Winter is the time for home heating, and boy do we get a lot of questions about furnaces! Furnaces are designed to be long-lasting and reliable without issues…most of the time! But almost everything requires a couple repairs here and there. Among all the service calls we get as HVAC experts, there are many overlapping issues. Here are 5 common furnace problems in the winter.
Dirty Filter and Ductwork
First and foremost, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure you have a clean filter and clean ductwork. Doing so not only ensures you have clean air going through your home, but it also allows proper function of your furnace. A dirty filter and/or dirty ductwork restricts airflow and limits the amount of heat you get into your home. So if you think you’re not getting as much heat as you normally do, this could be the cause.
Thermostat Troubles
If you’re have a problem getting your furnace going, look to the thermostat. The thermostat is what tells the furnace to start up, so if you’re not getting anything, it could be your thermostat. The electrical connection could need adjusted or tightened, or you could just need a new battery.
Unlit Pilot Light
A failed pilot light is very common in the winter. The pilot light provides the small flame that ignites the gas to your furnace. If there’s no flame, there’s no heat. It is essential to ensure that it is lighting safely, or even at all. Check out our blog, 5 Reasons Why Your Pilot Won’t Light for more info.
Cold Air
If you’re experience air from your registers that isn’t so warm, there could be a variety of reasons why. First, check your thermostat to make sure the fan isn’t on, or the set temperature wasn’t lowered by someone else. If all is good on that end, then the furnace is at fault. It could be a burner, flame sensor or gas valve that needs cleaned. All three of these are cleaned during preventative maintenance, so a good furnace tune-up could solve this problem right away.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Odors coming from your furnace are cause for concern. A gas or metal smell needs to be taken care of immediately. Turn off your furnace and open up windows for fresh air. Call for a furnace repair immediately. Something this serious is means for a professional HVAC technician to investigate. It would also be smart to invest in a carbon monoxide detector to prevent serious harm from happening.
Neglected Maintenance
Regular maintenance on your furnace, heat pump, or boiler is crucial to ensure proper function of your furnace. If you neglect preventative maintenance, you could be missing out on the reassurance that your furnace is working as it should. It is a good way to prevention of dangerous gas leaks, high energy bills, and costly repairs in the future. Call a reliable heating and air conditioning company like Poormans to get signed up for bi-annual maintenance.