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Schedule ServiceA furnace is supposed to help keep your home warm in cooler weather. However, any furnace owner should expect some problems to arise occasionally. Here are some common furnace problems you may experience along with some troubleshooting tips.
Furnace Will Not Turn on
Two things to check with a furnace not turning on are the thermostat and power source. Ensure the furnace thermostat is set to “Heat,” and change the preset temperature if needed. Check furnaces for tripped breakers and flip them back in place even for gas furnaces, because some parts may use electricity.
Try replacing the batteries in your thermostat and move the temperature 10 degrees higher. If the thermostat, power failure, and pilot light issues persist, it may need a professional inspection.
Unit Cycles on and Off
Short cycling occurs when your furnace doesn’t complete a full cycle and fails to reach the preset temperature. Short cycling not only prevents the room from getting warm, but it can raise your energy bills and damage the system.
The thermostat should be placed on an interior wall out of direct sunlight and away from windows. On a gas furnace, the flame sensor may be dirty, which automatically shuts it off to avoid fires.
No Heat or Little Heat
If a furnace turns on but doesn’t produce heat or enough heat, check the filters. Dirty filters block airflow, so replace or clean them according to your manual’s instructions. Ensure nothing is blocking the heat registers, such as furniture or debris.
When you have no power, the thermostat may be the culprit, so check the settings and adjust the temperature. The gas valve should be on and not perpendicular to the pipe when it’s off. Sometimes, a gas or propane furnace needs resetting, which is commonly done by pressing a button. If you don’t know where the button is, check your manual for the location and instructions to reset the thermostat.
Homeowners can usually troubleshoot simple issues, but others need professional repair. Artic Air of St. George, Utah, is here to help with all your HVAC needs, whether you need repairs, maintenance, or installation services.
