If you own a home, then you need to keep tabs on your furnace. After all, you want to ensure that it is safe and reliable when the weather gets colder. But you also need to be prepared for the inevitable furnace issues.
Read on to learn about 5 furnace problems you may encounter!
- Poor Heating Is a Common Problem
One of the most noticeable furnace issues is when it’s not generating enough heat. Your furnace might not be turning on when the thermostat indicates that it should.
Poor heating can be due to dirty air filters that cause it to overheat. It also can be a simpler problem, such as a thermostat that is set too low. Regular furnace maintenance can help avoid these issues.
- Strange Noises Could Indicate Furnace Issues
Are you hearing clunking or scraping noises coming from your furnace? These noises can indicate anything from a blower belt that’s about to go or worn ball bearings. You should turn off the broken furnace and call a technician.
A higher-pitched squealing noise suggests an issue with the blower belt. When it comes to repairing a furnace, this is one fix that you can do yourself if you’re handy.
- Dirty Filters Cause Efficiency Problems
Make it a habit to replace your furnace filters every 90 days. Set a reminder so you know to do this midway through the winter months. If you don’t, you’ll end up with dirty filters.
Clogged filters translate to an inefficient furnace that doesn’t generate as much heat. This means you’ll pay more for your heating bill.
- Furnace Problems Include Water Leaks
Do you see water on the floor by your furnace? A cracked heat exchanger may be to blame. And this problem may be due to clogged filters.
With a cracked heat exchanger, you’ll notice a foul smell, too. Since this furnace issue can indicate that carbon monoxide is leaking, turn off the furnace and call a technician.
- Watch for a Problematic Pilot Light
The pilot light is a critical part of a properly functioning furnace. If it’s flickering, yellow, or weak, you may have one of several furnace issues. For instance, your gas valves might be broken. Or you could be dealing with issues with the thermocouple.
A weak pilot light also could suggest too much carbon monoxide in your furnace. Since gas may be built up, do not attempt to fix this issue yourself!
Replacing a furnace with a newer one could solve pilot light issues, especially if your furnace is over two decades old. As a bonus, you’ll make selling your home easier with a newer and more reliable furnace.
Look into Repairing a Furnace
Furnace problems can result from an aging furnace, broken parts, or poor maintenance. Make a point of getting your furnace serviced every year before you start using it. And pay attention to any noises or other inefficiencies that you need a technician to address.
For more tips to keep your home running smoothly, check back for fresh and informative articles.
