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Is there anything worse than having a malfunctioning furnace during a cold season? I guess not! While furnace repair may seem like a daunting task, it is not. In most instances, these repairs work under the “find and get rid” method.
Below is a complete guide to the most common furnace repair problems and solutions to keep them running safely and effectively.
1. The Furnace Just Won’t Start
You’ve probably set the thermostat above the current room temperature and nothing is happening – don’t worry! Several things can prevent the system from starting:
- The furnace switch could be off and simply requires to be turned back on.
- The circuit breaker could also be off.
- The thermostat could be having a wiring problem.
- If the thermostat is battery powered, it could need fresh batteries.
First, as ridiculous as it sounds, you’ve got to make sure that the system is on. If the circuit breaker was off, turn it on and observe what happens.
In case the circuit trips again even after it is turned back on, your thermostat could be having a wiring issue. Replace the batteries on the thermostat to make sure that they have adequate power to signal your HVAC system. Most of these systems feature a signal to indicate a low battery.
The system at times requires a little dusting. All you need to do is go around the bimetal coil along with the contact plate. A soft paper will get the job done.
Similarly, if the thermostat is situated near a heat source, the system may fail to detect the actual temperature in the room. Make sure your thermostat is nowhere near a source of heat.
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2. The Furnace is Blowing Cold Air
If the system doesn’t produce heat, check out the following areas:
- Assess whether the gas is off
- The gas control valve may be faulty
- You could have a malfunctioning ignitor
If the gas control valve of the ignitor is faulty, consider replacing them. Otherwise, you can check out to see if the fuse has blown out or tripped. If neither of these works, contact an expert to carry out an assessment.
On other occasions, the furnace may be producing preliminary heat. Here, you can check out the ventilator to ascertain that it is in good shape.
Similarly, consider carrying out regular cleaning and maintenance on your filter to keep it clear and clean. In case your filter is clogged or has some bad smell, consider replacing it.
Alternatively, you can schedule to replace your filter after every three months to improve airflow and indoor air quality. Also, regular cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of the filter can lower the heating cost and extend the lifespan of your system.
3. Signs of a Bad Pilot
The following are signs of a bad pilot:
- Colored flames such as yellow, orange, or even purple
- The flickering, split, or wavering flame
- Flames shorter than 1 inch or higher than 2 inches
If your furnace has power and a clean air filter but still shows the signs outlined above, there may be a problem with the gas. Check out to make sure that the gas valve is fully opened and the pilot light is fully depressed.
Use the manufacturer’s manual to relight your pilot. Alternatively, you can adjust the height of your flame by tightening and loosening the screw at the pilot valve body.
Alternatively, you might be having a faulty thermocouple. This component shuts off the gas when you have a dangerous combustion situation.
On some occasions, you can fix the thermocouple by tightening the nut with a wrench. While this is a straightforward repair, you might want to involve a professional.
4. The Furnace Keeps Shutting Down
If the furnace shuts off immediately after the burner lights, several things might be the problem:
- The filter is dirty
- The flame sensor is faulty
- The Thermostat is failing
First, check out the flame sensor to find out whether it has corrosion. Sanding the sensor is an effective way to fix the problem. Alternatively, replacing it is a long-lasting solution.
If that doesn’t work, consider cleaning or even replacing the filter. If the two still don’t work, contact an expert to carry out an advanced diagnosis on your heating system.
5. The Blower Is Not Shutting Off
Several homeowners have complained that the blower motor won’t shut off. If you are one of them, consider checking out for the following issues:
- The switch of the fan on the thermostat may be set to “on” instead of “auto”. Switch it to “auto” and then observe what happens.
- The control board relays are at times stuck in a closed position. This can give the blower a consistent supply of electricity. In such a situation, you’ve got to replace the control board.
- The thermostat has components that regulate the power to the system. In case they are faulty, you should also consider replacing them.
6. Safety Switch on the Furnace Door Malfunction
When the system is not functioning, you can check out the safety switch that is situated on the system door. The safety switch prevents the burner and fan from coming on when the access panel is removed.
For the system to operate, the door ought to be in place. At times, this safety switch can become faulty. If you discover that you need a new safety switch, follow the following steps to carry out the replacement:
- Shut the system power off
- Prepare the blower door
- Wire the safety switch
- Check and test the installation
7. Obstruction and dirt around the system
While this seems like an obvious tip, homeowners can get busy and forget to pay attention to the area around their furnace. When the basement is cluttered, the area around your system is filled with debris. Dust and debris around the system are the major causes of clogged filters.
It is important to make sure that there are no flammable materials or substances placed near the heating system. Crowding the area near the system with flammable materials can potentially start an unexpected fire in your home.
Regardless of how convenient the product may be when stored there, save yourself the risk of forgetting it there. Consider vacuuming and cleaning the area regularly.
Take Away
The best way to prevent your furnace from malfunctioning in the first place is by scheduling a maintenance inspection every fall.
Contact here for a maintenance plan on https://proairtechllc.com/furnace-repair-marietta/ to have an experienced expert inspect and maintain your unit. Besides, carrying out a personal maintenance routine such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing items such as filters is worthwhile.
