The cool weather transition from summer to fall can be a fun time, thinking about sweaters, soup, and cozy indoor activities. Do you know what you don’t often think about when contemplating movie nights and sweats? A furnace that doesn’t work. When the weather starts to get a little chilly and it’s time to turn your heater on, the last thing you want to deal with is a faulty, fickle, or temperamental furnace.
As it turns out, there are a few common furnace problems and common furnace repairs you should be aware of. Some of them you can handle yourself, a kind of furnace troubleshooting, while others you should turn to a professional for. In either case, it’s a good idea when the weather starts to get cold to have a maintenance checklist of some sort on hand as you get ready to fire up your furnace again. We’ll first take a look at the common problems and then address common repairs you or a professional can do to correct said problems.
Common Furnace Problems
It’s very easy to forget certain steps when starting up your furnace again after a long, warm summer. Below are some of the more common problems that occur at the start of furnace season.
- Thermostat Isn’t Set
- Dirty Filters
- Dirty Burners
- No Air Blowing
- Lacking Power
- Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
- Grinding or Scraping Noise
- Squeaking Noise
Common Furnace Repairs
Now let’s take a look at repair suggestions for the above-listed problems:
Thermostat Isn’t Set
You always want to double-check this one because sometimes you forgot that you didn’t turn it on or someone else switched it off. Make sure your thermostat is on and set to several degrees above the room temperature and that it’s in the proper setting.
Dirty Filters
It’s very important to regularly replace your furnace filters. They can gather a lot of dust and grime. If that’s left too long without being replaced, it can affect how well your furnace works.
Dirty Burners
Dirty burners can prevent sufficient release of the natural gas needed for combustion and subsequently heat. Healthy burners will have blue flames. Any other color in the mix could indicate a certain amount of dirt. Be sure to have your furnace cleaned often.
Pilot Light or Ignition Problems
Some older furnaces can have a pilot light. There could be several reasons why your furnace is having this issue. If it’s not lit up, you’ll need to contact maintenance professionals to come to have a look. If you have a new furnace it could be an issue with the hot surface igniter which may need to be cleaned or replaced by a professional.
Grinding or Scraping Noise
Grinding or scraping in a furnace could mean your ball bearings have worn out. If you hear noises like this, turn your unit off right away. Replacement repairs will have to be done by a professional.
Squeaking Noise
Squeaking noise could mean a slipped or severely worn blower belt. This is a trickier repair that you could choose to take care of yourself. However, it’s usually advisable to contact a repair specialist.
Other Questions to Consider Regarding Furnaces
How Do You Know If Your Furnace is Dying?
Noticeable signs that your furnace is on the way out include:
- Yellow Burner Flame
- Persistent Noises
- Dry, Dusty Odor
Increased heating bills even after you’ve had noises and other signs addressed is perhaps the biggest indicator that your furnace is on its last leg.
How Many Years Should a Furnace Last?
The typical lifespan of a furnace is roughly 15-20 years.
Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for a New Furnace?
Some homeowners insurance does cover major appliances like a furnace, while others don’t. It’s up to you to look into what your specific coverage will take care of and what it won’t.
Contact Absolute Air Today
Questions about your furnace? Want to schedule a maintenance check or repair? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Absolute Air right away.