What Are the Most Common Furnace Problems?

When your furnace suddenly stops working, your first instinct might be to panic. Don’t worry, most likely this one furnace issue does not mean that your furnace needs to be replaced. Furnaces are like your car in that they need regular maintenance to run well and, like your car, the older your furnace gets, the more likely it is to have problems. If your furnace is younger than 20 years old, then you’re probably just experiencing a common furnace problem that can easily be fixed.

Edelman Inc. is always looking out for our Champaign, IL customers, and we’re happy to teach you a thing or two about your furnace. We hope you’re able to solve your furnace problems after reading this. 

Common Furnace Problems and How To Fix Them

When it comes to fixing your furnace, only do what you feel comfortable doing. Furnaces rely on electricity and natural gas to produce heat, which can make some people nervous. However, some of these solutions to these common furnace problems are simple and don’t involve touching gas or electricity. If you don’t feel comfortable messing with your furnace, call Edelman Inc. for help right away. 

Malfunctioning Thermostat

If you’re experiencing no heat in your home, the first thing you should check is your thermostat. While you might think that you have a malfunctioning furnace, it could be the thermostat that is at fault.

Check the temperature settings and make sure that it’s set to “warm” and not “cold.” It may seem silly, but many people overlook the thermostat when they have no heated air. A malfunctioning thermostat could also be the reason why you have no heat. Many home thermostats rely on batteries for power. Check to see if your thermostat needs batteries and replace them to see if that kicks the heat on again. 

Blower Runs Constantly

If it sounds like your electric or gas furnace is just running constantly, check your thermostat to see if the “fan” setting is on. This setting causes the fan in the furnace to blow continuously. Change the fan setting to “auto” and see if that helps. A constantly running blower could also be a sign there is an issue with the fan limit control switch. Try restarting the thermostat at the breaker to see if that helps. 

Furnace Frequently Cycles On and Off

If you hear your furnace turn on, run for a second, shut off, and then repeat this process, you’re experiencing what furnace experts call “short cycling.” This is a very common furnace problem and it could be caused by a couple of things. Blocked airflow is a common cause of short cycling.

Your furnace’s air filter needs to be replaced every 90 days to keep it from getting clogged. Replacing a clogged filter regularly will help maintain airflow to the furnace. You can buy most furnace filters at any hardware store. However, if you’ve replaced your clogged air filter and the furnace is still short cycling, call Edelman Inc for help. There are most likely issues going on inside the furnace that should be addressed by a professional technician. 

Pilot Light is Out

Most furnaces run on gas which heats the air in your home. Look under your furnace to see if you can find the tiny flame that heats the air in your furnace. That flame is your pilot light. If the pilot light is not lit, consult your owner’s manual. Most manuals have simple directions you can follow to relight it. 

Furnace is Noisy

A noisy furnace is trying to tell you that something is wrong. Try replacing the air filter to see if that helps. If it doesn’t then it’s time to call for help. Turn off your furnace at the breaker and then call a professional HVAC technician for help. There could be internal issues that are best addressed by an experienced furnace repair professional. 

Call Edelman Inc. To Help Solve Your Furnace Problems

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter. If you’re experiencing one of these common furnace problems and none of our solutions have helped, call Edelman Inc. for help. We offer a 24-Hour emergency service for members only and until 10:00 PM for non-members for all of your heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical issues. Whether you have an electric or conventional gas furnace, we can help. Call us today.