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COMMON PROBLEMS OF FURNACES AND HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT/AVOID THEM

old home furnace

There are many upsides to homeownership, such as privacy and renovating to get closer to your dream home. Unfortunately, there are also a number of common problems that many homeowners face. One of the more pressing problems is issues with your HVAC. When your HVAC develops problems, it often happens during a season when you can least afford for your furnace or AC unit to go down. The misery of furnaces failing is often worse than AC failure because it can trigger so many other problems. If you're wondering what you can do, keep reading for some common furnace problems and how to troubleshoot or avoid them.

Not Producing Heat When your furnace isn't producing heat, it's easy for anyone to jump to the conclusion that the furnace unit itself has failed. Before you go there, make the thermostat your first furnace troubleshooting spot. A lot of things can make your thermostat fail, including dust, faulty connections, and even an expended battery. You can do something about dust and a low battery. If the problem is with the wiring, though, you'll probably need help from an HVAC pro. You should also check that the pilot light is on or that the electronic ignition system is working properly. If you use natural gas or propane, make sure the valve is open. If there is a problem with the lines, you'll need an HVAC service or a plumber. You can run a quick online search for plumbers near me to find local service providers. Check your breakers. If the furnace tripped the breaker, it won't turn on. If it keeps tripping the breaker, consult an expert. Not Producing Enough Heat Another common problem is that the furnace works, but you don't get enough heat. In these cases, the simplest answer to the question of how to fix a furnace is usually the air filter. Most air filters have a maximum working life. Fibreglass filters are probably the most common type. You get a couple of months before you should replace those. With proper airflow restored, you should get better heat distribution. Excessive Noise Every furnace will make a little noise while it operates. If your furnace start producing a lot of noise, though, that's often a sign of a more serious issue. Some possibilities include:

  • Worn components

  • Clogged burners

  • Malfunctioning blowers

  • Loose ducts

The sheer range of potential problems typically means that you'll need HVAC tech to track down the problem. Dealing with Furnaces Problems Furnaces are like most other appliances. They will develop problems after a certain amount of use. The more often and more intensely you use it, the faster those problems will develop. Before you assume the worst, though, take some basic troubleshooting steps. Check your thermostats for issues. Make sure the breaker for the furnace is still in the on position. Look at your air filter and replace it if necessary. Service Plus Plumbing and Heating provide residential and commercial HVAC services. To schedule a service call, contact Service Plus today.

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