Common Furnace Problems and How to Solve Them

If you’re like most people, you probably take your furnace for granted until it stops working. And, unfortunately, when your furnace does break down, it can be difficult to know what the problem is. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common furnace problems and how our team at Express Tech Air can help you tackle all of your heating needs!

The Most Common Furnace Problems

Rattling or Pinging Noises are Common Furnace Problems

First on our list of common furnace problems is hearing rattling or pinging noises coming from your furnace. These could be caused by loose screws, metal parts that are touching each other, or an unbalanced blower fan. If you hear these kinds of noises, it’s important to call a professional like Express Tech Air right away to take a look and fix the problem before it gets worse.

Your Thermostat Isn't Working

common furnace problems

One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioining thermostat. If your furnace isn’t turning on or off when you adjust the temperature, there’s a good chance that your thermostat is the issue. In some cases, you may be able to fix the problem by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat. Another sure sign that your thermostat isn’t working properly is if your fan is constantly running. When this happens it will cause your thermostat’s battery to run and make your furnace run inefficiently.

Worn Out Ball Bearings

Your furnace’s ball bearings help the motor work properly. However, over time, the ball bearings can wear out, and require replacement. This is one of the most common furnace problems out there. So if you hear a scraping sound coming from your furnace, turn it off immediately and bring in a repair expert like Express Tech Air to take a look.

Dirty and Clogged Filters are Common Furnace Problems

Your furnace has a filter that helps to keep the air in your home clean. However, over time, this filter can become dirty and clogged. If you don’t replace or clean your filter on a regular basis, it will cause your furnace to work harder than it needs to and can lead to bigger problems down the road.

Furnace Isn't Blowing Air

If you notice that your furnace isn’t blowing any air, there are a few possible issues. First, check to see if the fan is turned on. If it is, then the problem may be with your furnace’s blower motor. This is a common issue and one that our team at Express Tech Air can easily fix. Another possibility is that your furnace’s ductwork is blocked. This can happen if your ducts are old or damaged. If this is the case, you’ll need to have them replaced.

Flickering, Weak or Discolored Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, then you have a pilot light that ignites the burners. This pilot light can sometimes flicker or go out entirely. If you notice this it could mean that there is a problem with your furnace’s gas supply. If you have a propane or oil furnace, then you may notice that your pilot light is weak or discolored. This can be an indication of a problem with your fuel supply. In either case, it’s important to call a professional like Express Tech Air to take a look and fix the problem.

Limit Switch Malfunction

The limit switch is a safety device that tells your furnace when to turn on and off. If this switch malfunctions, it can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down. If your limit switch isn’t operating as intended, you’ll probably notice that your furnace blows more often than it should. To fix this, unfortunately, you’ll need to consult a professional technician.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is one of the most important parts of your furnace. Its job is to transfer heat from the burning gas to the air that’s being blown into your home. If this part cracks, it can leak carbon monoxide into your home. This is a very serious problem and one that you should call a professional to fix right away.

common furnace problems

Frequent Cycling and Over Cycling are Common Furnace Problems

Next on our list of common furnace problems are over cycling and frequent cycling. If your furnace is cycling on and off more often than it should, it’s probably due to a problem with the thermostat. As we mentioned before, sometimes simply replacing the batteries can fix this issue. If that doesn’t work, then you’ll need to consult a professional technician to take a look at your thermostat and furnace.

Inefficient Operation

If your furnace is running but not heating your home as it should, then it’s likely due to inefficiency. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including a dirty or clogged filter, closed vents, or leaks in the ductwork. To fix this problem, you’ll need to consult a professional technician who can diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.

Malfunctioning or Frayed Blower Belt Dirty Blower Wheel

The blower belt is responsible for turning the blower wheel. This wheel helps to circulate the air in your home. If the belt is frayed or broken, it won’t be able to turn the wheel and your furnace won’t be able to circulate air. To fix this problem, you’ll need to replace the belt. We recommend calling a professional to do this for you.

A dirty blower wheel can also cause your furnace to run less efficiently. Over time, the dirt and debris that build up on the wheel can make it harder for the furnace to circulate air. To clean your blower wheel, you’ll need to turn off your furnace and remove the access panel. Once you’ve done that, you can use a brush or vacuum to clean the wheel.

Let ETA Help Solve Your Common Furnace Problems

If you’re having any common furnace problems, our team at Express Tech Air can help. We have the experience and knowledge to quickly diagnose and solve any issues you may be having. So don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We’ll be happy to help you keep your home warm and comfortable all fall and winter long.

request service
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.