Common Furnace Problems And How To Fix Them

It is common to run into problems with your furnace throughout the years. Some repairs may be simple, and others may require a professional. Some of the most common furnace problems include: 

• Dirty Ductwork
• Old Filters 
• Faulty Starting Mechanism 
• Broken Blower Components
• Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

Let’s take a closer work at these individual problems: 

Dirty Ductwork 

This repair is simple and something that everyone needs to know about. Dust and debris can enter the heating ducts, limiting the hot air you receive. If you notice a lack of heat in your home, your ductwork could require cleaning. 

The airflow can be checked by placing your hands in front of the vent to feel the amount of air coming out. If there is less than the usual amount of air, cleaning the duct could be your solution. It is an excellent idea to do regular furnace maintenance; this way, you can prolong the life of your furnace. 

Old Filters

There is a filter in your furnace; this keeps the air and ductwork clean. The filter blocks dirt, pollutants, and allergens from entering. 

Most homeowners are familiar with furnace filters; however, they may need to realize how often they need to be replaced. The filter in your furnace should be replaced every month or two; the filter’s packaging can give you a specific timeline. 

If your furnace isn’t heating the air as well as expected or seems to be working harder than it should be, it may be time to change the filter. The filter gets filled up, making the air more challenging to get through. 

Faulty Starting Mechanism 

Your furnace, like all others, has a mechanism that jumpstarts the heating cycle. Depending on the furnace, there are different types of mechanisms. Older furnaces usually have a pilot light; newer furnaces use electrical ignitions instead. 

Regardless of whether your furnace is old or new, the ignition light can fail and may need to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, your furnace can stop turning on when the ignition light has a problem.

Broken Blower Component 

Your furnace has a blower component, which blows warm air into the ducts and your house. A part of that mechanism that can fail is called the ball bearings. 

Ball bearings experience wear and tear over time. Usually, the problem is signaled by a scratching sound coming from your furnace. If you continue running the furnace without fixing the issue, you can cause further damage to the ball bearings. 

Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger 

The furnace heat exchanger is a coil of heated tubes. The furnace pushes air through these tubes to warm the air before providing it to your home. This is where the heat comes from in your furnace. 

It is crucial to maintain regular furnace maintenance as these tubes handle a lot. Keeping them in shape is important, so they don’t crack or malfunction. The heat exchanger may be the problem if you’re getting air from your vents, but it’s not warm. 

Overall, regular maintenance is essential. The life of your furnace can be prolonged just by taking care of it. The issues with your furnace can either be an easy fix or may require a technician. Living Water Mechanical provides furnace maintenance and repair services; visit our website today to learn more.