular maintenance is a must. HVAC contractors can detect these problems before it’s too late and recommend the best course of action.
Interested to find out more? Here’s a quick guide to five of the most common furnace problems so you know what to expect.
1. Clogged or Dirty Filters
All furnaces have filters that need to be cleaned and replaced at regular intervals. Clogged or dirty filters can restrict air flow, causing your furnace to work harder. This may affect its performance and increase your energy bills.
Ideally, replace the filters every season and clean them every few weeks. Our reliable HVAC contractors can handle this job as part of regular maintenance.
2. Your Furnace Is Not Producing Heat
Your furnace may stop producing heat for several reasons. One possible cause is that the thermostat isn’t set to “Heat.” A tripped circuit breaker or fuse may be to blame, too.
In some cases, there’s no flame to ignite the fuel.
Your best bet is to reach out to a local company offering furnace repair services and have them inspect the unit.
3. Strange Noises
All furnaces produce noise when cycling on and off. However, it’s not normal to hear loud roaring sounds, squeaky sounds, or rattling sounds.
Squealing sounds, for instance, may indicate problems with the fan belt. If the ball bearings are worn out, you’ll most likely hear a grinding sound. A faulty blower, on the other hand, can cause your furnace to produce banging sounds.
You should not ignore these types of problems. Reach out to an HVAC contractor to fix the problem as soon as possible.
4. Frequent Cycling
Improper thermostat settings, poor airflow, or clogged filters can cause your heating system to kick on frequently. As a result, you’ll notice that your energy bills aren’t as low as they used to be.
Again, it’s hard to determine the exact cause on your own without any HVAC experience.
5. Malfunctioning Thermostat
Most homeowners will experience problems with the thermostat at some point. When this component isn’t working properly, it may cause your furnace to run for too long and produce too much heat.
These furnace problems are relatively easy to fix. Depending on their cause, you may need to repair or replace the thermostat.
Note that some of the issues described above may also be due to a faulty electrical system. Call an HVAC technician to check things out and find a solution that meets your needs.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Furnace Problems
The last thing you want is to have furnace problems on a cold winter day. Imagine sitting on the couch when you suddenly hear a banging noise or feel the temperature dropping.
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your heating and cooling solution.
Reach out to our HVAC contractors in Pittsburgh to make sure your furnace is working properly. We provide 24/7 emergency service, so feel free to give us a call anytime you need us, day or night.