Luckily, many minor issues can be resolved by homeowners without the need for expert knowledge or expensive equipment. You may be able to repair some of these issues yourself if you know a little bit about furnaces.
Knowing your furnace’s basic information will also help you figure out the best solution. Here are some common furnace problems and how to troubleshoot them.
Problems that can occur with a furnace
The temperature control unit in your furnace controls the heating and cooling process. If this system is not working properly, it will shut down and halt the cycle.
The following are common problems that can occur with a furnace: a lack of airflow, a malfunctioning in-built safety switch, and dirty ignitors. Often, these components are easily fixed by replacing them.
Occasionally, you may need to replace the hot surface ignitor element. It typically lasts for three to five years, but could be worn out sooner if you have mishandled the unit or the system is short-cycling. You can replace these parts yourself, or hire a qualified HVAC technician to help you out.
A dirty air filter can obstruct airflow. Not only does this result in an overheated system, but it also causes cold air to enter your home. To prevent this problem, replace your air filter every three months, or as soon as it begins to look dirty.
Low fuel reserves are another potential issue. If you’re concerned that the furnace’s fuel reserves are low, you can call the gas company to arrange for a replacement or repair.
Incorrect thermostat programming can lead to a malfunctioning fan limit control switch. The fan limit control switch monitors the temperature in the furnace and shuts off certain components based on the set temperatures.
If the blower is always on, it’s possible the fan limit control switch is faulty. You can reset the switch, or replace it if it is damaged. If you don’t hear a noise from your furnace, you should contact an HVAC technician for furnace repair in Brasstown to check out the problem. They can give you a more detailed analysis of the issue.
Checking for an error code
If you’re not sure how to begin troubleshooting your furnace, it’s best to know what to look for. Error codes are built-in safety features in heating elements, and they’re a great way to find problems faster. Error codes vary between brands, but they all indicate the same issue. To find the correct error code, check the heating element’s LED lights, and then refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide or manual.
If you notice that the red LED is on, the blower wheel is defective or loose. To fix this, close the switch for 3 minutes and check for any obstructions.
Ensure the flame roll-out switch and the limit switch are not malfunctioning. If they are, try manually resetting them. Then, if they do work, the heating element will start again. After this, you may need to reset the control for your heating element.
Another common problem is that your heating element doesn’t provide heat when your thermostat orders it. This means that your heating element’s blower motor has failed and it’s not able to supply heat. The problem is usually the blower motor or flame sensor.
If the blower motor isn’t working, this means your heating system has failed and needs to be repaired. It’s a good idea to call a repair service if you notice the light blinking repeatedly.
Another issue you might encounter is the limit switch lockout. This occurs when your heating element tries to ignite three times in a row. Then it’s time to change the heating element’s air filter. Replacing the filter is a simple solution and can save you a lot of money on heating element repair. Checking for an error code is an essential step for troubleshooting your heating element.
Checking for a clogged air filter
It may sound like a simple task, but a dirty air filter will affect your HVAC system and home’s air quality. Click here for more information about how poor air quality can affect your health.
Clogged filters not only reduce the efficiency of the heating element and reduce your home’s air quality, they also can damage the compressor and heat exchanger. To prevent further damage to your HVAC system and to your wallet, you should change your air filter regularly.
If your heating element is constantly on and off, it is possible that it is plugged with debris. Checking the filter is a quick and easy solution to these problems, but don’t neglect the other issues, too. A clogged filter could be the cause of a malfunctioning thermostat or blower motor. If the blower is constantly on, it may be a sign of a more serious problem, like a bad thermocouple or worn-out belts.
To check your filter, simply hold it up to any available light, but make sure your hands are dry. If your filter is plugged up, you may want to turn your heating element off.
If your air filter is plugged, it’s possible that the gas supply is off. If you have a pilot light, check it with a wire to make sure it’s not blocked. If the flame is yellow, it’s likely the pilot is clogged. If your furnace still works, contact your gas company immediately. Ensure the gas supply is on before troubleshooting any other issue.
Checking for a tripped circuit breaker
A tripped circuit breaker on your furnace can be caused by a number of problems. Among these is a blocked airflow in the system, which causes the blower to run too hard and cause a tripped circuit breaker.
To determine if a tripped circuit breaker is to blame, contact a heating contractor who can inspect the ducts, design, and installation. Additionally, a tripped circuit breaker can be caused by a short circuit, which occurs when a bare hot wire comes in contact with a neutral wire, or when a bare hot wire contacts a grounded part of the furnace.